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“I do what I do, and I’m good at it. I work for one of the most successful and prestigious studios in the industry. I have a staff of six who report to me, and I report directly to one of the icons of our business.”
“Did the icon ask you to lie for him, Valerie? Or for someone else?”
“I’ve given you my statement. I don’t have anything else to say.”
“That’s a ‘no comment’? You’re free to go, but I think we’re going to talk again. Really soon. Right now I have a media conference to prep for. Any advice?”
“Sarcastic bitchiness doesn’t go over well on camera.”
Eve smiled to herself as Valerie swept out of the room. “Interview end. I’m a sarcastic bitch.”
“No comment,” Peabody replied.
“And she’s a scared liar who doesn’t know whether to shit or spin. She’ll be dumping this on Steinburger asap. In fact, I’ll wager EDD’s going to get an earful before she gets all the way out of the building.”
“We may have put her head on the block, Dallas.”
“If he kills her, the upgrade and money only look more suspicious. We’d push at him for accessory, push the compensation as a bribe or payoff. He’s smarter to keep her alive, back up her version of the bonus and the need for bigger digs. But we’ll keep an eye on her.”
“How?”
Eve pulled out her ’link. “Dallas,” she said when Connie answered. “I need you to do something.”
“What do you need?”
“Contact Valerie, and tell her to meet you. I don’t care where, but I need you to keep her busy and with you or your husband for the rest of the day.”
“All right. Can I ask why?”
“You can ask, but I’m not going to tell you.”
“That’s annoying, but I could actually use some help this afternoon. The studio heads decree I should speak at K.T.’s memorial—and Mason should give the main eulogy. Between that and—well, I could use the help. When do you want me to send for her?”
“Now.”
“Now?”
“Now. And don’t tell anyone we spoke about this. I’ll be in touch later.”
“But—”
Eve clicked off, the better to avoid questions. “Valerie can’t say no to Connie—the vid star, the director’s wife. The memorial’s a lucky addition.”
“You trust her? Connie?”
“Trust is a strong word,” Eve considered, “but since she didn’t kill either of our vics, it’ll do for the moment.” She checked the time again. “Let’s go drop our bombshell on the unsuspecting public.”
She pulled out her communicator when it signaled. “Dallas.”
“Steinburger just took a tag from Xaviar,” Feeney told her. “She sounded a little out of sorts.”
“Is that so?”
“And she had uncomplimentary observations about you.”
“My feelings are hurt.”
“I’ll send a copy of the transmission to your files.”
