Page 96 of A Very Daddy Christmas

“You’re trespassing!” Orson snarls.

“Actually, we heard noises,” I say. “The kind of noises that worried us. We feared for the life and safety of those inside the house. And since Sheriff Foreman deputized us, we felt it was our duty to come in and find out if any of the inhabitants were in immediate danger.”

“There is no danger here!” the blonde shrieks.

Waylan shakes his head slowly. “Yeah, you can say that again. What were you planning to do with that flaccid thing, anyway?”he asks, addressing St. James with a grin.

“Hold on, who deputized you?” Orson croaks, finally catching up.

“Sheriff Foreman. So we are well within our legal obligation here,” I say, half-smiling. “And who might you be, miss?” I ask, turning to the blonde. “Because I’ve seen Mrs. St. James, and you most definitely are not her.”

Silence falls over the room. The most awkward kind, drenched in shame and guilt as Orson and his call girl exchange nervous glances. This is it. The weak spot we’d been hoping for, waiting for.

“What will the parishioners say about this?” I ask in an innocent tone.

“Does the missus know?” Waylan adds, equally satisfied with the situation.

Riggs takes a deep breath. “Do you and Mrs. St. James have some kind of arrangement in place? And if so, do the folks at church know about it? Last I recall, you were pretty vocal against soliciting the services of ladies of the night.”

“Ladies of the night?” the blonde mumbles, slightly out of her league.

“Hookers, babe,” Waylan replies bluntly.

“I am not a hooker! Orson and I are close friends!”

“Oh, that’s what you’re going with. I was thinking more along the lines of adultery. Because what we just walked in on did not look like Bible study.”

“What the hell do you want?” Orson lets a heavy sigh out, his shoulders dropping in defeat. Frankly, I’m not surprised it took so little to break him.

“We want to know everything about you, Hamilton, and your connection to Denaro,” I say to Orson. “Most importantly, we want to know where Denaro might’ve taken Cora.”

“You have no proof Denaro has Cora,” Orson replies.

Waylan takes out his phone and plays the recording of Orson’s conversation with Hamilton. I watch as the color drains from Orson’s face as he realizes precisely how deep he’s fallen into this sea of crap, and how quickly he’s about to sink further unless he starts talking.

However, he seems a bit hesitant, so I must give him some encouragement.

“Think about it this way,” I tell him. “Denaro barely has enough cash flow for a handful of goons and hitmen. And not the elite kind, either. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here. He’s a clown. I don’t know how he got you and Hamilton dancing to his tune, but it’s time for you to cover your ass, Mr. St. James. Because the jig is up, and it’s only a matter of time before the long arm of the law reaches you. Trust me, you should be more afraid of us than Denaro.”

“He’ll kill me,” Orson mumbles, dread twinkling in his wide eyes.

“It’s nothing compared to what we’ll do to you if something happens to Cora,” Waylan politely interjects. “Denaro won’t get to you in time.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Mr. St. James, as we’ve told you before, we are not the kind of men who make threats. We take action. It’s up to you whether you wish to be on the receiving end of said action or not. All you have to do is tell the truth. I’m sure the DA will give you a good deal if you cooperate. Especially if Cora is returned alive and unharmed.”

Orson takes a moment to think about it.

“There’s also witness protection,” I add in a bid to sweeten the deal.

“I hear they do great relocation services in Boca,” Riggs says, holding back a laugh.

“And even if you manage to keep your mouth shut once you’re in custody, rest assured someone will let slip to Denaro that you ratted him out,” Waylan says.

That’s the final blow. Orson gives him a terrified look. “No.”

“Oh, yes,” I reply. “You only have one chance to save yourself, Mr. St. James. It’s with us. Now. There’s no way out, I’m afraid.”

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