Free The Further Adventures of Jack Lime by James Leck

sandwich?”
    â€œYou’re going to give me that sandwich anyway, Lime.”
    â€œI don’t think so,” I said, standing up. Bucky stared down at me and I heard his big knuckles cracking as he curled his hands into fists.
    â€œYou’re a real tough guy, ain’t you, Limey?”
    â€œNo tougher than anyone else,” I said. “I’m just not afraid of getting hurt.”
    â€œOver a sandwich?”
    â€œIt’s not about the sandwich,” I said, “and we both know it.”
    Bucky laughed. It sounded like a buzz saw cutting through wood.
    â€œYou’re a real piece of work,” he said, leaning in. I got my face ready for something bad to happen, but Bucky just turned around and sat back down in his cushy chair.
    I breathed again, unwrapped the sandwich and handed him half.
    â€œMy mother always taught me to share,” I said.
    â€œYou’re a real piece of work,” he said again. “You know I almost rearranged your face just now?”
    â€œThat’s what I like about you, Bucky. I always know where I stand. There are some people out there, well, you just can’t tell what they’re going to do next.”
    â€œPeople got a lot of different reasons to do things. Me, I do things for the money. It’s the only reason to do anything anyway.”
    Bucky was wrong about that, but I wasn’t going to debate him. I barely survived the sandwich incident and didn’t want to push my luck. Instead I turned my attention to the pile of work sitting beside me on the floor. If I busted my hump, I could get it all done before the final bell. That way Snit wouldn’t waste time raking me over the coals at the end of the day for slacking off, and I could track down my new BFF, Sebastian Cain.
    â€œThanks for the sandwich, Limey,” Bucky said. “Now keep your trap shut. I’m going back to sleep.”
    â€œSweet dreams, Bucky,” I said, and got busy solving some math problems.
    Thursday, October 10, 3:05 p.m.
Iona High, The Main Foyer
    When the final bell rang, Snit stalked in, looking stern, and I shoved my work in his hands. He gave it a quick once-over and nodded.
    â€œI’ll see you back here tomorrow morning, Mr. Lime, bright and early,” he said, and I made a break for it.
    I sprinted past Van Kramp before he had a chance to look up from his computer and headed straight for the main foyer. I took up position in the far corner and kept my eyes peeled for Cain. Unfortunately, while I was busy trying to stay under the radar, KC and Madeleine strolled over.
    â€œAny luck with the case, Jack?” KC asked.
    â€œKeep it down, Stone,” I hissed. “I’m on a stakeout here.”
    â€œOh, sorry,” she said, looking around, “I forgot you like to hide out in the open like this.”
    â€œSay whatever it is you came to say and vamoose.”
    â€œI don’t suppose all this sneaking around out in the open has anything to do with Madeleine’s case?”
    â€œI got a news flash for you, Stone. Sebastian Cain is your man. He practically confessed,” I said. “I just need to track him down before he leaves.”
    â€œThat shouldn’t be hard, even for you. He’s right over there,” she said, hiking her thumb over her shoulder.
    She was right; Cain was standing on the other side of the foyer.
    â€œWhat’s your plan?” she asked.
    â€œI’m going to follow Cain. He’s either going to lead me to that painting or I’m going to make him tell me where it is.”
    â€œThat’s very clever, Jack, and I’m sure it’s all going to work out, but Madeleine’s decided she’s going to pay the ransom. Maybe, after you’re done with Cain, you could meet us at the train station to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
    â€œThat’s a mistake,” I said, watching Cain head for the front doors. “He’s not going to