Page 52 of The Silence of Hell

“Need to talk to Fanatic and Sunny. They dropped the ball on Jinx.”

“Gonna tell me?”

“Kid’s been struggling to pay three hundred grand of med bills, pay Mom’s utilities and food, and look after himself. Medical were taking four k a month. Nobody questioned why a candidate is getting six k a month yet is wearing the same seven sets of clothing. Nor why he’s riding a piece of shit bike,” Chatter growled out.

“Ain’t no kid if Jinx been handling all that,” Chance said.

“Club failed him. Should have seen he was struggling and stepped in.”

“Agreed. But how did it come to your attention? You never stick your nose into other people’s business,” Chance asked.

“I noticed! I’ve given the kid tomorrow off to get some new clothing and take his momma out. And also told Jinx to inform Sunny and Fanatic about his momma, so if he needs time off for medical appointments, he can get it,” Chatter said.

“You’re fuckin’ chatting up a storm, brother,” Chance quipped.

Chatter scowled. Fuck that. Chatter didn’t admit he’d only paid attention because of Lavender. Nope. Not telling Chance that at all. He marched away, knowing Chance would speak to Fanatic and Sunny.

???

He arrived to chaos at the Manor. What was causing the issue was Tatum yelling at a man on the porch, with Dan and Kelly backing him up.

“Get out! You’re not welcome here,” Tatum yelled in the guy’s face.

“This ain’t your place, Carpenter!” the other guy back.

“I’ll knock you flat out!” Tatum threatened, stepping up.

Chatter’s eyebrows rose at the aggression coming from Tatum.

“What’s going on?” he demanded.

“Hello, my name is Roger Whittaker, I’m an expert in—”

“Committing fraud!” Tatum spat.

Chatter immediately took a good look at the man in front of him.

“That’s a scandalous lie!” Whittaker shot back.

“Is not! I know about you and what you’ve been up to. Why you are here, I’ve no idea because Lavender certainly wouldn’t have called for your lack of expertise!” Tatum hissed.

“What does he do?” Chatter asked, trying to keep up.

“My friend…” Whittaker began.

“You’re no mate of mine,” Chatter interrupted.

Whittaker looked annoyed before continuing. “I value priceless artifacts. I have heard there is a vast collection here that need valuing, and I’ve come to offer my services,” Whittaker explained charmingly.

“What collection? The coins? We’ve got Tatum here for that,” Chatter said.

Whittaker’s eyes narrowed. “Are you telling me there’re no other collections here? My dear man, it’s common knowledge that Lavender Bloodsworth has put feelers out for a couple of experts. I’m merely answering her call.”

“Except I didn’t phone you, and yes, I did make inquiries. But not for a collection. I won’t lie, there is one here, which Tatum is dealing with. However, Mr Whittaker, your reputation precedes you and I’ve no intention of hiring you or letting you anywhere near those coins,” Lavender announced from behind them.

“I beg your pardon,” Whittaker said, drawing up to his full height.

“You heard me. I’m well aware of what you are, a treasure hunter. You’ve long been suspected of various crimes and somehow manage to get away with them. Unless you’re a better coin expert than Tatum, and you’re not, I’ve no need for you. Please get off my property, Mr Whittaker,” Lavender said.

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