19 Last Call

"Jesse." Atlas' voice croaked through the phone. "Don't talk, just listen. I know you've run off with the Soothseeker. I know you're probably with Rue too. I have a proposition for you. You deliver both to me before Friday night and no questions will be asked. You will have your old job back with added benefits. We are aware that Alisha is missing and presumed dead and it has something to do with Rue. You will bring both to me at The Astoria and all will be forgiven, if not, you will be found and executed along with them."

His voice was as monotone as it ever was, disturbingly calm and coy.

"This isn't a game we are willing to play anymore. I'm extending the olive-branch for you one last time. Things are going to change and go our way for once."

He hung up the phone and ran his hand through his thick hair, blowing a content sigh.

"Do you think he'll take it?" Jakob glared.

"He hasn't much of a choice at this point."

"We need this to go smoothly. We're in the process of setting up a live feed and securing it."

Atlas raised a brow. "We're videoing the announcement?"

Jakob nodded. "It's the best way to reach people, especially with how widespread the internet is. And if Sterling brings Rue and the Soothseeker we will make an example of them like you did with Barnum."

"You're going to kill them in front of the world?"

"It sends a very easy message that we as Mages are not to be taken with a grain of salt."

"And what if they don't show up?"

Jakob grimaced. "We have back-up Mortal's that can be slaughtered."