The smile was back on Tunney’s face. “You know it’s hard to murder someone these days. I mean, I know you know that, given your job. But it’s not impossible. No, it’s not impossible at all. All it really takes is patience, and time, and silence. So let me assure you, Mr. Valdez. I am patient. I have time. And I am very good at silence.”

“I thought there wasn’t going to be any threatening.”

“I don’t see that as a threat. I am simply listing personal attributes. So. Do we have a deal?”

“Is the information good? I mean, look at what you’re asking from me. If what you’re giving is fortune cookie quality, we’re both going to be unhappy with what happens. I can’t actually stop the Chicago PD from investigating your father, you know. The only way this works is if you can give me something that lets us find Jimmy, fast.”

“It’s good information. If you’re smart.”

“Define ‘smart.’”

“Let’s hope it’s defined as ‘what you are,’ Mr. Valdez.”

“We have a deal.”

Tunney smiled. “Very good.” He stood up.

“Where are you going?” I asked.

“I have other appointments this evening,” Tunney said. He pointed to the men who had brought me to the building. “These two will fill you in on the details.”

“Fine.”

“You’ll need to wait about fifteen minutes before you can go home. I hope you understand.”

“I get it.”

“Thank you.” Tunney held out his hand. I shook it. “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Valdez.” He slapped my shoulder with a hand and was off.

Fifteen minutes later I turned to the flunkies who brought me to the meeting. “Okay, it’s been fifteen minutes. What are the details?”

“The information you were promised is waiting for you at home,” one of them said to me. It was the one who pulled the gun on me in the first place. “Along with your phone, keys and wallet.”

“You guys broke into my apartment? Jesus.”

“They wouldn’t break in,” the second one said. “They had your keys.”

“Right. Silly me. Fine. Then I’m going home.”

“About that,” the first one said.

“What?”

“You can’t be seen going out of the building.”

“Why not? Your boss already left.”

“Right, but he was probably trailed to the building. Now someone’s probably waiting to see who else comes out of it. When you come out, they’ll want to know what you were talking about.”

“I’m working for the cops.”

“All the more reason, sir.”

“Well, then how do you suggest I get home?”

The first one drew his gun.