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“You think you can figure out what happened to him?” He exhaled a rattling breath. “I’m dying. I’d like to know. Maybe see him, if he’s still alive.”
“I can try,” Finley said. “His trail is thirteen years cold. It won’t be easy.”
“You find him or whatever happened to him,” Johnson said, “and I will donate ten million dollars to that campaign of yours.”
A tight laugh burst out of Finley. Talk about an unexpected shock. “Sir, I’m not looking for donations. I haven’t even officially—”
“That’s not the way I hear it.”
“I appreciate the offer,” Finley said, “but I’m reasonably sure that would be a conflict of interest, under the circumstances.”
Johnson shrugged. “We can discuss all that when you find him.”
Finley smiled and left it at that.
“I worry Ray might have run him off,” the elder Johnson went on. “He never wanted a little brother. He was nine before we had Ian. He’d been the only child all that time, so he didn’t take the new arrival well.”
A thought occurred to Finley. “I’ll make a deal with you, Mr.Johnson,” she said.
His expression perked up in anticipation.
“You tell me everything you know about what happened to Lucy Cagle, and I will find out everything there is to be found about your younger son.”
His eyes narrowed. “What makes you think I know one thing about that girl?”
“You don’t need me to spell it out for you. There’s a reason the handbag belonging to Lucy Cagle ended up in one of your warehouses. These things don’t happen without a reason. And I have my doubts as to whether they would happen on your property without your knowledge.”
Something like anger sparked in his eyes. “You work for me, MissSass Mouth. Keep that in mind when you speak to me.”
“I don’t work for you, Mr.Johnson. I work for Jack.” Finley enjoyed saying as much, maybe more than she should have. But he’d started it. “If you want my help, you will keep that in mind as we move forward. Assuming we do.”
The stare-off lasted a full five seconds; then he burst out laughing. “Damn, Jack, she’s got your spunk for sure.” The laughter died instantly. “Find out about my son,” he said, “and I’ll make sure you get everything you need.”
Finley didn’t care for the hint of malice she heard behind his words.
“Raymond,” Jack said, “I have a concern that may or may not involve you or Ray.”
Johnson turned to him. “If he’s giving you trouble, I can fix that.”
Jack shook his head. “It’s not trouble just yet, and we aren’t sure where it’s coming from, but someone has been following Finley. Dark sedan. Guy wearing a dark hoodie and sunglasses.”
Johnson turned back to Finley. “Is there some reason I should have someone following you?”
“If you feel the need to have someone following me,” she countered, “you should fire our firm right now. Trust is everything, Mr.Johnson.”
The old man considered her ultimatum, then said, “I have no one following you. Ray!” He shouted only the once for his son before he came into the room.
Finley imagined Ray had been standing outside the door with his ear pressed there.
“What’s up?” He looked from Finley to Jack before resting his gaze on his father.
“Do you have someone following Ms.O’Sullivan?”
Ray chuckled. “I told her already that I do not.” He turned to Finley. “If we decide to hire someone to follow her, I’d like to volunteer for the job.”
Finley rolled her eyes. She described the guy and the car to their client.
“We do not,” he repeated, “have anyone following you. I can make that happen if you feel you need some extra security.”
