Page 75 of Wild Escape

"A little of this, a little of that. What can I say, I'm a fan of rare antiquities." I asked Kenzie, "Where's your boyfriend?"

She frowned. "We broke up."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Tough time to go through a breakup.”

"Yeah, well, I needed some space. A lot of emotions right now, you understand."

I nodded. "So tell me about these rumors.”

"Chatter on the Internet,” Kenzie said. “I thought I'd talk to Devon. He's got his ear to the ground."

Devon smiled. "Yes, indeed. I’ve heard rumblings, but nothing concrete. I told Kenzie I would keep my ear out. If anyone tries to move the Codex, I’ll know about it. As I'm sure you're aware, there would be a very small list of buyers for something like that.”

“Indeed.” I pretended to get a text. “Excuse me,” I said, then snapped a picture of Kenzie’s shoes

Kenzie’s attention was somewhere else. She spotted someone at the entrance. Her face went stiff, and her eyes flared.

I followed her gaze to see a big guy standing at the entrance to the bar. 6’3”, maybe 6’4”, 250 pounds. He looked like a lineman.

He looked like the big guy in the gang of assailants.

The ogre had short dark hair, a strong brow with recessed brown eyes, and a thick beard trimmed in an angular wedge. A black motorcycle helmet dangled from his grasp.

At that moment, I knew Kenzie was involved. There was no doubt in my mind. All I had to do was prove it.

"If you'll excuse me, there's someone I need to have a word with," Kenzie said.

I stepped aside, and she slid out of the booth.

I watched the two of them. Kenzie did not look happy to see the ogre. She barked at the big guy, and the conversation got pretty heated. At this distance, and with the noise of the bar, I couldn't hear what was said.

After a brief exchange, the big guy left.

I dug into my pocket and gave Devon a card. "If you hear anything about the Codex, please get in touch."

“I will.”

I hurried out of the bar as Kenzie returned to Devon's booth. I followed the ogre, but tried not to be obvious about it. He marched to the valet and handed him a ticket. The kid grabbed the keys, then jogged away. He returned a few moments later on a red sportbike.

The ogre pulled on his helmet and climbed on the bike. He revved the throttle, then eased out the clutch and zipped away.

I made note of the license plate, then ran background on my phone through the online portal. I wasn't entirely surprised by what I found.

39

Levi Bryant had a juvenile record. As an adult he’d racked up such accomplishments as assault, DUI, possession, and a breaking and entering charge that was dismissed.

I looked up Hayden’s background while I was at it. The kid was pretty clean, apart from a marijuana possession charge a few years ago.

JD and I headed back to the Platinum Dunes to speak with Mrs. Caldwell. Jack parked at the curb, and I helped Daphne out of the car. “Don’t say a word. Don’t even listen.”

“I’ll wait in the car if you want me to.”

I scoffed. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

“I have that effect on most men.”

I rolled my eyes.