"You ask too many questions, Sal."

"All I’m sayin’ is that we had to take her hostage to get outta there."

Papi laughed out loud, thinking that things were working out better than he planned. "I want you to take her to Miami and call me when you get there."

"I know this guy from New York. He’s a crazy muthafucka."

"I know who he is, and that is exactly why I want you to take her to Miami."

"I don’t think you understand. Mike Black is connected to some very powerful people. I don’t think we want to fuck with him. I think we should drop her off somewhere and be done with her."

"Sal," Papi said, no longer laughing. "I like you, Sal, and we have not worked together for very long, so I’m going to tell you something, and I know that I’m only going to have to tell you this one time. I don’t pay you to think. When you work for me, I demand your respect and your loyalty. I expect you to believe in me, and to do exactly what I say without question. Is that understood, Sal?"

"Yes, Papi," Sal said and rolled his eyes.

"That is good. Now, take her to the boat. The captain will take you to Miami, and you will call me when you get there. Comprende?"

"I understand, Papi," Sal replied reluctantly and drove toward the dock.

Papi hung up the phone and turned to his associate. "I’m sorry, my dear," Papi said.

"What was that about?" she asked.

Papi looked her and thought for a second. "This may be of particular interest to you. Sal had to take a hostage." Papi paused for effect. "Her name is Cassandra Black."

"Give her to me," the woman said and smiled.

"Why, so you can kill her?" Papi laughed.