And nobody came to visit Ballard. He had no family that I knew of.” “But why the

need to create the impression that he was still alive?” said Knox. “I don’t

know,” replied Davis. “I just know that the staff was well paid to keep their

silence. If the truth did come out they all would lose their jobs, so they had

no incentive to talk. And the guys they got as replacements weren’t right in the

head, so they weren’t going to talk to anyone.” “I threw who I thought was

Ballard out the window,” said Rogers. “At first they thought the guy had gone

nuts and dove out the window,” said Davis. “And they called in the spare?” said

Knox. “Yes.” Knox sat down next to Davis. “Can you tie Jericho to any of this?”

“It would be my word against hers. And when they check into my background I’m

not sure how credible I’ll be.” She glanced at Rogers, who was staring at her.

“I’d believe you,” he said, garnering a smile from Davis.

 

Puller’s phone buzzed. When he answered it Robert Puller didn’t waste a second.

He said, “Wherever you are, get the hell out. Now!” Puller hustled everyone out

of the room and into his vehicle. They sped off into the darkness. “Puller,”

said Knox nervously.

 

He held up a hand and then hit a key on his phone.

 

His brother answered on the first ring. “Are you out?” “Yes. What’s going on?”

“Did you kidnap three people from Ballard’s estate?” “How the hell did you know

about that?” “So it’s true.” “I wouldn’t say abducted.” “What would you say?”

“Rescued.” “So they were being held against their will?” “We think so.” “You

think so? And they’re all now safe?” Puller eyed Knox before drawing a deep