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I lean against the wall and she leans next to me. We’re shoulder to shoulder, but not having to look at me makes it easier for her to talk.
“Yes. I don’t even bother locking it. Locks never stopped him before.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
She puts a hand on my arm.
“Please don’t kill him. I want him to go away, but I don’t want to feel like I bought a hit on him just so I can hide in my nice new life.”
“I’ll do my best, but some people, they just don’t listen.”
“Please.”
She sounds genuinely torn up asking me. What am I supposed to say to that?
“Okay.”
She turns and hugs me. Talking about Hell and now the admission. It’s been hard on her. I think she’s crying. She sniffles a little.
“Don’t wipe your nose on my coat.”
She laughs once.
“Eugène said you would say yes, but I wasn’t sure.”
A cream-colored Lexus has driven past us twice. Now it stops. The guy who gets out has a haircut that costs as much as an appendectomy. He’s wearing rimless glasses and a sharp but conservative blue suit. He could be an investment banker.
“Mr. Stark. Would you mind taking a ride with me?”
Allegra steps away. I shake my head.
“I’m with a friend.”
He gestures at her.
“She can come too, if you like.”
“Nice car, but we’re fine right here. I’d invite you in for a drink, but I don’t think this is your kind of place.”
The Banker smiles and comes around to our side of the car.
“This isn’t anything sinister. It’s just a meeting to talk about possible employment.”
“With who?”
“Norris Quay.”
“Who’s that?”
“The richest man in California.”
“Never heard of him.”
“Exactly.”
I turn to Allegra.
“Do you want to get in the nice man’s car? He says he has candy and a puppy.”
