“Meaning?” Kasabian shot back.

Lester got it. “Meaning she’s over at the courthouse replacing the missing files. Correcting the record. Breaking up the paper trail.”

Ted stabbed another dumpling. “Covering her ass.”

“And Nicky knows this how?” Duran asked.

“He doesn’t have to, Detective,” Ted said. “He’s a predator. A cat doesn’t know why the mouse runs along the base of the wall, but he knows it will. Stavros isn’t smart—he’s cunning. He’s here because he knows one thing: Jackie was here before, and she will be again. And then he’ll pounce.”

-75-

-75-

Sutphin Boulevard was lined with storefronts providing legal services, meeting rooms, and food that could be prepared and consumed in the time allotted by an impatient judge. There had to be a dozen or more spots where a would-be assassin could watch for his victim.

“So he’s getting a slice or a cup of coffee and watching the street. Just like us,” Kasabian said, his eyes sweeping the street again.

Duran alone was a skeptic. He was staring fixedly at Ted, arms crossed over his chest. “This is all conjecture. The guy has to know he’s made himself famous. He’s running. And this lawyer lady could be anywhere. Maybe she’s in the wind, too.”

“Molloy knows these people,” Kasabian said, with a nod in Ted’s direction.

Ted appreciated the surprising support and so did not disagree, but there was always a hidden price to be paid for that cop’s assistance.

Duran looked out onto the street. Seconds passed before he spoke. “Fine. We need backup. We need someone in the courthouse to find Clavette and warn her.”

Ted agreed. “Inside the courthouse is the safest place to be. I can’t go, because Nicky knows me. And he’ll pick you two out for cops from a hundred yards away.”

“She’ll bolt,” Kasabian said. “We want her, too.”

And there it was. The price. Ted wanted Richie’s killer. Kasabian wanted it all.

Ted looked to Duran. If Ted could sell him on letting Jackie go, Kasabian would have no choice but to go along. “You don’t need her. She’s no danger to anyone. If you try to be too clever, someone’s going to get hurt.” How much was his promise to Jill influencing him? Jackie deserved punishment. What responsibility did he have to see her brought to justice? Did keeping Jackie safe mean keeping her free? One question at a time, he thought. Keeping her alive was first priority. “For the moment, can we settle for getting a serial murderer off the streets?”

Duran gave his partner a quick look. “He’s right. We can’t even call for backup until we know Nikitopoulos is really here, and by that time it will be too late. We keep it small, and we keep it simple. We get the Reisner shooter.”

“And Richie Rubiano’s killer,” Ted said.