'Hello?'
'Is this Scott Tracy?'
'Who's calling please.'
'Commander of International Rescue?'
'I am, yes.'
'I have your brother'
'I was wondering when you were going to call.'
'Have you got a pen?'
'I'm ready for your demands.'
'No - please, you've got it all wrong!'
'Wrong? Are you not the person who has kidnapped Gordon?'
'Well, yes…but…'
'What do you want?'
'I want you to come and rescue me!'
'I beg your pardon?'
'He's relentless! His whistling is atrocious and he won't stop! And if he's not whistling he's singing or non-stop talking. As if the noise wasn't enough, I've tied him up three times and every time he gets free! He's put his foot through one door and his head through another - I'm not going to get the deposit back from the house at this rate! He's driving me insane!'
'So…you want me to take Gordon off your hands.'
'Please! I'm begging you! I'll do anything!'
'Anything?'
'Anything! Name it!'
'How much is it worth to you for me to come and collect him?'
'I don't have much savings, I spent almost everything renting this condo for the kidnapping but I got a couple grand.'
'Is that all? It's barely enough to cover my fuel.'
'I was hoping to come into some money but that's not possible now. Please! I'm begging you! I'm literally on my knees!'
'Well…ok. Give me your name and address and bank details, and I'll send someone to rescue you.'
'Oh my god, thank you so much! Please hurry!'
'Don't push your luck.'
'Sorry, sorry! I'll wait for whoever you send.'
Scott hung up before the man did and sat back, supremely amused. He looked at John and Virgil, seeing the shock on their faces. Even Alan had his mouth hanging open.
'Did you just talk Gordon's kidnapper into paying you to take Gordon back?'
'Yep.'
'Well…that's novel.'
'I kinda felt for the man. Should have kidnapped Alan.'
Scott ignored the outraged spluttering to grin massively. When they got Gordon back he'd treat him to one of his obnoxious Hawaiian shirts as a well-earned reward.