Free Snatched by Karin Slaughter

recording this conversation. Can you please confirm for the tape that you’ve been read and understand your rights?”
    Jenner rolled his eyes. “Yes, I’ve been advised of my rights. Yes, I am aware that this is being recorded. Yes, I’m aware that this is being watched through that ridiculous mirror on the wall.”
    “Thank you.” She opened the folder, ignoring his sarcastic tone. “I hope you don’t mind if I skip the rest of the introductions. As you know, we don’t have much time.”
    Jenner smiled, showing his broken teeth. “On the contrary. I have all the time in the world.”
    Anna passed him the first document from the folder. The red, gold, and black seal of the Atlanta Police Department was in the top corner. “This authorizes your immediate release from the Atlanta Police’s Airport Precinct and guarantees that the department will not pursue any charges against you in this matter. It is signed by Commander Vanessa Livingston here at thebottom.” She turned to the next page. “This states that the City of Atlanta will not require you to register on the sex offenders list and that we will not pursue any further charges against you for the abduction, transportation, trafficking, or any other crime related to the minor known as Abigail Brannon.” She turned to the last page. “This specifies that the deal is strictly contingent upon you directing us to the exact location of the girl.”
    “I can only tell you where she was taken.”
    “We understand that, Mr. Jenner. If you refer to this line”—she touched her finger to the appropriate words—“you’ll see that your only requirement in honoring this agreement is to tell the truth about everything you know. If at any time you lie or evade questioning, or any information you give is found to be untrue, this agreement is void and you are subject to full prosecution.” She took a pen out of her jacket pocket and handed it to Jenner.
    “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Jenner said. He took his time reading the documents. His eyes scanned back and forth along each line of each page. Will looked down at his watch. Five minutes passed before Jenner was certain he’d seen every possible loophole or trick in the one-page agreement.
    “Okay,” he said, taking the pen. He signed each page, then handed the sheets back to Anna. She signed and initialed everything.
    Amanda said, “Mr. Jenner, where is the girl?”
    He pursed his lips, clearly enjoying the tension. “She’s being held at the Lakewood Arms Hotel. Room 215.” Less than ten miles away.
    “Go!” Vanessa yelled, tapping the two-way mirror, though Will was certain her team was already heading to the hotel.
    “So.” Jenner took the documents and folded them in two. “I suppose I should get out of your hair.”
    “Did you touch her?” Will asked.
    Jenner’s eyes went to Anna Ward. She told him, “You’re required to tell the truth, Mr. Jenner. That’s the agreement.”
    “No,” he admitted. “Unfortunately.”
    Will’s body tensed. Except for Amanda’s calming hand on his shoulder, he would’ve pounded the guy into the floor again.
    “I think we’re done here.” Jenner tucked the documents into his jacket pocket and stood from the table. “When are you people going to realize you’re not smart enough to play these games?”
    “Thirty thousand dollars,” Will said. “That’s all a child’s life is worth?”
    Jenner looked at Anna Ward again. “The truth, right?”
    She had to clear her throat before she could speak. “Yes.”
    “I think that’s a fair sum when you factor in transportation and accommodations.” He gave a pleased sigh. “I know the Lakewood Arms doesn’t sound like much, but I had such a lovely night planned for our first date.”
    Will’s fists clenched. “You bastard.”
    Jenner had that familiar snarky grin on his face. “I’d hurry out to Lakewood, Officers. Eleanor was expecting me an hour ago. I’m sure she’s halfway to