Fish Bait Read online

  Fish Bait

  Project Bust Series

  Lee Ann Cadwell

  Copyright © 2012 by Lee Ann Cadwell

  Publish Green

  212 3rd Ave North, Suite 290

  Minneapolis, MN 55401

  612.455.2293

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

  ISBN: 978-1-938297-73-1

  Prelude

  “Do you always carry a Simi-automatic pistol with you?”

  “Get use to it Doll face, it’s my best friend.”

  “I don’t scare easily.”

  Apparently not.

  Hostages are supposed to be supportive, cooperative, and generally ugly. Instead I get an unreasonable, annoying, angelic princess with glaring eyes!

  What would she do if I kissed her?

  If only to shut her up!

  “I know how to use it Angel, so don’t tempt me.”

  “So? My dog knows how to use his teeth too. Do you want me to whistle?”

  Dedication

  To

  Those who would never dive into a relationship, there is hope.

  And to

  Charley and Scooter, a most usual relationship.

  Chapter One: The Plot

  They were out to get him.

  Close, so close.

  And yet…

  Not close enough.

  Always two steps ahead, to win the race.

  The race to win.

  The race to one million dollars.

  And the great secret of TICC!

  Oh TICC thinks I don’t know about the latest technical chip they created.

  The smart chip.

  Matter of fact, I know exactly where they hid it.

  In just the right location.

  And I have the combination.

  Brilliant Alex, you’re brilliant.

  All it takes is one small step to the Neighborhood Company and… poof!

  One million dollars in my hand.

  Now if only this little pipsqueak would move… out… of… my… way!

  “You’re not touching this safe.”

  “Sweety pie, I know you’re new and inexperienced, but I’m in charge today.”

  “Mrs. Dunmire distinctly mentioned to not let anybody in this room unless authorized by Mike or Rick.”

  “Miss Green, I am authorized.”

  Authorized to throw your little tosh out the window and toss away the key.

  “Sir, your name is not authorized on this paper.”

  Papers?

  Who needs them?

  “Sugar, I don’t need my name authorized.”

  “I’m not your sugar. I suggest you leave this room before I call security.”

  Hmm.

  About five foot three, petite build, long brown hair, button nose, not bad looking.

  Mmm… mean hazel eyes.

  Nope, she’s anything but sweet.

  “See this Pinky? It’s the combination. The only combination programmed for their most secure safe, duplicated by Mike himself. Only authorized personnel can have this. Now miss…”

  “Ha! It’s mine now! Only authorized persons allowed. You said so yourself. Now get!”

  It’s now or never Alex. I need that paper!

  “Security? Some guy’s trying to break into the safe. He’s wearing… oaf!”

  “Short stop, you talk too much. You steal the paper, I steal you. Here… we… go!”

  “Put me down! Security! Help!”

  “Stop wiggling. I know this building like the back of my hand. I work here, remember?”

  “Not anymore you won’t! You’re going to get caught and sent to jail!”

  “Sweet heart, they have to catch me first.”

  Now for plan B.

  * * *

  Recording

  May 30, 6:36 AM.

  The recording portable is fully functioning with the red light blinking.

  Client #34682

  Alice Jane Green

  Location: Apartment 24B

  I will now approach her door and present the papers for her to sign.

  This is Dillian Coleman recording out.

  Knock, knock.

  She must be up by now.

  The mornings beautiful, the birds are singing, and what a wonderful day it is.

  I love mornings.

  The kind of mornings, you wake yourself up with a nice steaming hot, strong, cup of coffee.

  The kind that can stand on its own two feet.

  A man’s coffee.

  Yes, I love mornings.

  Everybody should love mornings.

  Knock, knock.

  Apparently, it takes two cups for her.

  Isn’t she awake yet?

  Knock, knock… knock!

  “Hello! Anybody in there?”

  “Just a minute!”

  Ah. So she is awake.

  Finally.

  Creek.

  “May I help you?

  “Alice Green?”

  “Yes, I’m Alice.”

  “Good morning. I’m Dillian Coleman from TICC. The there’s some paperwork you need to sign. If you give me a minute, we’ll get this paperwork out of the way. Now about this…”

  “Wait. You’re from whom?”

  “TICC or Technical Information Computer Chips.”

  Slam!

  Ok, try again.

  Knock.

  “Ms. Green? Are you alright in there?”

  “You’re too early. Come back in lets say… eight o’clock. No, nine. Make it nine, ok?”

  “Nine o’clock?”

  “Nine-thirty.”

  “Right, I’ll be back at nine-thirty.”

  By then she should be wide awake.

  Hmm.

  Blonde, curvy in the right places.

  Teddy bear pajamas.

  She makes my list.

  Next on my agenda: breakfast.

  A good hearty breakfast.

  There’s a café right around the corner.

  Yes, my morning’s going just perfect.

  * * *

  If I was a rat, I’d nip all his fingers and toes.

  Twice!

  Kidnapping me.

  Me.

  After working only two weeks with Nancy, no where in the book does it train me for this.

  Trained to tame an obstinate, stubborn, unreasonable employee, this takes the cake!

  With turkey legs.

  What is up with his shorts?

  No one wears shorts like that, unless their trying to disguise themselves as a tourist.

  Tall, lean, deep blue, blue eyes… determined, pigheaded… completely nuts.

  Thankfully he’s not my type.

  I don’t go for nut cases.

  And here I am, all tide up with Mr. Turkey legs, all over a piece of paper.

  A piece of paper carefully scripted with the combination of the safe and… safely in my stomach, a good idea at the time.

  Not now.

  You see, in my excitement, I threatened to forget the numbers.

  What a time to tell a thief I have a photogenic memory.

  Crazy.

  This whole mess is crazy!

  All because of him.

  The obstinate mule.

  Why couldn’t he wait to be authorized?

  Some people just don’t appreciate the hard work we do.

  You think being a secretary is easy?

  Do you think I like all the paperwork?

  I’m glad I swallowed his paper.

  Maybe it will teach him a lesson, like… don’t mess with the
secretary!

  * * *

  So they sent a shark to my door, did they?

  Wiping their hands clean of the mess and declaring them spotless, some men they are.

  Ha!

  Know one mess’s with Ms. Alice Green.

  What kind of company is TICC anyway?

  They charm their little fingers around you with thoughtless ideas, and imbalanced motives, and then squawk like a chicken they are!

  Then sending massagers to our doors to do their dirty work, so little people like me, will sign off on their paperwork.

  Well I’m awake now, wide awake.

  He might show up here at nine-thirty, ten o’clock, who cares? I won’t be here.

  No, sir.

  I’m starting all my errands bright and early and if I’m busy, too bad.

  Get on the end of the line buddy!

  Your number 356.

  Number one, the grocery store.

  After that, shopping.

  Clothes for my trip tomorrow.

  Food for my stomach.

  Yes, this trip with my friends will do me good.

  And tut, tut for Dillian.

  * * *

  There must be a way to make her talk.

  Ok, Alex.

  Think about this.

  I have her hostage.

  She has the numbers.

  She’s completely at my mercy.

  I’m completely in hers.

  She won’t talk unless I let her go.

  I let her go, I loose my numbers.

  And everything else is history.

  What a predicament.

  “Ms. Oliver.”

  “Jamie. I presume Slick is not your real name, right?”

  Smart girl.

  I’ll need to keep on my toes with this one.

  Somehow pretty please with a cherry on top won’t work with this girl.

  “Most people call me Slick. Now Baby…”

  “I’m not your baby! My names Jamie use it.”

  “That’s it? It’s the best name your parents could give you? Peanuts, there’s no time for your silly games. Give me the numbers and you’re free. Simple.”

  “Simple for you, but not to me, I can’t give them to you. It’s unethical. What’s so important in the safe?”

  “Something we all need. I need.”

  “Like what?”

  “Can you give me a minute to explain? Now listen closely Kitten…”

  * * *

  Nine-thirty, where is she?

  Her car’s here.

  The porch lights off.

  Recording:

  It’s now nine-thirty one, the same day and location.

  No answer at her door.

  Recording out.

  Hmm.

  If all else fails, ask the next door neighbor or kid.

  “Hello there! Sorry to bother you, kid. I’m looking for Alice Green. You saw her by chance?”

  “Little Alice? Ya, I seen her. What ya need her for? She ain’t done nothin.”

  “No, no she’s not in trouble kid. I work for TICC. I just need to talk with her. It’s important.”

  “You some high fly insurance guy or something?”

  “No. It’s a technical company. She works for us.”

  “Oh. You’re TICC. I remember now. She went around that corner. She walks the neighborhood dogs and stuff.”

  “Thanks kid.”

  11:15

  Recording:

  Location 1135 Mayberry Street.

  Still no contact with client.

  Street empty of pedestrians.

  No dogs.

  Nothing.

  A wild goose chase.

  He sent me on a wild goose chase!

  Recording:

  Will find the client soon.

  Recording out.

  If the kid won’t help, I’ll do the next best thing.

  Bug the neighbors.

  Somebody will know where she is.

  After the interview with her, I’ll need a strong cup of coffee.

  How long will this take?

  * * *

  “This is what we need? You know Slick, there’s a thing called the GPS. Most people already have them. I think Slick… you need a new occupation, preferable legal.”

  “Ok Smarty… be sarcastic all you want. This baby is what we call the portable, an informational controller. It’s records and stores everything we say, like a computer.”

  “Ok. What else?”

  “Here’s the clincher Short Stuff. Mike invented a chip, the size of a dime that goes in your head. It does the exact same thing! No matter where you go or how far, it does it for you. Keep the portable at your house, leave for Florida, and BAM! Everything you said done. Not only does it do the work for you, it erases it each day, effectively starting over again. No more paper work, no more wasted space. Nada. The best way to know things about people, they don’t want you to know.”

  “And you want this chip?”

  “Exactly.”

  “I think… ah… I should be going. It was nice meeting you Slick. Can’t say it wasn’t an interesting experience with a… ah… intelligent, brass imbecile.”

  “Where do you think your going Jamie? You’re not going anywhere. I might be a gentleman and untie you, so you could be a reasonable, intelligent girl who listens with both ears, I hope… still you’re not leaving this room. I want those numbers Jamie. I’m not stealing the chip. I’m simple borrowing it.”

  “People borrow things after they asked. You’re not authorized.”

  “I am authorized. How do you think I got the numbers?

  Please… Jamie think.

  You’re a smart girl.

  Intelligent, beautiful.

  Use what brains God gave you and help me!

  “Your right. You asked a perfectly logical question.”

  Good, good.

  Now we’re getting some where.

  “You bribed them; it’s the only obvious answer. You bribed them with something, while all the while intending to use the information for own personal use. You’re a thief. Only a thief would use dirty tricks to gain something they want.”

  “Where did you get the idea I was a thief?”

  “You stole me, didn’t you?”

  There’s just no help from women these days.

  * * *

  “You go ahead and enjoy your pancakes Alice, this one’s on me.”

  “Thanks Millie, yum.”

  “Here’s some Maple syrup. This came from my sister. Would you like some fresh squeezed orange juice? Something special for your meal.”

  “Really? Fresh squeezed?”

  “Yep, right from my own orange tree! You do a great service to us Alice love, walking our dogs, ironing our clothes and the errands a like. Everybody appreciates your hard work.”

  “I like my neighbors.”

  “Don’t be so modest. You need something good in your life, a good man, someone to take care of you.”

  “Oh Millie, I already have someone. TICC.”

  “TICC? Isn’t TICC the company who dumped you? You need a man, Alice. Someone to… to… you know what I mean!”

  “TICC pays the bills.”

  “TICC isn’t a man.”

  “So? Who needs one? I have… Dillian?”

  “There you are! You won’t believe the trouble I went through to find you. I must have walked the entire downtown! You missed our appointment. I’m starving. I missed lunch. Is this real maple syrup?”

  “This isn’t yours Mister! It’s for the lady… and you are?”

  “Dillian Coleman at your service.”

  “How do you know our Alice?”

  “She works for me…. I mean, my company, TICC.”

  “TICC, huh? Hungry?”

  “Starving. Pancakes look good. Sausage. Eggs over easy. Do you have fresh squeezed orange juice?”

  “Sorry we’re out. Coffee?”

  “Black, strong.”

  “Coming
right up.”

  “As I was saying Ms. Green, we need a few signatures from you to make it final. If you could look over these and sign on the dotted line, I’ll be out of your hair. No need to pay for your dinner, I’m buying.”

  “Don’t you ever pause and take a breath? I’ll see the papers later.”

  “Later? This is important Ms. Green. TICC needs these signed off. We promised you a small amount of money for your time and inconvenience.”

  “I’m aware of the pay off. TICC warned me ahead of time to sign the papers. So… you’re the shark they sent my way.”

  “Don’t take it personal, its business.”

  Ah, ha.

  The sweet talking shark says to the guppy.

  Well this guppy’s on to him.

  I’m not falling into this trap.

  No sir.

  * * *

  “Wining and dining, won’t win me over, Slick the thief.”

  “Will you stop calling me that? Would a thief take his hostage to dinner?”

  “I wouldn’t know.”

  “Keep that in mind, while you stuff your face.”

  “What did you say?!”

  “I said keep in mind, this supposedly thief does dine.”

  “So you admit you’re a thief.”

  “I don’t admit anything. If I can’t convince you yet, I guess I’ll eat lunch first.”

  “What would you like sir?”

  “Your special sounds good. We’ll take two specials. You don’t mind, do you Jamie love?”

  “The chicken parmesan sounds better.”

  “Ok. Chicken for the lady and steak for me.”

  “Wine, sir?”

  “Oh yes, the wine. Hmm. This one will do. Nice and strong with the steak. Oh and Blush for the lady.”

  “Coming right up.”

  “See Sweet Cheeks? I’m not a bad person. Only a gentleman dines his girl.”

  “Correction. Only a thief orders for his hostage when he wants something.”

  “You?”

  “You’re not my type.”

  “I’ll grow on you… tell me something, why aren’t you screaming for help?”

  “Perhaps I’m keeping an eye on you until my boss gets back.”

  “Mike? He’s busy with his girl. You know Jamie; he actually put those chips in the wrong girl?”

  “How do you know?”

  “I have my sources.”

  When I get back, I’m changing the locks first thing.