Page 81 of Nobody's Fool

“I love you in those overalls.”

“But you’re easy,” she says. “Sami?”

“Yes?”

“How far away are you? I’m getting a little weirded out.”

“Twelve minutes. Should I call the police?”

“No. There are two uniforms in here anyway.”

“That’s good. Just stay put.”

“Who do you think he is?”

“I don’t know.”

I have been speaking in a low voice the whole time because I don’t trust Gun Guy. For all I know, he’s working directly with Scraggly Dude. I’m trying to surreptitiously watch him, see if he touches his phone or sends a message or anything. So far, he hasn’t. He may be overhearing bits and pieces, but nothing I’m saying is going to help much.

Six minutes out.

I put the phone on mute and lean forward. “You still carrying your gun?” I ask him.

“I am,” he says. “And yes, I got a carry permit. No, you can’t borrow it.”

“How about your other gun?”

“Other gun?” He chuckles. “Oh, you mean when we found you in the woods and we said we could kill you and plant it on you. That one?”

“Yeah,” I say. “That one.”

“That was all a bluff, Kierce.”

Was it? “I’m employed by the Belmonds now too.”

“I heard. Still can’t borrow my gun.”

“How long have you worked for the family?”

“Long time.”

“When you were waiting outside my place, did you notice a guy with a face tattoo and long hair?”

“The one watching your place?”

“Yes.”

“He was there when I arrived.”

“What time was that?”

“Twenty minutes before you came out.”

“He was standing there that whole time?”

“Yep. Not that I’m eavesdropping, but is he the guy following your wife?”

“Yes.”

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