{"product_id":"a-dangerous-man-isbn-9780525535690","title":"A Dangerous Man","description":"\u003cb\u003eA brilliant new crime novel from the beloved, bestselling, and award-winning master of the genre--and Joe Pike's most perilous case to date.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJoe Pike didn't expect to rescue a woman that day. He went to the bank same as anyone goes to the bank, and returned to his Jeep. So when Isabel Roland, the lonely young teller who helped him, steps out of the bank on her way to lunch, Joe is on hand when two men abduct her. Joe chases them down, and the two men are arrested. But instead of putting the drama to rest, the arrests are only the beginning of the trouble for Joe and Izzy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter posting bail, the two abductors are murdered and Izzy disappears. Pike calls on his friend, Elvis Cole, to help learn the truth. What Elvis uncovers is a twisted family story that involves corporate whistleblowing, huge amounts of cash, the Witness Relocation Program, and a long line of lies. But what of all that did Izzy know? Is she a perpetrator or a victim? And how far will Joe go to find out?“Crais is a whip-smart writer. Cole and Pike are carefully drawn, multilayered characters who’ve grown more complex through the years. This is one of the very best entries in a long-running and still first-rate series.”--\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist (\u003c\/i\u003estarred review)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Outstanding. . . Crais begins the story with deceptive simplicity but slowly ratchets up both the tension and the action with surgical precision. . . . The particular kind of danger [Joe Pike] carries is just plain off the charts. This one’s sure to hit the bestseller charts.”--\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e (starred review)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eRobert Crais\u003c\/b\u003e is the #1 \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author of twenty novels, sixteen of them featuring private investigator Elvis Cole and his laconic ex-cop partner, Joe Pike. Before writing his first novel, Crais spent several years writing scripts for such major television series as \u003ci\u003eHill Street Blues\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eCagney \u0026amp; Lacey\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eMiami Vice\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eQuincy\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eBaretta\u003c\/i\u003e, and\u003ci\u003e L.A. Law\u003c\/i\u003e. He received an Emmy nomination for his work on \u003ci\u003eHill Street Blues\u003c\/i\u003e, and one of his standalone novels, \u003ci\u003eHostage\u003c\/i\u003e, was made into a movie starring Bruce Willis. His novels have been translated into forty-two languages and are bestsellers around the world. A native of Louisiana, he lives in Los Angeles.\u003cp\u003eHer Family\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDebra Sue closed her eyes and listened with all her might. The TV was off, their modest living room was dark, and Ed was sprawled on the couch. Her husband was dead to the world, but his snores were soft as a whisper. When they bought the little house a block from Sunset Boulevard, Ed worried traffic sounds would be intrusive, but they weren't, not really. Debra Sue had grown used to the noise quickly, and found the sounds soothing. She touched her husband's shoulder.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Let's go to bed, baby. Get up.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEd lurched awake, eyes wide and blinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"What happened?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Bedtime. Everything's fine.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEd's eyes flagged, and he was halfway back to sleep.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Scared me. Sorry.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"It's late. I'll be right in.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEd swung his legs off the couch and lumbered into the hall. She heard him use the bathroom and settle into bed, but Debra Sue didn't move to join him.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShe whispered his name.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Ed.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShe said her own name.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Debra Sue.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShe said their daughter's name.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Isabel.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDebra Sue smiled.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"My family.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDebra Sue finally rose from the chair and moved through their quiet home. She made sure the front and back doors were locked, carefully checked the windows, and turned off the lights in each room. She set the alarm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe warm night air was rich with the scent of night-blooming jasmine and orange blossoms, along with a trace of fresh paint. They had painted their little home with cheery colors after escrow closed-a bright lemony peach with a pale lime and burgundy trim-and joked that they'd given the place a new-car smell. Ed planted two orange trees in the backyard, but the jasmine had been there, and Debra Sue loved it. The jasmine was a sign. Their little house would be a happy and beautiful home.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDebra Sue turned on the outside lights, and made her way down the hall. She stopped outside Isabel's room when she heard her baby girl singing. Debra Sue stifled a giggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIsabel cracked her up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIsabel was three years old. She was their only child, though Debra Sue and Ed talked about having another, and an absolute sweetheart. She was sweet, good-natured, and almost always happy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDebra Sue moved closer, and listened.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLa-la-la-LA-la-la.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDebra Sue fought not to laugh. Isabel was lying in her crib, waving her arms in the air, and singing to herself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLa-LA-la-LA.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDebra Sue didn't go in. She didn't want to disturb her daughter, and have to bring Isabel into bed with her and Ed. Right now, undisturbed, Isabel was in a wonderful, beautiful dreamland, imagining whatever fanciful stories happy three-year-old girls imagined.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDebra Sue loved Isabel so much her eyes filled with tears.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Every day, baby girl. Every day of your life will be as happy as this. Daddy and I will make sure it is.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDebra Sue eased past Isabel's door, and crept to her bedroom. Ed was out cold, and no longer snoring. She brushed her teeth, flossed, and washed her face in the dark, then sat on the edge of their bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDebra Sue listened, and heard only the soft, baby-girl melody.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLa-la-LA-LA. La-la-LA-LA.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut now Debra Sue didn't smile. She eased open her nightstand drawer and studied the black 9mm Sig Sauer pistol. Ed's nightstand contained an identical pistol. They had bought the guns, and learned to shoot. They practiced.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDebra Sue shut the drawer, and lay down beside her husband. She touched his hand. She sighed like a ghost in the darkness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Mommy and Daddy will keep you safe.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDebra Sue listened for something she prayed never to hear, and finally fell asleep.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePart One\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"We know\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eyour secret.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIsabel Roland\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThree tellers were working the morning Isabel Roland was kidnapped. Clark Davos, a sweet guy whose third baby had just been born; Dana Chin, who was funny and wore fabulous shoes; and Isabel, the youngest teller on duty. Isabel began working at the bank a little over a year ago, three months before her mother died. Five customers were in line, but more customers entered the bank every few seconds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMr. Ahbuti wanted bills in exchange for sixteen rolls of nickels, twelve rolls of dimes, and a bag filled with quarters. As Isabel ran coins through a counter, her cell phone buzzed with a text from her gardener. Sprinkler problems. Isabel felt sick. The little house she inherited from her mother was driving her crazy. The sprinklers, a leaky roof over the porch, roots in the pipes because of a stupid pepper tree, the ancient range that made scary popping noises every time she turned on the left front burner. Always a new problem, and problems cost money. Isabel had grown up in the house, and loved the old place, but her modest salary wasn't enough to keep it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIsabel closed her eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhy did you have to die?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbigail George touched her arm, startling her. Abigail was the assistant branch manager.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I need you to take an early lunch. Break at eleven, okay?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIsabel had punched in at nine. It was now only ten forty-one, and Izzy had eaten an Egg McMuffin and hash browns on her way into work. She felt like a bloated whale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"But it's almost eleven now. I just ate.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbigail smiled at Mr. Ahbuti, and lowered her voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Clark has to leave early. The baby again.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey both glanced at Clark. His baby had come early, and his wife wasn't doing so well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbigail shrugged apologetically.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I'm sorry. Eleven, okay? Please?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbigail squeezed her arm, and hurried away.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIsabel gave Mr. Ahbuti his cash, and called for the next customer when Dana hissed from the adjoining station.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Iz.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDana tipped her head toward the door and mouthed the words.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"It's him.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMs. Kleinman reached Izzy's window as the man joined the line. He was tall and dark, with ropey arms, a strong neck, and lean cheeks. Every time he came in, Dana went into heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Iz.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDana finished with her customer, and whispered again.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Studburger.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Stop.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Double meat. Extra sauce.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Shh!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMs. Kleinman made a one-hundred-dollar cash withdrawal. As Izzy processed the transaction, she snuck glances at the man. Gray sweatshirt with the sleeves cut off, faded jeans tight on his thighs, and dark glasses masking his eyes. Isabel stared at the bright red arrows tattooed high on his arms. She wanted to touch them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDana whispered.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Manmeat on a stick.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIsabel counted out twenties.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Ms. Kleinman walked away, Dana whispered again.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Finger lickin' good.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIzzy cut her off by calling the next customer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Next, please.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe man was now third in line. Dana called for a customer, and the man was now second. Clark called, and the man was hers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Iz.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDana.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Ask him out.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Sh!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"You know you want to. Do it!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIzzy said, \"Next, please.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDana hissed, \"Do it!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen he reached her window, Izzy smiled brightly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Good morning. How may I help you?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe laid out three checks and a deposit slip. Two of the checks were made payable to Joe Pike, and the third to cash. They totaled a considerable amount.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJoe Pike said, \"For deposit.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"You're Mr. Pike?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShe knew his name, and he probably knew she knew. He came in every three or four weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I've helped you before.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe nodded, but offered no other response. He didn't seem friendly or unfriendly. He didn't seem interested or uninterested. She couldn't read his expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIsabel fed the checks through a scanner. She wanted to say something clever, but felt stupid and awkward.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"And how's your day so far?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Good.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"It's such a pretty day, and here I am stuck in the bank.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePike nodded.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"You're so tan, I'll bet you're outside a lot.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Some.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNods and one-word answers. He clearly wasn't interested. Isabel entered the transaction into her terminal, and gave him the deposit receipt.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe man said, \"Thank you.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe walked away, and Isabel felt embarrassed, as if his lack of interest proved she was worthless.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Iz!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDana leered across the divider.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I saw you talking!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"He thanked me. Saying thanks isn't talking.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"He never talks. He thinks you're hot.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"He didn't even see me.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Shut up! He wants you!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf only.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIsabel wondered if she could scrape together two hundred dollars for a new garden timer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShe glanced at her watch. Ten fifty-two. Eight minutes from a lunch she didn't want, and an event that would change her life.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo and Bender\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo and Bender missed her at home by ten minutes. Materials found inside gave them her place of employment, so now they waited at a meter six blocks from a bank near the Miracle Mile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo slumped in the passenger seat, sipping a cafŽ mocha.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Ever kidnap anyone?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBender glanced away. Bender was the driver. Karbo was the smile. They had worked for Hicks before, but never together. Karbo and Bender met for the first time at four that morning outside a strip mall in Burbank. They would part in approximately two hours, and never meet again.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo said, \"Sorry. My mistake.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo questions allowed. They knew what they were supposed to do, how they were supposed to do it, and what was expected. Hicks prepped his people.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBender gestured behind them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Here he comes.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo lowered his window.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHicks was a hard, pale dude in his forties. Nice-looking, not a giant, but broader than average. Nonthreatening, if you didn't look close. A nasty edge lurked in his eyes, but he hid it well. Karbo and Bender were nice-looking, nonthreatening guys, too. Especially Karbo.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHicks had come from the bank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"She's a teller. Figure on making the grab at lunch.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBender arched his eyebrows.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Why lunch?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"People eat lunch. Employees park in back, but with all these little cafŽs, no way she'll drive. She'll probably exit the front, and give you a shot. You get the shot, take it.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBender's eyebrows kissed in a frown.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Wouldn't it make sense to wait at her house, grab her when she gets home?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHicks glanced left and right, relaxed, just looking around.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Time is an issue. You want out, say so, and I'll get someone else.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo changed the subject. He didn't want out. He wanted the money.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I have a question. What if she goes out the back?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"If she exits the rear, you're out of the play. If she isn't alone, say she comes out with a friend, you're out of the play. Maybe she won't even come out. Maybe she brought a sandwich. No way to know, right? You have one job, and only the one.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo said, \"The front.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeople would be watching the rear, for sure, but this was how Hicks operated. Compartmentalization. Minimum information. If an element got popped, they had nothing to give. Karbo admired the tough, precise way Hicks did business.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHicks rested his hand on the door.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Picture.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHicks had given them a five-by-seven photograph of a twenty-two-year-old woman. Having changed the play, he didn't want the picture in their possession. The picture was evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBender returned the picture, and Hicks offered a final look.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Burn her face into your brains. We can't have a mistake.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA high school photo printed off the internet showed a young woman with short dark hair, glasses, and a smile with a crooked incisor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo said, \"Burned.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBender cleared his throat. Karbo sensed the man thought they were moving too fast, but the money was huge, and their involvement would end in minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBender said, \"What's she wearing?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Pink shirt. Kinda dull, not bright. A pink shirt over a tan skirt. I couldn't see her shoes.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHicks tucked the picture into his jacket.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"She'll be easy to spot, but if anything looks weird, drive away. Anyone with her, drive away. Am I clear?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo and Bender nodded.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Clear.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Go.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHicks walked away and Bender eased from the curb.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTheir ride was a dark gray Buick SUV owned by a leasing company in La Verne, California. Late model, low miles, the full option package. They had picked up the Buick at 4:22 that morning, specifically for use in the crime. After they delivered the girl, they would hand off the Buick, pick up their cars and money, and go their separate ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo thought Bender was having second thoughts, but Bender surprised him.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Beautiful day, isn't it? Lovely, lovely day.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo studied the man for a moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Yeah.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Gorgeous. A perfect day.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBender hadn't said ten words all morning, even when they were searching the woman's house. Karbo figured he was nervous.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I know we're not supposed to ask, but you've worked gigs before?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBender tapped the blinker and changed lanes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Three or four.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"This will be easy. Hicks's gigs are always easy.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Snatching a person in front of a bank in broad daylight can't make the top of the Easy list.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"You didn't have to say yes. You should've backed out.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Right.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I don't want to work with someone I can't trust.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I'm concerned, is all. He's making this up on the fly.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"A lot of these gigs, this is what happens.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"You're not concerned? You don't see the risk here?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo saw the risk. He also saw the reward.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Look at this face.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo grinned and fingered his dimples.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I'll have her in the car in ten seconds tops. No big scene, I promise. Five minutes later, she's out of our lives. What could be easier?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"You may be a moron.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo shrugged.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"True, but you get to stay in the car. I'm the guy who gets out.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBender finally nodded.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"You're right. And if anything looks weird, we drive away.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Damned right we do. Fast.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBender seemed to relax, and found a spot at a meter with an eyes-forward view of the bank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo liked the location. A commercial street lined with single-story storefronts two blocks south of Olympic. A straight shot to the freeway if needed. The girl would turn toward or away from them when she left the bank, and either was fine. A lot of people were out and about, but this shouldn't matter if Karbo did his job quickly and well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarbo said, \"You were right.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"About?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"The day. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"You're a moron. A perfect day doesn't make this any less risky.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey watched the bank. They didn't pay attention to the people who went into the bank, or the men who came out. They watched for a twenty-two-year-old woman wearing a pink shirt over a tan skirt.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey paid no attention to the man wearing a sleeveless gray sweatshirt. They did not see the red arrows tattooed high on his arms, and barely noticed when he entered the bank. They paid even less attention when he emerged a few minutes later.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis was their mistake.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTheir perfect day was about to turn bad.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"G.P. Putnam's Sons","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46304585646309,"sku":"NP9780525535690","price":17.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780525535690.jpg?v=1767720402","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/a-dangerous-man-isbn-9780525535690","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}