A/n: WOOHOO! One hundred reviews! You guys rule! I'm definitely going to write a sequel now. I'll probably try to finish blitz before I start it though so there could be a bit of a gap in between. Did I mention you all rule? Cos you do.

Chapter 19: Arrangements

When Max found her voice at last, the words tumbled out in a rush. "Logan? What happened? Are you ok? Where are you?"

"Slow down, Max, it's ok, he said, sounding concerned. Typical Logan, she thought, he's just been kidnapped and he's still worrying about me. "I escaped, I'm fine and I'm staying with the Lloyds."

"You escaped from Manticore? How?"

"I had help. You saw the videotape?"

"Yes. I've spent most of today trying to convince Jonas to pay up."

"And I thought I'd had a tough day. At least my trouble was worth the effort. Oh, and you might want to call Zack."

"Zack? Why?"

"I brought someone with me."

"Who?"

"Brin." Max could hear the smile in Logan's voice.

"You got Brin out? How?"

"I talked her into escaping. She's here right now."

"Are you sure she's for real?"

"If not, she's the best actor I've ever seen. I think she's trustworthy."

"Good enough for me. Have I ever mentioned that you're awesome, Logan?"

"I seem to recall you saying that once or twice. But thanks anyway."

"No problem, you earned it. So what's the plan now?"

"Well, it just so happens I do have a contingency for this kind of situation. Feel up for bringing my car out here to collect us? I'm sure Maria and Jude would love to see you."

"Sure. What do you need bringing out?"

"My escape kit's in the car like always, but I'll need my laptop and the little printer. A change of clothes for Brin would be great too, she can't be far off your size. Oh, and could you ask Bling to take all my files and computer equipment to safe house 3?"

"3? The house on Alexander? Are you sure? That's a pretty rough neighbourhood."

"Exactly. No one takes an interest in any unusual activity around there in case it earns them unwanted attention from the gangs. It's one of my most discrete places."

"Ok, I guess. But what are we going to do about Jonas? He's been dealing with Manticore; and he knows what I am."

"Don't worry. I'm sure we can come to an arrangement. Just tell Jonas there's a lot of money in it for him and I'll explain when I get back."

"Get back? You're coming here? But they'll be looking all over for you…"

"You of all people should know I can't just up and leave, Max, however much I might want to sometimes. Protecting the downtrodden is a full time job." Suddenly Logan sounded very tired.

"Look, Max, just bring the car up in the morning and we'll talk then, ok?"

"Ok. How's the head, anyway? Looked like a nasty lump."

"It's mostly the lack of sleep getting to me at the moment. Being unconscious doesn't count and I was up all last night."

"I'll let you get some rest then. See you tomorrow. And Logan? Stay safe."

"I'll do my best. See you."

"Later." Max hung up and allowed herself a moment to thank the blue lady, or whoever, that Logan was all right. Then she turned back to Jonas, still cowering on the floor.

"Luckily for you, Jonas, Logan has escaped without our help. And he says he wants to offer you a deal involving a lot of money, so I suggest you don't do anything irrevocable before you've spoken to him. Is that clear?"

"Yes… I mean no… I mean I won't do or say anything until I've talked to Junior."

"Good. Because if you do you're a dead man. Trust me on this. We'll be in touch." She unfolded herself and strode out of the room, leaving Jonas in a quivering heap on his imported Persian carpet.

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