“I’m not showing you anything until I know what you’re paying.”

“Look,” Donatti said. “You’re a businessman, I’m a businessman. Everything starts by negotiation. You’re not willing to do that, go find your money elsewhere. I’m not even interested in what I’m purchasing. I’m doing a favor for a friend.”

“A very close friend,” the voice said. When Donatti didn’t answer, he said, “You can tell your friend that it’s going to cost dearly. And if someone doesn’t buy it, I’ll have no choice but to destroy unclaimed property.”

“If you’re not going to negotiate, do whatever you want,” Donatti said. “And take out the old man while you’re at it. You’d be doing us both a big favor.” A pause. “You know, I deal with these kinds of situations all the time: people who don’t know how to stop and end up owing a lot of money to the wrong type of men. This is my bread and butter. If you’re going to demand full price, I’m out. Like I said, I’m just doing a favor.”

There was no response.

Donatti said, “I’m counting to three, then I’m hanging up. One …”

“What will you pay?” the voice said.

“We’re not even close to that. I need to see the goods.”

“I don’t have the goods with me right now.”

“Then call me back when you do.”

“I need a guarantee before I show you anything.” A pause. “Something that shows me you are acting in good faith.”

“Okay.” Donatti exhaled. “I can deal with that. Give me the account numbers and something will be there tomorrow.”

“How much?”

“Why don’t you wait and see?”

“Do you know how much he owes?”

“Yep. It’s still not going to happen. I’m not saying this is the end point. But that’s all you’re getting at this stage. I give you earnest money, you show me the goods, and we go from there. Yes or no?”

“How much?” he asked again.

“I haven’t decided. Whatever it is, it’s found money. But I do expect negotiations once you take anything from me. Otherwise, I’ll be pissed. You don’t want to get me pissed.”

The voice paused. “How do I know you aren’t working with the police?”

Donatti laughed. “Do you know a fucking thing about me?”

No answer.

“I know you’ve looked me up. Account numbers? Yes or no?”

“I have to think about it.”

“Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”

Donatti hung up. He exhaled again and shook his head. She was positively the most expensive whore he had ever owned.

CHAPTER 6

WHEN WILL YOU be back?” McAdams was talking over the station house phone.