Chapter 5 / page 8

“Look, Jim, I know this is a painful subject for you, but I really do need you. I don’t have any time to get someone else prepped for this kind of mission. You know the desert.”
Harper focused his eyes on Louis again.

“All right, Louis,” he said calmly.

Edwards stopped talking and stared. A smile began to curl under his fading mustache.

“This is what it’ll cost you.” He flipped the lock on the door shut again. “You’d better get something to write on, Louis, and you’d better have it all taken care of before you come to pick me up.”

“What exactly do you want?” He pulled out a notebook.

“One million dollars, tax-free, for Jerry’s widow, and full scholarships for his kids—you never took care of them after he died, now, we make it right. No strings attached. Jerry already earned it. For anybody going on this mission, same deal—this time the million and scholarships pay off in case of death or serious injury. That’s a phone call for you, Louis.” He pointed at the office. “Go on, make the calls while I change. I want confirmation faxed back to this number.” He started back towards the locker room, then turned back to Louis. “Don’t even think of double crossing me on this Louis. You’d never be able to run far enough to save your miserable hide.”

“Now Jimbo, I can’t exactly—”

“You’ve got ten minutes.” Jim turned and walked towards the end of the school.