Risk Read Free Page A

should be aware that their loved one has kidnap insurance. And if they don’t, they should at least be aware that a fund has been established to pay a ransom.”
    She contemplated what he’d said. “So I guess you’re telling me that I’m lucky your company is turning me down? I won’t have my information stolen.”
    â€œNot exactly. Like I said, we have outstanding cyber security.”
    â€œBut who in the company has access to the pass codes? Someone must.”
    â€œMe.”
    One of her eyebrows shot up. “You? That’s all?”
    He nodded. “Oh, and the cyber company, of course, but it’s safest to have the information in the fewest hands. I’m the only one who can code the policy to authorize or deny payment.”
    She considered him a moment longer before emptying her glass and putting it on the table with a finality that told him that for her the interview was over.
    â€œThank you for the advice. I’ll suggest that the company add a line item to the budget for self-insurance.” She rose, and he rose with her. He didn’t want the evening to be over.
    â€œCan I drop you anywhere?” he said. He knew from her application and their conversation that she lived a few miles away, on the south end of the Beach. He was pleased when she nodded.
    They stepped out of the restaurant onto a street clogged with cars stuck in a gridlock. Horns honked and a cacophony of music from various open windows and drop tops created a din that made Ryan wince. A nearby car equipped with massive speakers vibrated with each pound of a bass beat. Two young dudes covered in bling and with baggy pants and sideways ball caps pushed a yellow Lamborghini down the middle of the road. Several young women laughed as they watched.
    â€œHey, baby, great car. Too bad it don’t work,” one yelled. The man pushing at the driver’s side smiled and shook his head.
    â€œAny of you beautiful ladies drive stick?” he said. “This was the last on the rental lot and I thought it would be easy, but man, was I wrong. Keeps dying on me.”
    The women shook their heads.
    The man pushing the car shrugged and kept going, trailing honking cars and angry drivers behind him.
    â€œWhat a circus,” Ryan said.
    They watched the show as they waited for the valet to bring his car. He drove a hybrid. It had the advantage of imparting a certain eco cachet without the cost of a sports car, which was the ride of choice on the Beach. It was also highly rated and carried no risk of the frequent repairs that a sports car would require. When it came, they strapped in and he started south. He noticed that she kept an eye on the sideview mirror, watching behind them.
    â€œI read in your application that you’re an ultra marathon runner,” he said. “I suppose you could run all the way to Key West without trouble. Have you ever done the Keys 100?”
    She smiled at him. “Not yet, but I’d love to.” She flicked another glance at the sideview mirror and he saw her stiffen.
    â€œWe’re being followed,” she said.
    At first he didn’t believe he’d heard her right. “I beg your pardon?”
    â€œThe silver Porsche. It’s following us.” She kept her attention on the sideview mirror while she answered. He checked out the back. One car separated them from the Porsche. It drove in the right lane, and other than the fact that it was flashy and expensive, it seemed unremarkable.
    â€œWhat makes you think it’s following us?”
    â€œYou’ve taken four turns and it has also.”
    He shrugged. “I’m headed to South Beach. It’s Friday night. Probably everyone else is too.”
    She gave him a look filled with patience. “Mr. Ryan—”
    â€œCall me Sebastian,” he said.
    â€œSebastian,” she said. “If they were merely headed south they wouldn’t have kept up with the