Page 98 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

Simon walked over, grabbed the man’s hair, and shoved him into a sitting position. The man’s face was bloodied and bruised, but there was something familiar about him to Dalton.

He was still trying to figure it out when Simon slapped the man’s face, and the man’s eyes opened.

Simon grinned. “Hello, Tristan.”

Realization hit Dalton. “That’s the guy from your gallery.”

“The very same,” Simon said. “Thank you for pointing him out to us.”

Dalton felt his throat constrict. Whatever he’d thought joining an art theft ring would involve, it hadn’t been something like this.

“You’re looking a little peaked,” Simon said. “Are you feeling all right?”

“I…it’s just…can’t you just talk to him.”

“I am going to talk to him.”

“I mean without…” He waved a hand at Tristan.

“Does a little violence make you feel uneasy?”

“I…”

“Sometimes a heavy hand is needed. You’re a partner now,remember? If you can’t take it, we can cancel our agreement and go back to a per job fee.”

Dalton almost said yes, but the thought of giving up all that cash was enough to stop him. “No. I was a little surprised, that’s all. It’s my first time. Sorry.”

“May I continue?”

“Of course. Sorry.”

Simon turned back to Tristan. “I understand you’ve been giving away my secrets.”

“No. I didn’t…say anything.” He spoke as if he had to push each word out.

“Phillip saw you with the woman.”

“I only went there…to tell her I didn’t…know anything…because…because I don’t.”

Tristan’s head started to droop. Simon grabbed his ear and pulled it back up, causing the kid to yelp in pain.

“I’m telling the truth. I didn’t…I didn’t…I—”

His eyes fluttered and his whole body fell forward, the rope the only thing keeping him from tumbling to the floor.

“Tristan,” Simon said.

When he didn’t respond, Simon pushed him up so that he flopped against the back of the chair.

“Tristan.” Simon slapped his face. “Tristan.” He did it again, but Tristan remained unconscious. Simon looked at Phillip, who stood near the door. “Did he tell you anything of use?”

“He gave me the same story he gave you.”

“Do you believe him?”

“He wasn’t with her very long, so he couldn’t have said much.”

“That’s not what I asked you.”

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