Three days later, Ethan’s escape was staged. During a transfer to the courthouse, the prisoner transport van had an accident. In the chaos, Ethan escaped. In reality, he was released under the control of the agents.
Ethan ran and borrowed a cell phone from a student, pretending to call an ambulance for an old man who had fallen on the corner. From memory, he dialed Ortega’s number. The agents car followed him from a distance.
“Nicholas, it is Ethan.”
“Are you crazy calling me directly?”
“I have no choice. I have escaped, but they will find me soon. I need help.”
“What help?”
“You are burned. Documents. Money. A way out of the country.”
“I have information about the investigation.”
“What information?”
“They know about you. They are looking for a certain uncle Nick. They are about to locate you.”
There was a long silence.
“Where are you now?”
“In the city with a borrowed phone. Then I will hide in the basement of an abandoned building. Vasquez Street number 15. Back basement. Wait there. In an hour, someone will come for you.”
The call was cut off.
Ethan returned the phone to the surprise student and headed to the indicated location, followed by the agents.