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“The FBI? The case is settled.”
“That’s what I told him. Then I hung up.”
Joe shook his head. “He’s looking for a payoff. The guy’s a mercenary if I ever met one.”
“Then why call me? I don’t have anything.”
“Maybe he got wind of our offer.”
“How would he be able to do that?”
“I have no idea, but I think I’ll have those PIs, Mills and Johnson, check out our houses just in case. They’re expensive but worth every penny. They can check your place too.”
“You don’t need to. Especially if we’re moving.”
“Why don’t you just meet with him?” Melanie asked.
“Because he’s just looking for cash,” Joe said.
“You’re most likely right,” she said, “but what if he actually has some information? Couldn’t he ask for cash over the phone?”
“Good point,” Bryce said, “and he’s got to know I don’t have any money.”
“I don’t buy it,” Joe said. “He’s up to something.”
“If he is,” Melanie said, “don’t you think it’s better that we know exactly what he’s up to? You and Bryce could meet him together. Take Rosie with you.”
I laughed. Rosie was Joe’s Glock 23 that was almost always strapped to his ankle.
“Not a bad idea, actually,” I said. “My first instinct was to ignore him, but I have to admit I’m curious.”
“I don’t trust the man,” Joe said.
“I know that. With good reason.” I took a sip of my bourbon. “I don’t trust him either, but if he’s right, and the Feds are still watching all of us, we need to know why.”
“He’s bluffing,” Joe said.
“Then let’s call him on it,” I said.
Before Joe could answer, the server popped by to take our dessert and coffee orders. Once we’d ordered, I said, “Excuse me for a minute. I’ll go out into the lobby and return his call. I’ll see if I can get anything out of him.”
“You sure?” Joe asked.
“Yeah. Your lovely wife convinced me.” I smiled and stood.
Once I found a quiet corner in the lobby, I returned the call.
“Ted Morse.”
“Bryce Simpson returning your call,” I said curtly.
“Change your mind about meeting me?”
“I did. Tell me where and when, and I’ll be there.”
“Let’s get one thing straight. I’ll be talking to you and only you. Don’t bring any brawn with you.”
I was a little offended. He didn’t consider me brawn? I could take him out with a look. “Brawn? You mean the Steels?”
