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“There was a little interest in a movie, but that died down.”
“That’s not what I mean. You’ve moved and there’s someone else’s name on the doorbell.”
“Well, yeah, there were some threats. Nothing that I’d call credible.”
“Have you gotten threats here?”
“No. At my old place.”
“What kind of threats?”
“Phone calls, mostly.”
“What did they say?”
“That I needed to mind my own business. Stuff like that. I heard from a source in Chicago that Deanna Hansen wasn’t happy about the book. But what can she do about it? She claims she’s gone legit and that’s what I put in the book. If I end up dead no one will believe she’s left the Outfit.”
“I don’t think anyone believes that in the first place. She may not have as much to lose as you think.”
The color went out of his face.
“And…”
“And what?”
“The FBI may be investigating her.”
It was not a fun thing to hear, but I tried staying calm so I could think. “That can’t have anything to do with what you wrote. The statute of limitations is five years. Nothing in the book can be prosecuted.”
“Except, they’re looking at conspiracy, conspiracy to protect Jimmy’s assets from seizure. They’re arguing that it’s an ongoing conspiracy. They’ve been to court about it several times.”
“Are you saying Operation Tea & Crumpets is still alive?”
“Basically, yes.”
That was a lot to take in. If they figured out I was alive, they’d want me as a witness. That meant there might be someone else after me. Someone I hadn’t even thought of.
“A couple of phone threats. Is that all?”
“I don’t know. Weird things were happening. Some of my friends said a woman was asking about me. My editor got mugged in New York. My mail was stolen a couple of times, but I don’t think that has anything to do with the book.”
I wasn’t as sure.
“Tell me about the woman.”
He shrugged. “I didn’t talk to her, so I don’t know anything about her.”
“Call your friends and find out.”
“Now?”
“Soon. Call me and tell what you find out.”
“And if I don’t want to do that?”
“I’ll punch you in the nose again.”
He pulled the paper towels away from his nose to see if it had stopped bleeding. They went right back on.
