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“But you don’t want the them” A corner of Rich’sto me to bail you out”
Derek blew out a breath “It’s a lot to ask, I know And believe me, I’d do itintervieith the my hand In your case, it’s different You’re not focused on Asian organized crime; you’re focused on an art crime they’re smack in the middle of All of the and atte than an apartment break-in You can capitalize on that fear Call and say that since all the violence is obviously tied to the Rothberg, you’re worried for the safety of everyto protect theet the bad guys Ask them to help you fill in holes on the provenance of both the fake and the authentic Rothberg Or ask for their help in piecing together soht the painting from—I’m not particular
about the reason you provide But I need your instincts, and your skill at getting people to let things slip they never intended to say”
“I appreciate the co to require some fancy footwork to pull off”
“It’s not a compliment; it’s a fact If anyone can lanced at the files piled on Rich’s desk “I realize how time-stressed you are, and how intricate this case is you’re working on”
“True” Rich’s deadpan expression never changed “Which means that if I help you, you’ll owe me one”
“Name it”
“Steaks and beer And a cigar, if I’m successful My steakhouse choice Your credit card”
“Done” Derek flashed hirin “With pleasure”
“Don’t say that When it comes to steak, I eat like a horse You’ll be broke for a month”
“I’ll risk it”
Rich was still chuckling when his phone rang He leaned forward and scooped up the receiver, putting it to his ear “Major Theft Willia up a pad and pen and scribbling soet the rest when I get there Where should weup, jurabbed his jacket all at the saallery in the Hamptons was just hit,” he told Derek “No one was killed, but the MO sounds like it uys who hit the Campbells’ place Sorry, Derek, the calls to Burbank’s partners will have to wait I’m out of here”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Leo Fox had enjoyed a variety of women in his life He wasn’t the type to settle down There was too much excitement in the discovery and exploration of fresh relationships New faces, new interests, new sex To co all the colors of the rainbow for the inable
Until the May before last, when he’d met Amalie