As much as I hate it, the law enforcement officer in me recognizes the potential importance of timing.Mancuso is hot on Benjamin’s trail, and any shift in momentum could potentially change the outcome.There are other boys like Remi out there who are at risk and not safely tucked away under the protection of the FBI the way my son is.
One more night is not a big deal.
“Okay,” I concede.
Clem
“That’sthe ugliest dog I’ve ever seen.”
I was expecting Missy Gentry to show up at some point to pick up her vehicle, but I’m finding it hard to look her in the eye after what we discovered up by the quarry yesterday.
I’m pretty sure Mouse doesn’t understand the insult the woman just dropped, but just in case some of the message got through, I crouch down in front of the dog and give her some scratches to make up for the harsh words.
“Manuel!”I call, without acknowledging Missy’s comment.“Can you grab Ms.Gentry’s keys?”
“I was hoping I could have a word with you.”
Reluctantly, I rise to my feet and face her.
“About?”
She looks around, a little uneasy.“Somewhere private?”
I gesture to my office, where Manuel is just emerging with her keys.The large window allows for a full view of the shop, so privacy is limited, which is just fine with me.
Missy leads the way, and Mouse follows me inside, ducking under the desk where she immediately curls up.This morning I let her come down to the shop with me, and she’s been a good girl, sticking close to me all day.I don’t think I need to worry about her taking off.
“What can I help you with?”I prompt Missy when she seems at a loss for words, wringing the strap of her purse in her hands.
“I…was wondering if you happen to know how Mayor Merrick is doing?Is he okay?Is he still at the hospital?”she asks worriedly.
I suddenly feel a bit sorry for the woman, her concern looks genuine.I guess that’s the lot of a secret lover, you have no rights and are limited in your access to the person you’re involved with.The asshole is probably already home, scrambling to make up a believable story for his wife as to his whereabouts.
“I have no idea,” I tell her.
“Could you maybe find out?”she pleads, an alarming wobble in her voice.“He’s not answering my messages.”
As much as I empathize with her—and as eager as I am to avoid messy tears—I refuse to become some kind of messenger boy between those two.They can sort out their own shit.
“Look, I’m sorry, I’m not sure I’m comfortable getting involved in whatever this is,” I let her down as kindly as I can.“Now, if you don’t mind, I really should get back to work.”
She nods once, looking uncharacteristically vulnerable—especially given my new image of her as some kind of dominatrix—and turns to open my office door.
“I almost forgot,” she says.“I should pay you for the tow.”
I wave my hand dismissively.“Don’t worry about that now.We’ll tack it on next time you’re in for an oil change.”
Manuel approaches her as she steps out of the office.
“I pulled your vehicle out front, ma’am,” he informs her.“The keys are in the console.”
“Thank you,” she mumbles as she rushes for the door.
“What was that all about?”Manuel inquires curiously.
“Ah, nothing.Dealing with the bill, that’s all.”
As much as I don’t want to be within a mile of Merrick and Missy’s illicit affair, I also don’t feel the need to blow the whistle on that relationship.It’s not my business.
