Page 26 of Jael

“I can neither confirm nor deny.”

“You used to be one of the best guys my dad had. Prison time has made you sloppy. Which shouldn’t surprise me.”

“Maybe I wasn’t trying very hard.”

“Maybe I don’t believe you.” She raised an eyebrow.

“You want to have a seat? We may as well have a chat.”

Her fingernails drummed on the roof where she’d anchored her hand. “That’s what you wanted this whole time, isn’t it? You knew I wouldn’t give you the time of day without feeling threatened.”

“Oh, come on. You don’t feel threatened. And if all I wanted was to talk to you, I would have asked.”

“Then why are you following me?”

“It’s complicated.”

“It’s my dad, isn’t it?” She slid into the car and closed the door. “He’s the one who sent you. You asked him for work and he gave it to you.”

“He’s worried you’re involved in something nefarious.”

She laughed. “Is that what he told you?”

“You don’t believe him?”

“I thought you knew him better than that. He said what he had to in order to get what he wanted. You saidyou’dchanged, buthehasn’t.”

“He’s not involved in organized crime anymore.”

“His activities have changed, not him.”

“Still,” Danny said. “It must be a relief to be out of that life.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You never liked it. I could tell.”

“Don’t pretend you knew what was going on inside my head. You don’t get to do that.”

“Sorry,” he looked down at his hands. “You’re right.”

She could see she’d cut him deep. Good. “So what is it you want?”

“Your dad said he’s concerned about how much of your life the foundation is taking up.”

“That is true. He is concerned. At least he was honest about that. And your job is to…what?”

“Find out what’s really going on.”

“And if you find nothing, he’ll accept that and pay you so you can go on your merry way?”

“I can set his mind at ease if everything is operating to a high standard.”

“You mean to my father’s standard.”

“If everything is legitimate, it shouldn’t matter.”

“My father will do whatever it takes to shut me down. I’m so glad you’re back and happy to oblige.”

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