Page 13 of Hoodoo House
“Yet you still chose to sleep with him,” Declan said.
“Have you never done anything, Mr Hunt, that you have regretted?”
“Point taken,” Declan said, nodding.
Charlie munched on the French fries and watched the show.
“Yet, in spite of his vast personality flaws,” Yamada continued, “there was something—an attraction. I mean, he was a good-looking man. And fit. And he wasverygood at sex.”
“And what part of that makes you think I can help you?” Declan asked. “I can’t turn back time and make your romp with him disappear.”
“No. But I’m hoping you can find his computer that also contains the video of the encounter.”
“Oh shit.” The words slipped out of Charlie’s mouth before he could stop them.
“Oh shit indeed,” Yamada said. “Needless to say, I need to ensure nobody else gets their hands on that computer.”
“You let him record the encounter?” Declan asked.
“No, I most certainly did not. I didn’t find out about it until recently when he sent me an email with screen captures of the video’s kinkier moments. He informed me that it would remain hidden if I—”
“He was blackmailing you?” Charlie interrupted.
“What did he want?” Declan asked.
“He told me that my employer would not see the video if I pushed through his latest novel as written. ‘Verbatim ac litteratim’as he put it, the arrogant shit.”
“Word for word and letter for letter,” Charlie recited.
“Correct,” Yamada said, nodding towards Charlie.
Declan continued, “Now, I assume that just printing what the writer gives you, without editing the content, is out of the ordinary.”
“More than that—it isn’t done! And the manuscript has to be approved by the publisher. Those are the rules. I couldn’t do it if I wanted to. You see, the novel he was proposing was…not on brand.”
“I assume you told him that,” Declan said.
“I most certainly did. And from what he intimated about the contents of the book, I told him it was definitely not suitable for Mount Temple Press and would never be approved by the publisher.”
“And how did he react?”
“He just laughed and said ‘Find a way, bright boy.’”
“And he told you he kept the video on his computer?” Declan asked.
“When I last saw him, he said the files were on his computer, which was someplace safe.”
“And now both the computer and Mr Tull are gone,” Declan pondered aloud.
“I’m not sure if it’s stolen or hidden, but wherever it is, it is essential that I get that computer back with the manuscript…and any video. My reputation and career are at stake.”
The waiter brought Mr Yamada’s double scotch to the table. Before the server could leave, Mr Yamada swigged the entire drink back in one swallow, then indicated the waiter should bring the bill.
“So will you take the case? After all, gay sex and blackmail seem right up your alley. And I need complete discretion.”
Declan nodded. “Let us do a bit of checking first, but sure, we’re interested. We’ll be in touch with you on Monday.”
As Charlie took down Sinclair’s contact information, the waiter approached Declan carrying a silver platter on which lay a perfect red rose. “A gift from a gentleman, sir.”
