Chapter 45
“Are you out of your mind?” the redhead said to Mickey. “That’s a first edition in mint condition.”
“That’s because my sister is a moron. That’s the keeper box.” She snarled at her sister. “How many of these have you already sold?”
“I don’t know,” she replied with a sheepish shrug. “Maybe a couple.”
Red growled in frustration. “My God, Kylie, what’s your problem?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“Ladies…” Flynn said with that charming smile. “There’s no need to fight. I’m sure we can work something out.”
Red glared at him. “There’s nothing to work out. This book isn’t for sale.”
Flynn kept smiling.
I don’t think she recognized him yet.
“I know, but I bet there’s a number that could change your mind.”
“There is nothing that could make me change my mind,” she said, defiant.
Laying on the charm, Flynn said, “Are you sure about that?”
“Positive.”
A mint condition, first edition was worth a pretty penny.
“How about a $100? Mickey said.
Red’s eyes narrowed at him. “You think I don’t know what this book is worth. That’s insulting.”
“Can I just take another look inside?”
“No!”
She put the book back in the box, then grabbed the box and started away.
“$1,000,” Mickey said.
Red stopped and twisted back to look over her shoulder. “Not even close. This book has sentimental value. It was my father’s. And if you haven’t figured it out yet, he’s no longer with us.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Mickey said. “$2,000 just to let me flip through the book and take some pictures.”
Red’s eyes narrowed at him. “What do you want to take pictures of?”
“I used to own that book. It has sentimental value to me, too. I’ve been looking for it for a long time. Your father probably bought it when my storage unit was auctioned off.”
“My father has owned this book since I was a child.”
Mickey nodded. “Like I said. I’ve been looking for it for a long time.”
None of us wanted to mention the fact that the book could lead to $150 million.
“What’s so sentimental about this book for you? Why do you want it so bad? Why do you want to look inside?”
“$10,000,” Jack said. “That’s more than a fair price.”
Red’s eyes narrowed at him. “This book must be pretty special.“She looked back at Mickey, then to Flynn, then back to Mickey. Recognition finally flashed in her eyes. “You’re Flynn McQueen.”
“In the flesh,” he said with that beaming smile and movie star glint in his eyes.
She looked at Mickey. “You’re Mickey Malibu.”
“The living legend,” Flynn said, putting a hand on Mickey’s shoulder. Flynn looked sure this was about to go our way.
“You want to tell me why you’re so interested in this book?” Red asked.
“Like he said,” Flynn replied. “Sentimental value.”
“I’m sorry, I just find it a little odd that a washed-up movie star and an outlaw show up out of the blue at my father’s estate sale.”
“Washed up? Hell, I’m just getting started.”
“I’m sorry, but Fool’s Paradise was two hours of my life I will never get back.” She was not a fan.
Flynn shrugged. “They can’t all be gems.”
“$10,000 just to borrow the book for a few minutes and take some pictures,” Jack said.
“And we’ll throw in the lizard,” Flynn offered.
Red’s face wrinkled. “Ew. I don’t want the lizard!” Her suspicious eyes narrowed at Mickey again. “This book doesn’t have sentimental value. This book has some kind of map, doesn’t it? It leads to the money you stole from those drug dealers.”
The gig was up. Red was no dummy.
“They’ve kidnapped my daughter,” Mickey said. “They’re going to kill her.”
She gave him a doubtful look. “You expect me to believe that?”
"It's the truth," I said, flashing my badge.
"The book is of no value to you. You won't be able to decipher my notes. They’re coded," Mickey said.
"Seems to me like this book is worth $150 million, if the rumors are true. You're in a bind. That puts me in a position of leverage.”
We all gave her an incredulous look. Talk about an opportunist.
"I'm sorry, but maybe you didn't hear the part about his daughter's life being at stake,” I said, growing annoyed.
"Oh, I heard it alright.” She looked at Mickey. “I guess we’re going to find out just how important your daughter is to you.”