Now You See Me Read Online Free Page B

minutes, or you’re going to be writing obits for the next month.”

Chapter Three
     
    David Downing, the efficient, hardworking deputy warden of Marsden Correctional Institution, looked flustered. That was Brad’s first clue something was wrong. In the three years he’d known him, David had never looked anything but in control.
    Brad’s guard went up, and when David’s usual morning greeting was replaced by “We’ve got a problem”, he laid odds the news wasn’t going to be good.
    Not the first words Brad wanted to hear before he had even one cup of coffee but David’s face told him to pay attention. “What is it?” He passed through security with a nod to the guard on duty.
    “That reporter, Kate Elliott, called. She said John Ramsey sent her flowers this morning.”
    The information kicked Brad’s memory into overdrive. Ramsey had a thing for roses, always liked to send them to his victims a few days before the abduction. Somehow he managed to swallow past the lump in his throat. “Did she leave a number?”
    “She did, but you know the last time—”
    “I’m aware of what happened the last time John Ramsey sent a woman flowers, David, but if he sent this batch, we’ve got bigger problems than the past. I’m assuming you’re already on this.” Brad led the way down the tiled hallway toward his office, his heart as fast as his feet.
    “I am. Ms. Elliott didn’t remember the name of the florist but she said she’d call back when she got home and looked at the card again.”
    Brad loosened the knot in his tie, figured he’d ditch it before the morning ended. “This can’t wait until she gets home. If Ramsey’s got someone on the outside…” He stopped, shook his head to clear his thoughts. “I’m getting ahead of myself. Toss his cell. Let’s see what he’s hiding.”
    David flipped through a battered notebook, his index finger scanning each line along with his gaze. “Other than his attorney and Miss Elliott yesterday, he hasn’t had a visitor in over a year, since his mother died. And he hasn’t made any friends in here either. If he’s found an ally, I’d hate to think what Ramsey promised him.”
    Silently Brad agreed. A deal with Ramsey might as well be a deal with the Grim Reaper. He stopped outside his office, key in hand. “Get me the records for all outgoing calls in the—” He broke off, his head swiveling. The door stood slightly ajar. “Have you been in here?”
    David’s face colored and he took sudden interest in the tops of his shoes. “That was what I was going to tell you before we got off track. When she couldn’t reach you by phone, Miss Elliott decided to meet with you in person.”
    Brad swung his gaze toward the opening and caught a glimpse of high heels and long legs. His senses came to attention. Damn. He didn’t bother correcting David for allowing the reporter to enter without his permission. No doubt the woman steamrolled right over top of his deputy warden.
    “Ask my assistant to bring in two cups of coffee, please. And David,” Brad called out before the man could disappear, “if this conversation isn’t over in fifteen minutes, send in backup.”
    The deputy warden grinned. “I’ll send S.W.A.T. unless I see a white flag hanging out the door.” He took two steps away, paused and added, “Before I forget, I won’t be there tonight. The wife’s got me on a short leash, wants the garage cleaned out and all that.”
    Brad waved one hand, his attention already focused on the woman behind his door. “Your team’s used to losing anyway. I’m sure they can do it even better without you.”
    David clasped a hand to his heart and groaned. “You’re killing me. But you and I both know who has the better jump shot.”
    Letting him get the last word, Brad widened the gap in the doorway and walked into his office. “Miss Elliott, sorry to keep you waiting.” He couldn’t be faulted for the slight edge of sarcasm in his voice. Very few people