Page 110 of Over the Edge

“I better. You owe me, Tony.”

“Not anymore. You’ve been bleeding me dry for three years.”

“It’s those speculative stocks that are killing you.”

“I only got into those because you and your fancy lawyer are soaking me for every penny you can get.” How had he lived with this sniping woman for fifteen years while she spent money like there was no tomorrow? And now she’d driven him to the verge of bankruptcy. Between the hit his practice had taken after the divorce, the obscene amount she’d been awarded in the settlement, and the increasing debt he wassinking into as he tried to maintain his lifestyle, he’d be flat broke in six months.

That’s why his plan had to succeed, despite last night’s blunder.

On the plus side, the police wouldn’t be able to trace the blood—as far as he knew.

“You never were good with money, Tony.”

“You were certainly good at spending it.” He bit back another retort. Getting into a shouting match would accomplish nothing. “This conversation is over.”

“Fine. It’s not a joy to talk to you, either. I’ll watch for the deposit on Monday.”

The line went dead.

Slowly he lowered the cell to his desk. Picked up the tepid bottle of water he’d sipped during Lindsey’s session. Forced himself to take a long pull. Adding dehydration to his woes would be foolish.

As soon as he psyched himself up, he’d call—

A knock sounded, and Anthony lifted his arm to swipe at his forehead again. Winced. “Yes?”

Margie cracked the door. “Sorry to interrupt. Anything else you’d like me to do before I leave for the day?”

“Find a cure for the flu?” May as well go with that diagnosis. It was convenient if not accurate.

She cocked her head. “I thought you looked a little green around the gills at lunchtime. You should go home and rest.”

“Next on my agenda. Could you contact my clients for tomorrow and reschedule them?”

“Of course. Do you mind if I do that from home? I have to pick up my daughter at ballet.”

“Fine by me. I’d rather you avoid any germs I’m spreading.” Not that there were any germs to spread.

“I won’t argue. The flu can knock you flat. Take care of yourself, and let me know how you’re doing in the morning.”

She closed the door behind her, and Anthony pulled out his burner phone. On to the next call. One that would require much more finesse than the last one. Difficult to manage if you weren’t in top form and were seething with anger, but it couldn’t be put off. Loose cannons had to be dealt with as fast as possible.

He punched in the number.

She answered on the third ring. “This is a surprise. I thought we were confining our communication to texts.”

“That was the plan. But this is an emergency. Let’s not use any names during our conversation.” He took a calming breath. “I heard about the car incident.”

Silence.

He waited.

“I suppose your client told you. Did you have a session today?”

“She left a few minutes ago.”

“I did tell you I was tired of waiting. And I miss you. We were supposed to be able to get together by now. Move on to the next part of our plan.”

“If we hadn’t had an unexpected complication, we’d already be there.”

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