KILLER ON THE LOOSE

Chapter 9 – Nick Bracco

Gary Ponzo

“Do you know who he’s talking about?” Matt asked.

Nick nodded.  “Emily Stone is searching for a couple of California girls.  I think she’s out in the Midwest somewhere.”

“So how does he know where they are?”

“The better question is—What does he want for the information?”

“Good point.”

They were standing next to the scrubbed bus and trying to figure out their next move when Nick’s phone buzzed.  He looked at the display and put the phone to his ear.  “What’s up Walt?”

“I have someone on the line who wants to speak with you.”

“Let me guess.  Karl Saxon?”

“You should be an investigator.  I’ll patch him through.”

The next voice Nick heard was rich with sarcasm.  “You ever wonder why I’m taking you on a wild goose chase?’

“The thought occurred to me.”

“Because I’m offering you the deal of a lifetime. The chance to save a couple of lives.”

“And what would you like in return?”

“Release Jackson Eckles from prison. He’s at the state prison in Florence, Arizona.”

“Who the heck is  Jackson Eckles?”

“Exacty.  He’s a nobody who happens to be a good friend. An easy exchange. Should take you all of ten seconds to approve.”

“I need find out his details first.”

“Do it.  I’ll call back in ten minutes.”

The cell call terminated. “He wants a prisoner released in exchange for the location of the missing teenagers,” Nick told his partner.

Matt was checking something on his phone.  “Emily Stone is in Mason City, Iowa.”

Nick returned the cell to his ear and said, “I’ll get with Emily.  You check the status of a prisoner named  Jackson Eckles, in Florence, Arizona.”

“Jackson Eckles?”

“You know him?”

“No,” Matt said.  “But I will.”

***

In case you missed it, here’s the rundown:

Chapter 1 — Nick Bracco

Chapter 2 – Emily Stone

Chapter 3 – Nick Bracco

Chapter 4 – Emily Stone

Chapter 5 — Nick Bracco

Chapter 6 — Emily Stone

Chapter 7 — Nick Bracco

Chapter 8 — Emily Stone

***

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