“On the other hand,” Ted said, “those guys seem to be incredibly well-informed about our interests. Suppose that’s her role.”

“Hold that thought,” Kenzie said. “Two, she’s playing her own game. Somehow she’s keeping the Russians at bay with promises, lies, or distraction.”

“Dangerous,” Ted said.

Lester nodded again. “Those guys would break your arms for trying to cheat them out of the change on a cup of coffee.”

“Which brings me to number three,” Kenzie said. “She’s protected. There’s some Mr. Big pulling strings. Someone who can tell the Russians to back off. Someone who knows about the money and just doesn’t care because he’s focused on the bigger payoff.”

“Reisner,” Lester said.

“Or some higher-up at Corona Partners,” Ted said. “Or a politician or banker with pull. Someone senior who they’d all listen to.”

Or someone who cared more about Jackie’s well-being than about the money.

They discussed the setup for the next day until Lester’s discomfort became obvious. He was in pain. He reluctantly took a pill, and they sat silently until he fell asleep.

“Why is he doing this?” Kenzie asked when Lester’s breathing indicated he was deep in dreamland.

Ted wanted an answer to that question also. “I’ll ask him that someday.”

“They messed him up.”

“Why him? Why not me? Is that what you’re asking?”

“No, but that’s another good question.”

“I don’t know,” he said.

“You dragged him into this.”

“Not exactly. Is it my fault he got beat up? Do I feel responsible? Is that your point?”

“No. I’m concerned that you might be feeling that way . . .”

It came down to trust. Ted had had suspicions when Lester first appeared. They had not entirely gone away. Now the two of them were bonded by the Russians’ assaults, and the questions had become moot.

“If I thought he needed an apology, I’d give it to him. We’re good.”

She nodded once; she understood.

“I need a walk.” Kenzie said. “I’ll go nuts sitting here.”

“Go,” Ted said. “I’m still in hiding until tomorrow.” And he found he was exhausted. He cradled his arms on the desk and rested his head. “Wake me when you’re back.”

“I’ll find us some dinner,” she said.

He was asleep before Kenzie made it out the door.

Dinner was takeout from the Polish deli down the block. Lester managed a bowl of mushroom soup and an order of mashed potatoes. Kenzie and Ted finished off a platter of pierogi. A black-eyed old woman who muttered angrily to herself delivered blankets but didn’t stay long. The priest kept his distance. Ted and Lester were potentially toxic.

“You’ll have to sleep on pews, but you’ll be safe here,” Kenzie said.

“Do you snore?” Lester asked.

“My ex never mentioned it,” Ted said.

“Well, I’ll tell you tomorrow,” Lester said.

“I’m afraid to ask.”