Page 50 of Lion & Lamb

“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about,” Jimmy said.

“Didn’t know you were a big fan of Belgian beer,” Cooper said. “Especially right before a championship game.”

There was the instant spark of recognition. Jimmy knew that Cooper knew. How Cooper knew didn’t matter.

Cooper had saved this piece of information for this specific moment—it was meant to push Tua completely over the edge and get him to say something stupid. Victor had talked to the brewpub’s owner as well as the bartender who’d been on duty that night.

Oh yeah, Francine Pearl Hughes and Jimmy Tua were there. Oh yeah, they were making out. But a huge cash tip was incentive enough for the bartender to keep his mouth shut.

That is, until Victor made it sound like he was affiliated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. No cash tip can cover that kind of tab.

The rage inside Tua built to the point where Cooper thought the tight end might actually pummel him. Cooper could smell the fury on the man’s breath before three linemen grabbed Tua and pulled him away. It was a struggle.

“I know exactly who you are, asshole! Where you live and what you do.”

“Hey, I know who you are too,” Cooper said, bright smile on his face. “You’re Jimmy Tua! All-Pro, right?”

Phone call between Cooper Lamb and his children

COOPER LAMB: Kids! You’re never going to believe this!

ARIEL LAMB: What’s that, Dad?

LAMB: Guess who I just met—Jimmy Tua! What a great guy.

Chapter50

Transcript of private conversation between Cooper Lamb and Lisa Marchese, senior partner at Kaplan, DePaulo, and Marchese

LISA MARCHESE: What the hell is that?

COOPER LAMB: This is a digital recording device. As per Pennsylvania law, I am notifying you that I am taping this conversation.

MARCHESE: I’m sitting at a bar having a late supper. Do we have to make this so formal?

LAMB: Clearly, Counselor, you’re also working so that you may expense your small plates and double martinis.

MARCHESE: Are you going to update me on what you’ve dug up on the chef or do I have to buy you dinner first?

LAMB: No, I’ll wait until you’re done.

MARCHESE: What’s the matter with you? I’m girding myself for a long night. People at the firm are losing their minds…not that I have to explain myself to you.

LAMB: Yeah, you kind of do. Because if you want me to help you save Francine, you’re going to have to come clean with me.

MARCHESE: We’re going to save Francine because she’s innocent.

LAMB: Well, that’s not what it looks like to the police. Unless there’s something you’re not telling me.

MARCHESE: Like what?

LAMB: Likeeverything. Whatever you know, I need to know it too. Which is why I brought this recording device.

MARCHESE: I truly have no idea what you’re talking about.

LAMB: That’s the problem we keep running into, isn’t it? Everybody’s tiptoeing around the truth like it’s an infectious disease or something. For instance, why didn’t you tell me Francine hired Chuck Castrina?

MARCHESE: Keep your voice down!

---