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“I came here to see if I could help bring this thing to a conclusion. A mutually beneficial conclusion.”
“Why do I need you to do that?”
Okay, that was a bit predictable, she thought.But then, don’t underestimate him, either.
“Maybe you don’t. You have lots of resources. You might be close to finding the money already. If so, I’ll just go. No harm done.”
She started to rise until he lifted a hand, which seemed to have the power to force her to sit back down.
“He paid five million for Stormfield. Did you know he was living there?”
He gave another slight incline of the head.
“That money will be going to the government. The funds used to purchase the estate are mob connected, at least the government will see it that way. But if you knew he was nearby, why didn’t you—”
“Why do you think I came here and built this place, Ms. Peters?”
“Enemies closer. Was it worth it for the geographical proximity?”
“Not just him.”
She nodded slowly. “Your father is also nearby.”
“As to Pottinger, he alsomadecertain people a lot of money. He had talents for both making it and then hiding it from the government. It created in him a certain value, at least to some people.”
“So he was a good partner to these ‘people’?”
“Apparently so. Until he turned into a bad one.”
“But again, if that happened and he was right here…?”
“Just because someone has a home doesn’t mean they’re in it. As a matter of fact, he was hardly ever there. I took pains to know that. And so we had really no opportunities to…chat about matters. But after his mob racket, I suppose he got in the habit of biting the hand that fed him.”
“Well, he finally came back here. If only to die.”
“Ideas on that?” asked Trask.
“Several. But we need to conclude some business first.”
He spread his hands. “I’m listening.”
“In the way of a finder’s fee.”
“How much?”
“Fifteen percent.”
“Five.”
“Twelve and a half?”
“Five.”
“Ten?”
“Five. It’s a big number. You won’t know how to spend it all. Or maybe live long enough to.”
“You had me right up until that point. It sort of dilutes the incentive.”
