Page 107 of Things We Left Behind
“Big plans tonight?” Nolan asked.
“What?” I looked up, intending to glare him into silence.
He nodded at the screen in the dashboard where Karen’s text was on display. Damn Bluetooth.
Another call from Idler appeared on the screen.
“You look like you’re about to rip the wheel out of the steering column,” Nolan observed mildly.
I gave him another cold glare.
“Okay, fine. You don’tlooklike it, but that’s the vibe you’re putting off. I’m observant as fuck. Don’t hate me.”
“I’m fine,” I insisted stiffly.
“Here’s what I’m thinking. You try to get a hold of your ‘business associate’ Maureen and keep your dinner plans. My bride is working late tonight prepping with her team for some big meeting tomorrow morning. Why don’t you let me handle updating Idler?”
I opened my mouth to give him a litany of reasons why that wouldn’t be happening, but he pressed on.
“I’ll keep the madam out of it for now and stick to the sweet little shell company your team of hackers untangled fifteen minutes ago.”
“What shell company?” I demanded. “And for legal reasons, you can’t call them hackers.”
“The one digital security specialist Prairie texted me about.”
“Why didn’t she contact me directly?”
“Because you’re a scary motherfucker, man. No one actuallylikestalking to you. You make small talk feel like a root canal without anesthesia.”
“I do not,” I argued, feeling surly.
“Karen is Sloane’s mom, isn’t she?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“There are certain jobs you’re uniquely suited for. Looking a politician in the eyes while you destroy his career. Forking over a few million when the situation calls for it. Calling the woman who runs the highest-priced call girl ring in the metro area. And visiting your friend while she’s mourning her husband. I’ve got the rest of it covered.”
I blew out a breath. “You aren’t completely worthless as an employee.”
“Thanks, boss. Those gold stars you’re handing out get me right here,” he said, thumping his chest.
My phone rang again. This time it was Petula. “What?” I snapped after hitting the Answer button on the console.
Nolan looked at me pointedly. I rolled my eyes.
“Hello, Petula. What can I do for you?” I said with exaggerated politeness.
“Are you all right, sir? Are you under duress? I can have a security team to your location in minutes.”
“I’m fine,” I said dryly.
“Don’t worry, Petula. I won’t let anything happen to the boss man,” Nolan announced.
“I’m delighted to hear that,” she said dryly. “However, we have a problem.”
“What is it?” I demanded, my mind still focused on Duncan, Felix, and now Maureen.
“When Holly went out to pick up lunch, she was chased by two men in a black Chevy Tahoe.”
