Page 70 of Man of the Year

“And why would Geoffrey Rosenberg pay you that?” I ask.

“Because otherwise, I’ll tell everyone about Phil Crain.”

I scrunch up my brows. “Who is Phil Crain?”

Rich drapes his arm behind the chair back and runs his tongue inside his bottom lip, then sucks his teeth loudly and with visible satisfaction.

“All right.” I roll my eyes in annoyance. “Are you talking in parables? Clues? I don’t have time for freaking Jeopardy.”

Rich leans on the table to bring his face closer to mine.

“Phil Crain,” he says slowly, “is an alcoholic and a gambler.”

“I still don’t understand.”

Rich’s lopsided grin grows when he adds, “Who is now pretending to be Geoffrey Rosenberg.”

FIFTY-FOUR

NATALIE

It takes me a moment to process Rich’s words. Not the twenty million, but the fact that Rosenberg is a fake.

Rich studies me expectantly, enjoying the effect of his words. “See what I’m saying? If you help me get to him, I’ll pay you. After I get the money, of course.”

“You seem quite sure that you will get it.”

He shoots me a look. “Oh, I will. You think I’m just ripping on some rich guy for no reason?”

“Obviously, luck is not on your side.”

“I didn’t get a chance to talk to him. He’s always either in the mansion, which is secured, or with his driver, who doesn’t let anyone get close. I sent a letter.”

I snort. “You kidding me? A letter?”

“What’s wrong with a letter?” His expression hardens. “I don’t think he got it. Because if he did, he’d bevery concerned.”

“Who even sends letters these days? Did you try his email?”

“Several of his business emails. None answered.”

“Cell phone?”

“No luck so far. I’ve gotten one number of his, but my messages go unanswered.”

I have a feeling that this guy might be delusional or a scam artist after all. But then, maybe that’s what Rosenberg was talking about yesterday when he got drunk.

“Maybe he doesn’t care?” I suggest.

“The guy knows that he is an impostor.”

“And no one else knows?”

“Well, he’s being stupidly open lately. His face was on the cover ofTech Weekly.”

“And you read that sort of stuff or something?”

“Nah. But I know Phil when I see him, even with the dyed hair and makeup and all that stuff.”

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