Page 120 (1/2)

"In other words, you want me to stick it to hi personal at stake We’re setting the record straight If you want us to put copies in the mail to him, ill"

"I’ll take care of it"

He reached into the inner pocket of his sport coat and took out a checkbook and pen "We’re assu he didn’t have the money to pay for your services"

"Which is another reason we’re here," Diana said "I have no idea how oose chase, but we’re prepared to cover what he owes"

Ryan leaned forward to use the desk in writing the check

"Michael’s paid in full"

Diana’s smile flickered "Really? I find that hard to believe"

"Life is a barrel of surprises, Diana Was there anything else?"

Ryan put the checkbook away and the two exchanged a look, apparently at a loss as to what should coe about Michael and his tenuous hold on the truth, but I’d have cut ave them the satisfaction Their departure ard, hard-pressed as they were to detach therace I didn’t offer to escort them to the door, but I did trail after the pleasantries

Once they were gone I locked the door and returned to my desk, where I sat and stewed for the better part of an hour

27