Chapters (84)
Krushnik and Co. is still getting work, but increasingly money seems to be paid out to Stevie Warsame more than anyone else. Brazuca hasn’t worked for the firm in a month. Leo barely answers his emails. There have been several inquiries for services that he’s left unread. As I suspected, things aren’t looking good. I shut down Leo’s computer.
I can’t help but think about why I lied to Brazuca tonight. I was right. His nerves are shot because he’s scared. I could see it in the car when he thought we had a tail. I could see it tonight when I let him into Leo’s apartment. Brazuca is terrified, but his concern is not for himself. I told him the wrong time for my meeting with Nolan because I can’t afford to have his fear clouding what I know I have to do. I can’t have it laid bare tomorrow night in front of Peter Vidal, our only real lead.
It’s for the best, really, but I still feel terrible about it.
18
Leo shows up to the office dressed in a blue suit and orange-patterned tie. His shirt is tight around the middle, but he wears it with such confidence that both me and Stevie Warsame take a moment to appreciate the transformation that has taken place. Two hours ago, he dropped off Whisper at the office looking like he’d spent the night drinking away his sorrows, which he had. Now look at the wonders a shower and beautiful suit can perform.
He beams at us. “Thanks for leaving Whisper with me last night, Nora. She woke me up this morning and we went for a walk by the sea. It was . . . it was exactly what I needed. I’m feeling so much better now.”
“You’re welcome,” I say, holding myself back from telling him exactly what’s on my mind. Which is how insulting it is that he’s lying to me, of all people. Stevie’s not fooled, either. He’s giving him a side eye he reserves for the people who try to bargain down his rates.
“Were you able to close up the town house okay?” I ask.
“Yes. It’s done. Finally. How’s the search going?”
I shrug. “A couple leads. Nothing solid yet.”
“I just have to clear some things from my desk and I’ll be right there with you.” He looks vulnerable, all of a sudden. “I’m glad you’re back, Nora. And even though you’re a pain in the butt—Seb always said so—you mean a lot to me.”
Is it getting hot in here? I pull at my collar, scratch an itch below my ear, look at a point over his shoulder.