“And instead of waiting to find you sticking your nose where it didn’t belong—”
“I hadno idea—”
But Neil talked over me. “—Ferguson preempted a stroke by outright hiring you?”
“To consult on artifacts as the need arises,” I concluded.
“That’s fucked-up.”
“It is?”
“Yes.”
I looked at my pancakes, and while cutting them into bite-sized pieces, said, “I thought it was a good idea.”
“Of course you did,” Neil answered. “You’re a moth to the flame of bad ideas.” His fork scraped across the plate as he scooped up more scrambled eggs. “You’re married to the lead detective. If this isn’t a conflict of interest, it sure as hell skirts the line.”
“I think the line has been jumped plenty of times at this point,” I said. “Besides, it’s not like I’m an actual detective working with Calvin.”
Neil looked up.
“I’mnot. I’ve been asked to give my two cents on an antique from the 1850s, which I did. Now the three of them can decide what, if any of it, is relevant to the crime.”
“What do you know about the case?”
“Nothing.”
Neil narrowed his eyes.
“Calvin almost had an aneurysm. Do you think he shared the gory details with me?”
“Why did you agree to Ferguson’s request, knowing Winter would be upset?”
“What was I supposed to do, Neil? If not me, he’d have hired someone else—someone not as well versed in the subject. At least this way, I’m confident that Calvin is getting accurate and thorough information in order to do his job.”
“You’re not the only professional in the city, Sebastian. Other peoplearequalified to research these sort of antiques and collections too.”
I ate a few bites of pancake while Neil spoke, then said, “Do you think I’m so arrogant as to believe the success of an investigation hinges on me and me alone?”
Neil looked like he’d come across a field of landmines and the only way out was through. “I don’t think you’re arrogant. I think you’re cocky. I won’t deny you’ve been right about some of the bizarre things that have happened in the past. And I won’t forget that you did actively try to avoid trouble the last time.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
Neil sighed and set his fork down. “You’re very, very smart, Sebastian. But the problem with being so smart is you get bored easily. And this consulting gig? It’s a slippery slope and you know it.”
I pushed my plate aside and turned to watch the early foot traffic come and go through the bands of morning sunshine. Commuters blurred around the edges like an overexposed photo. “No, it’s not,” I said quietly, then more firmly, “It’s completely different than before. I’ve spent my entire adult life researching and studying and working my ass off to be the guy with answers.”
“And you are,” Neil agreed. “No one’s disputing that.”
I returned my gaze to him before adding, “I don’t limit those answers to auction houses or museums, Neil. I’ll consult with whoever wants my help—even the NYPD. This is my career, my choice, and for once, everyone involved followed the rules. I’m not going to be guilted into turning down a job simply because the circumstances aren’t one hundred percent ideal.” I leaned to one side to tug my wallet free from my back pocket, set a twenty on the tabletop, and said, “I should go. I forgot about the dog.”
“It wasn’t my intention to piss you off.”
I scooted out of the booth and pulled the strap of my shoulder bag across my chest. “I know. Thanks for joining me.”
Neil leaned toward the aisle and grabbed my wrist before I could make for the door. “You have every right to take this job. I’m with you on that, okay? I’m just concerned that Winter won’t see it the same way.”
“We talked about it. He’s good with me consulting.”
