Page 121 of Smoke Screen
“Hey, buddy, don’t pooh-pooh it. You’d make connections for BARS while convincing the Senator Blakelys of the world to pass whatever bill Kayla is pushing. It’s a win-win.”
He swiveled to face her. “You know, you might be on to something there.”
“There’s no might about it. I’m definitely on to something.”
Before he could respond, his phone rattled against the counter. Of course. Just when he wanted a second to process Maddy’s not-so-crazy idea, his phone interrupts. He glanced at the screen—hello—and tapped.
“Rory, what can I do for you?”
24
Phin heldthe phone to his ear and stared straight ahead, not even glancing at Maddy. He didn’t need the distraction of whatever that citrusy scent of her shampoo was. All he knew was he liked it.
“Hey,” Rory said. “Got a lead for you.”
A lead. Excellent. “I’m listening.”
“I received a call early this morning. A contact of mine is in touch with someone who knows where the Thompson jewels are. Including the queen’s collection.”
Now he needed privacy. Yes, they’d just had a blowout over him not sharing, but this?
Not only was it BARS business, she might get her hopes up, and this situation was already emotionally charged. He didn’t need to light a match next to it.
He swiveled, got to his feet, and squeezed Maddy’s arm. “I need to take this outside.”
“No problem,” she said, her voice a tad too chirpy, but they’d agreed to meet halfway.
With BARS, this was halfway.
He strode to the back door and stepped outside into the late morning heat and humidity that doused him.
A bird swooped low, darting by him, heading for the cover of distant trees. With this heat, who could blame him?
“If I’m understanding,” he said into his phone, “you’ve got a guy who has a guy. How are we supposed to vet this?”
“You trust me, that’s how.”
Good luck there, pal.Interesting timing since he’d just had the big trust convo with Maddy. “No offense, Rory. I don’t trust anyone.”
Except, apparently, Maddy. Her he trusted. Phinny, Phinny, Phinny.Focus.
“I’ve got proof,” Rory said.
“What kind?”
“Brendan Eckert.”
Phin stared off into the thick trees where his bird friend had disappeared.
Brendan Eckert. The name of the guy who got blown away on the street yesterday hadn’t been released yet. The only reason Phin knew was Ash.
If Rory knew, someone who knew Eckert must have told him.
“Brendan Eckert?”
Playing dumb sometimes netted excellent returns. Plus, he’d learned long ago that people like Rory need to hear themselves talk. Call it ego, call it needing to fill space, call it whatever, as long as Phin got what he wanted.
“Yes,” Rory said. “I’m sure you know him, given he died right in front of you. My contact works for the Veras. He was part of the original job. Brendan Eckert went rogue. You know that since he was trying to make a deal with you. Vera found out about it and … Well, you were there and don’t need the details.”
