Page 155 of What Started In Deception

Ty sat next to Nick in the downtown Airbnb, talking with Danny via conference call at the small kitchen table. Over the last ninety minutes, he’d rehashed the pertinent points of his last three weeks in Shoalmans Bay, telling and retelling his co-workers the information that Will had shared with him today.

“So, you feel like he was being straight with you?” Danny asked from his desk at FBI Headquarters.

Ty nodded. “Without a doubt. The guy’s stressed out to the max. He’s at his breaking point. He’s out of money, his wife just packed up the kids and left, and he’s terrified about exposing his family to the mess he’s made. He’s fully aware that the backlash of this getting out could destroy his father’s career.”

“And you feel confident that the senator knows nothing about any of this?”

He nodded again. “Absolutely. As I’ve mentioned, Will had no idea that Richard Russo had ties to organized crime until last night. And that makes sense. If Will and the senator knew who Russo was, I have a hard time believing that Will would’ve been meeting with him in public, and they never would’ve allowed Russo to donate to their nonprofit with a personal check. As it is, there will be questions about the donation if James does throw his hat into the ring for the presidency. His opponents and the media will be looking for any ammunition they can find to bring question to his character.”

Danny blew out a breath. “Okay. Let me make some phone calls and talk to the powers that be. Sit tight, and I’ll get back to you guys.”

Ty nodded as Nick ended the call, struggling not to get up and pace in the small space. Undercover ops tended to be a roller-coaster ride. They had their highs and their lows, but when things fell into place, they moved fast.

He stood from his chair because he couldn’t stay still, heading over to the fridge. “Do you mind if I grab a bottled water?”

Nick shook his head. “Not at all.”

Ty opened the fridge. “Do you want one?”

Nick shook his head again. “I’m all set.”

Ty grabbed one, not at all interested in his drink as he set it on the counter in the tiny galley space.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, he opened the text app, selecting Lydia’s stunning face. He wanted to check in—to tell her something after leaving so abruptly, but at this point, there was nothing to say. Will had spilled the beans, but they were a long way from any sort of resolution.

Clenching his jaw, he shoved his phone back, realizing that Nick was studying him. “What’s up?”

Nick shrugged. “Nothing. I guess I’m just wondering how you’re doing with all of this?”

Ty shrugged now, not planning to say a damn thing about much of anything, especially after his co-workers had questioned where his loyalties lie mere hours ago. “It sounds like Will’s made a big mess for himself.”

“What does Lydia think about that?”

“I haven’t said anything to her. Will told me what he told me, and I headed over here.”

Nick nodded.

Ty grabbed the bottle of water and moved to the sliding glass door, staring out at another view of the Atlantic from the third floor.

“Do you want me to order us a pizza?”

Ty nodded. “Sure. Why not?” But mostly, he just wanted Danny to get back to them.

“Do you want anything in particular on it?”

Ty shook his head. “I’m pretty easy.”

“I’ll get us a large classic. It seems like it has a little bit of everything.”

“Sounds good.”

Nick placed the online order as Ty stepped out onto the tiny balcony, breathing in the ocean air.

Several agonizing minutes later, the computer alerted them to an incoming call.

Ty moved back to his spot next to Nick as Nick answered. “So, what’s up?”

“I talked to our guy at the DOJ. He’s comfortable with Ty’s findings.”