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“And if she tells?”
Lamont shrugged. “There are more Ashleys in the sea.”
Jackass frowned, worry creasing his brow. “Lamont, that... That doesn’t seem...” He hesitated. “Prudent.”
Lamont frowned back. “Of course it’s not prudent. I mean, we could sit here and do nothing and let that kid spill his guts. It would be a lot more damaging if he goes to the authorities—or, God forbid, the press—and tells his story. It’s far better if he dies before that can happen. Either way, if he’s dead, it’s just hearsay. No witness, no trial. So unless you have a better idea, we should use Ashley.”
Jackson narrowed his eyes. “And if she tells? Will you kill her, too?”
“Of course not.” Probably not. Not unless he didn’t have another choice. “She’s not going to figure it out. She’s good with organization and spreadsheets, but she’s not the brightest bulb in the chandelier.” Which was how he preferred his women. “And if she does, I’ll say she was mistaken. So? Unless you have a better idea?”
“No,” Jackson admitted. “I don’t.”
“Then I’ll get her to call Broussard first thing in the morning. Can your men follow him once we lure him out?”
“They can.”
“I want to be informed the moment they find Broussard’s hidey-hole. None of this ‘That’s all you need to know’ shit.”
Jackass inclined his head. “Agreed. If you’ll do the same. No more keeping secrets, like the whereabouts of eyewitnesses.”
Lamont nodded. “Fair enough.”
Except that he’d totally keep his own secrets. Jackass had been lying when he’d said that he wasn’t sure what he’d do with Xavier. Bringing him all the way to New Orleans—with a minivan full of people—still didn’t make sense.
Unless... Shit.
Unless he planned to double-cross me all along.Having a live eyewitness to the murder of a woman during Katrina, a murder that Rocky Hebert had initially reported, would be quite the feather in his partner’s cap. It would be easy for him to twist the story, to paint Lamont in the worst light. Once he’d accused Lamont, any allegation that Jackass had been involved would seem like a weak attempt at revenge.
Whether Jackass had sent his men to Paul Lott’s house to purposefully get information on Xavier or if it really had been a coincidence didn’t really matter. Jackass had been planning to take advantage of the situation.
At least now neither of them had the kid, so they still had reason to work together.
But afterward... Looks like I’ll be hiring more than a hit man from my list. I need eyes on Jackass’s men. Whoever they are.
“Thank you,” Lamont said, knowing that he sounded sincere. He’d practiced that tone over the years. It was damn near perfect. “I appreciate you helping me out of this mess.”
Jackass shrugged. “We all make mistakes. I’m just glad you’ve learned to wear a condom since then so we haven’t had to clean up any other pregnant mistresses.”
Lamont smiled tightly. Condescending asshole. Jackass hadn’t worn a condom with his mistress. At least I don’t have a bastard kid running around out there somewhere. “I promise. Shall we touch base tomorrow?”
“Sounds like a plan.” Jackass got up and straightened his suit coat. “I’ll let you get back to your list, Monty. I can show myself out.”
Lamont rose, pocketing the handgun in a move that he meant for his partner to see. No fucking way was he letting this viper walk through his home unattended. He’d probably plant a bug or something. If he hadn’t already. Fucking hell. “I’ll walk you. It’s only civilized, after all.”
