Page 131 of Near Miss

The lawyer was finally going to leave his house. This was the break the Sarge had been waiting for.

“This Bill Eggers,” he said. “I’ve heard that name somewhere.”

“He’s one of the partners at Barrington’s law firm.”

“You didn’t hear anything else about the dinner?”

“No. Barrington went to lunch after that. I haven’t heard anything since then.”

Sarge took a step back, intending to go into the bedroom he was using, to make some calls. “Okay. Let me know if you—”

Deacon suddenly pressed his headphones against his ears. He then hit a button, and Barrington’s voice came out of the speaker again.

“Look the file over and let me know if you have any questions.”

“Will do,” a woman’s voice said.

“Is this live?” the Sarge asked.

Deacon nodded.

“Carly,” Barrington said. “Still on for Friday, right?”

“I’m looking forward to it,” the woman said.

“That makes one of us. You know how I hate these bar association dinners.”

“It’ll be fun. You’ll be with me, remember.”

“That is the saving grace.”

“What time do I need to be ready?”

“Fred tells me we’ll need to leave here at six-twenty to make it in time for cocktails.”

If the woman said anything else, the bug didn’t catch it. But that was fine. Sarge had heard more than enough. A bar association dinner on Friday night. The details would be easily obtained.

He clapped Deacon on the shoulder, said “Good work,” and then headed into the bedroom.

Teddy gave Carly a thumbs-up as she walked out of the room, and she took an exaggerated bow. As she walked off, he signaled to Stone he was leaving.

He had work of his own to do.

Stone handed Dino a glass of Knob Creek as his friend entered the study that evening. “Where’s Viv?”

“Outside, having a word with the head of your security team.” Dino took a seat. “Where’s Carly?”

“Here I am,” Carly said, stepping into the room.

Stone handed her a drink.

“Thanks,” she said. “I have a question. Am I reporting to you now or is it still Herb Fisher?”

“Officially, Herb is still your boss. Why do you ask?”

“I had a call from a potential client. Well, new client now.”

“Who’s the client?”

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