‘Hello, is this Mr. Smith?’
‘Yes, speaking. Who is this?’
‘It’s me, Sarah.’
‘Sarah? What’s going on? Is everything okay?’
‘No, it’s not. I’m in trouble. I stole something from my company and now some very bad people are after me.’
‘What did you steal?’
‘Sorry, I can’t tell you that.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Look. Some people came to me and told me to get something for them. I cannot tell you more, OK? But the problem is that I lost it and I don’t know where it is. These people think that I don’t want to give it to them. They are very dangerous people.
‘Oh my god, Sarah.’
‘I know, I know. I will tell you all about it later when we meet. Now I need your help. I just escaped from a man who was chasing me. I don’t know how much time I have.’
‘OK, OK. Listen to me. First, you need to find a safe place to hide. Some place that no one knows about.’
‘I don’t have anywhere to go. This is not my city. That’s why I’m calling you. I really don’t know what to do.’
‘OK, then listen carefully. I’m going to give you the address of a hotel downtown. Go there and talk only to Max. He is always there. Just tell him you’re my daughter’s friend. He’ll take care of you. I’m going to call him now.’
”OK, I’ll do that. But what about the police?’
‘You can’t go to the police. Not yet. You need to find that thing you stole and return it. Then we can figure out what to do next.’
‘OK, I guess you’re right. Thank you. I don’t know what I would do without you.’
‘It’s going to be okay, Sarah. Just stay calm and do what I say. I’ll call you later to check on you.’
‘Thank you, Mr. Smith.’