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“And I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”
“You’re afraid he’ll reject you. Easier not to face that fear, right?” She squeezes my arm. “I’ll be by your side the whole time. Call him.”
I take a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “I’ll think about it, okay?”
“That’ll do for me.”
I walk away. I think I’m heading for the bank, but my feet find their own way home. When I get there, I rummage in my desk drawer, finding Imelda’s business card. I type the number into my phone, telling myself I don’t have to call it. I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to.
Just because Maddy made that big speech doesn’t mean I have to speak to Jack. Even if I get his number, I still don’t need to call him.
I hit dial and wait. The phone connects after a couple of seconds. “Miss Marino,” Imelda says. “I thought I might hear from you today.”
“Do you know about this?”
“I assume you’re referring to the money deposited in your bank account. I admit I had a hand in ensuring that took place. Jack wanted it all to go to charity on your behalf, but I took a slice and gave it straight to you.”
“Why?”
“Because you haven’t been in touch yet and I wanted to force your hand. How’s it feel being in limbo?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You and Jack are so similar. It’s like you’re the same person. Neither of you seems able to see what’s right in front of your face. Can’t you see it?”
“See what?”
“How perfect you are for each other. He insists you want him to stay away. You keep telling yourself you’re better off without him. Sometimes stubborn people need a little nudge to get them moving. Consider this your nudge.”
“You put the money in my account. You should take it away again.”
“Could do a lot of good with it.”
“Take it back.”
“Why would I do that?”
“Because if you don’t, I’ll go to the authorities and tell them all about you. I don’t want blood money.”
“I might have to kill you if you talk.”
“And Jack will kill you for doing it. We can both play this game.”
“You think Jack will care about the fate of a snitch? He left you, remember?”
“He’d come for you. Get him to take the money back or you take it back. I don’t care. I’ll give you twenty-four hours before I tell the entire world about you and your precious little organization.”
“You sure you want to play the game this way?”
“You forced my hand. Could have left me alone, but you pissed me off. I don’t want the money. I want to be left alone. You’ve got until tomorrow or I go to the Feds. Goodbye.”
20
Ilook out the window at the mountains far below. Passing over the Alps. Everything looks so small from high in the air, so insignificant.
Somewhere down there Imelda’s skiing right now. I’m guessing she hasn’t got a care in the world, not since she gave me this last assignment.
One last assignment. Out of retirement for this? It’s got to be done.
