Running Stupid: (Mystery Series) (36 page)

BOOK: Running Stupid: (Mystery Series)

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“This is all over, Matthew. Maloney told you,” he said with little remorse in his voice, “you could be free from the hotel, but we own you. I own you.”

“Now, that’s where you’re wrong.” Matthew said, lifting his head to stare directly at the camera. “Before I left the control room, I made a data disk with all the names and locations of all your clients in the game. I sent it to a secure server that I use for some of my property dealings. If I don’t enter a password in the next twenty-four hours, the contents of that server will go out to every major media outlet and law enforcement agency on the planet.”

The officer shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. The video of Ahmad Fadel seemed to be visibly shaken, as well.

“You’re bluffing,” Fadel accused.

“You care to find out? Shall I ruin you from beyond the grave?” Matthew burst out laughing. “You know, I ought to thank you for this whole little experience. Aside from all the pain and grief you put me through, it’s been quite enlightening. Allow me to return the favor by letting you live.”

Ahmad Fadel seemed to be considering all of Matthew’s words. He knew it could have been a bluff, but Matthew Jester was one lucky son of a bitch. It wasn’t good to bet against him. He’d proven that. At least this way, Ahmad Fadel could keep tabs on him, keep an eye on him so that he might rub him out when it was convenient. This whole little game was turning out to be a sour scheme.

“This is bigger than you and me,” the billionaire said sternly. “Even we don’t have the right to destroy that many lives.” Ahmad lit a cigar and huffed out a thick cloud. “Fine, you have a deal.” He motioned for the police officer to let Jester go.

Matthew nodded and then lowered his head, still smiling. The police van drove off in a tornado of dust and pebbles, leaving Matthew Jester alone and very much alive. He could finally rest. This whole thing was just a convenient truce for now, but Matthew wasn’t in the mood to complain. Of course, he didn’t have a data disk with incriminating files saved to his private server. He didn’t even know what all that meant, but he knew he was on a hot streak, and when your luck is as good as his, you press the advantage. One day, he’d come face-to-face with Ahmad Fadel again, and when that day came, Matthew Jester knew that the odds would again be in his favor. After all, he had too much luck.

Thank You

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Booklist

Link to other books by James Kipling:

http://www.amazon.com/Card-Counter-mystery-suspense-thriller-ebook/dp/B00H39Y6ZQ

http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Thriller-Suspense-Punishment-kidnapping-ebook/dp/B00H9M0F0M

http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Thriller-Suspense-Punishment-kidnapping-ebook/dp/B00GO6CHLY

http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Thriller-Suspense-Politician-Punishment-ebook/dp/B00H5GZGCY

http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Thriller-Suspense-Assassinations-Conspiracies-ebook/dp/B00HFGS70C