Nothing Lasts Forever

Quinn’s phone vibrated on the table next to his deck chair. The ringer sounded simultaneously announcing the incoming call. He lifted the phone and glanced at the caller ID. He was expecting calls from Slater and Sharon’s attorney confirming a meeting early tomorrow morning. Caller ID showed it was not the ex-FBI agent or the lawyer. Local area code, but again, as with Sharon Cassidy’s call, a number unknown to him, not listed in his contacts. “Hello, this is Quinn.” His greeting was met with silence. He waited a few seconds then added, “Anyone there?” Barely audible he heard, “Mr. Quinn?” “This is Quinn, who’s this? Can you speak up?” “This is Maddy…Madison Metcalf. I can’t talk too loud or they’ll know I’m on the phone. They won’t let me leave and some bad stuff is going to happen soon. I need to get out of here. Can you help me?” Her voice barely above a whisper, she raced through her plea to Quinn in one long breath. “Madison, listen I’ll come get you, I promise. But what’s going on? What bad stuff is going to happen?” “Not now,” she answered, “I’ll tell you when you get here. You’ll see for yourself.” He hesitated then asked, “Can you hold out for a short time? I need to see someone, but it shouldn’t take too long.” “You promise you’ll come soon?” “I will,” he answered. “Tomorrow morning at the latest.” “I guess I can hold on a little while but the sooner the better.” “And Mr. Quinn?” “Yes. What?” “Bring a gun if you have one. You might need it.”