Fifty-SevenObedient to Quincey’s ultimatum, Sebastian was back on the boardwalk to Hallidie’s Bridge — and he was early. Sunrise was an hour or more away as he dropped the leather satchel containing John’s ransom money for Isabella under his right foot and hollered for Quincey. Two hundred, hundred dollar greenbacks, issued by Lincoln’s government during the war, now worth less than half their face value in gold. His brother had bought them as a patriot, supporting the war effort, and as far as they were concerned the paper money’s shoddy standing made it ideal for paying off Quincey.
When he appeared from under the bridge and began to approach, Sebastian held up his hand. “Hold up! You don’t get your hands on this until I see Isabella is alive and well. Show me.”
Quincey sneered. “Or yo
