Hunter calls Jason Mercer on the burner phone, knowing Mercer is likely to distrust him because of Rink’s past attempt on Mercer’s life. Mercer immediately assumes Hunter and Rink took Sue Carter from her house and are trying to use her to force him out. Hunter insists that Mercer has misunderstood the situation and says that Sue is in danger from someone else.

Mercer angrily accuses Hunter and Rink of either taking Sue for themselves or handing her over to their employers. Hunter tries to calm him and explains that he and Rink are no longer working for Arrowsake. Hunter says they intervened at Sue’s house to protect her, but later lost her when Vince and his side took her away. Mercer nearly ends the call, but he controls his temper by counting to himself and keeps listening because Sue’s life is at stake.

Hunter appeals to Mercer to set aside the past long enough to help save Sue. He reminds Mercer that both Mercer and Rink were manipulated by Arrowsake in earlier events. Hunter then briefly summarizes what has happened, ending with Sue’s abduction by Vince. Mercer begins to believe that Hunter is telling the truth, but he remains highly suspicious and says he still cannot trust either Hunter or Rink.

Rink finally cuts in and bluntly tells Mercer to stop stalling: either join them to save Sue or stay out of the way. Mercer agrees that they need to meet, but only on neutral ground and in public, where he will have witnesses and some protection from Rink. Because Hunter expects his face to be on the news soon, the arrangement is risky, but Mercer insists. He tells Hunter to come to Panama City, keep the phone on, and wait until morning, ending the call with an uneasy plan for a cautious alliance.