Page 104 of Code 6

“It’s him,” said Kate. “I have to take it.”

“I’m not talking,” said Peel.

“You have to talk. He needs to know you’re on the line.”

The phone rang a second time.

“I’m not talking, unless you promise not to say a word about our arrangement to your father.”

“Don’t pull this crap on me.”

Peel folded his arms and said, “I’m not talking.”

The third ring. Kate was in a jam, but she couldn’t let it go to voicemail. Kate answered, using the encrypted phone.

“This is Kate.”

“Good morning, Kate. Is Mr. Peel on the line?”

“I can get him.”

“Be quick about it.”

“I need thirty seconds.”

“Fifteen,” he said.

Kate hitmuteand looked at Peel. “I need you on the linenow.”

“Not a word about this to your father.”

“Fine.”

“I want a signed nondisclosure agreement.”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

Time was ticking. “Okay. You’ll get your NDA.”

“Of course the NDA needs teeth.”

“I’ll agree to a liquidated damages clause.”

“Not money. I mean real teeth that will make you feel real pain. If you breach, here’s the penalty: You assign to me the copyright of that play you’re doing with Irving Bass.”

Kate wasn’t sure how he knew about the play, but she was so fed up with Irving Bass, she didn’t even care about the rights.

“Fine. I’ll sign.”

Peel smiled with satisfaction and picked up his phone. “This is Jeremy Peel.”

“I need proof it’s you.”

“I don’t know how to prove that to you.”

“Answer this question for me: What was Olga wearing the first time you laid eyes on her?”