Munson nodded like he believed it, then stared at me.

We're busting our asses to make this case, but right now our biggest problem is you, asking around at Leverage, scaring the shit out of the Casik girl, getting Alan Levy worked up

I raised my palms, stopping him.

Waitaminute. How did I scare Ivy Casik?

Marx scowled at me.

That's why I hate goddamned private operators like you you don't know how to handle yourself.

I looked at Bastilla.

What's this about, Bastilla? Did you find her?

I didn't have to find her. She called. She wanted to file a complaint against you.

For what?

She said you accused her of being a drug dealer.

I asked if she picked up the oxys for Byrd.

She heard it as a threat.

What did she say about the reporter?

There wasn't a reporter, you dipshit. She made it up to get rid of you. Then she got worried she might get into trouble, so she called us to straighten it out.

I flashed on Ivy Casik. I wondered if Levy had found her and if she had told him the same thing. Then Bastilla put the last of the files in the box and stacked the murder books on top.

That's everything, Chief.

Marx nodded, then studied me again. His brow was so deeply furrowed it looked like rows of midwestern corn.

So what are you going to do? Can we get some cooperation here?

I glanced at Pike, and Pike nodded.

I don't like it, but I understand what you're trying to do. I'm not going to sit out the game, Marx, but I won't spoil the play. I'm better than that.

We'll see.

Marx put out his hand. The gesture surprised me, and maybe I hesitated too long, but I took it. He left without saying anything else, then Munson followed with the files. Bastilla was trailing after Munson when I stopped her at the door.

When you bust Wilts, everything about the chief's prior relationship with him is going to come out. It isn't lost on me that he knows that.

She arched her eyebrows, and it was as cool a move as anything I had ever seen.

How nice for you, Cole.

We listened to them drive away, then I went to the phone and called Alan Levy. Jacob answered again.

Sorry, Mr. Cole, he isn't in. Would you like to leave another message?

This would be easier if you gave me his cell.

Jacob wouldn't give me the cell, but he promised to page Alan and then hung up.

I put down the phone and turned to Pike.

Let's go see Ivy. If I scared her, wait 'til she sees you.

You don't think she lied?

I think she's lying to someone. The question is who.

We were moving for the door when Alan Levy returned my call. Jacob had come through with the page.

Chapter 36