Page 111 of Rescued Heart

Roger pointed to the worn chair in front of his desk. “Sit. Tell me what I can do for you.”

Eddie eased into the chair. The wire taped on his chest pulled against his skin. “You mentioned at the ball game…about being on the same team.”

Roger paused before he sat down. “I assume you’re here because Bia somehow wiggled out of whatever contract you should have signed between the two of you.”

Eddie’s back went rigid. “Excuse me?”

Roger held up his palms. “Easy. I won’t go to the press about your arrangement to be seen together. It really made sense until she got what she wanted, but you failed to have her sign anything that would hold up her end of paying you.”

Eddie cracked his knuckles. “How did you?—”

Roger pulled out a cigar from his drawer. “You don’t get where I am without connections. Want one?”

Eddie shook his head.

“Now, time is money, and I have more of one than the other, so let’s get to it. You’re here for your youth center?”

Eddie swallowed. Well, that was the cover story. “Yes.”

“In exchange for getting your youth center built, I’d like your full support for my campaign and a year minimum afterward.”

Eddie held the man’s locked gaze. “What does my full support entail? Because like you said before, nothing’s ever free.”

A wicked grin erased Roger’s stern expression. “Son, I think you’re the exact man I need on the team I’m reshaping. In fact, a new position will be opening in a few hours.”

A phone rang, and Roger pulled his phone off a clip on his belt. “Yes? What do you mean you’re already there? I told you not before nine.” With a deep inhale, Roger glanced at Eddie. “Fine. Don’t mess it up before I get there.”

Roger ended the call and stood. “Like I said, I’m reshaping my team. Shall I walk you out?”

Eddie released his grip on the chair’s armrest. He hadn’t gotten him to admit to anything yet. This was not as easy as the police television shows made it look.

He wiped at his forehead. “Is there another time we can talk about the youth center?”

Roger paused with his hand on the door to the waiting room. “Focused and persistent. I’m going to appreciate those qualities about you. Yes, shall we say Friday?”

Eddie tried not to frown. That was days away. “I’m free tomorrow.”

He fisted his clammy palms. No wonder Officer Ramble had asked Bianca to contact Nathan. She already had tons of acting skills. But he hoped to be beside her when she had to go through this stress. If she’d let him redeem himself.

Roger pushed open the doorway. “No, I believe tomorrow will be quite full for us both. But do call me in between if you have any need to talk. I always make myself available for those on my side.” He held the outside door open for Eddie too.

Eddie focused on the broken sidewalk ahead of his feet. He couldn’t stare at the brown police van parked beyond Roger’s car—the one Roger just unlocked himself.

Odd. “No driver today?”

Roger jangled his keys for one breath. Then two. “He’s on a more important task at the moment.” He clenched his jaw. “However, I’m afraid he’s proved that he indeed isn’t ready for his promised promotion.”

Was his driver the one who’d just called? Would the police follow Roger now?

Eddie nodded. “Must be hard to find qualified workers.”

“You have no idea.”

Roger sped off, and Eddie unlocked his truck. He pulled out his phone. What was he supposed to do now?

Two missed calls. And twelve new messages.

His phone vibrated. Zack was calling.

---