Page 32 of Burn this City

“I hope so. Does hearing all that from me help you, though?”

“It’s definitely a piece of the puzzle I was missing.” That seemed to relax her again, and he leaned back in the metal chair. “He’s not talking about his emotions, and I thought we were getting to that stage in our relationship where he could open up to me about what’s going on inside of him, you know.”

She nodded with enough force that he knew he was on the right path and that the Jack she knew was consistent with his fake boyfriend Jack. “Men.”

“I know, right?” He laughed softly. “But I like him, so I’m trying.”

A long pause, then she asked, “How and when did you guys meet?”

“Work thing. I was aware of him for years because my firm sometimes works with him, but we got closer at a wedding. Some alcohol was involved, and I was pretty surprised to see that other side of him.”

“Are you in consulting too?”

Oh, thank you, Beth, for adding more puzzle pieces.“No, I’m in IT. Project manager, though I keep getting promoted. At some point, I’ll run this whole damn city if they don’t stop opening doors.” He laughed into his latte.

“Do you want to?”

Her question caught him off guard, even though it seemed innocent. “Not exactly, though most of the time, when I see the infrastructure other people have set up, I think I’d do a better job. Plus, if I roll out WiFi, trust me, your download speeds would look totally different. No more fucking Zoom lag, that’s for sure.”

Nothing much changed about her expression, so she wasn’t into computer stuff, and that meant he didn’t have to keep up that charade. A lot of people in this city were IT professionals, thanks to a generously funded and very well-regarded technology-focused college, and multiple start-up hubs dotted around town. Settle anywhere with a laptop or a high-performance tablet, and you became scenery and practically invisible.

“Maybe you could work together on a project? Maybe if you spend more time together, he’ll open up?”

“Strictly speaking, he’s currently consulting for the enemy. My outfit and his have ‘history’.” He added scare quotes. “Anyway, how did you two meet?”

“Oh.” She took her cup and held it with both fingers. “He saved my life.”

“Pardon me?” Wow, that came from left field. It wasn’t even in the same stadium, maybe the same sport anymore. Above all, it was her tone that gave away that she meant this literally. “I mean, wow. Will you tell me?”

She hesitated. “As I said, I was … going through some stuff. Stupid boyfriend stuff. That, and some other things, and I couldn’t see a way out anymore. I know that sounds dramatic, but I thought maybe I didn’t want to be around anymore.” Her voice was now flatter, and she looked very subdued. “And that night, when I … was going to do something about it, he was already at the place, and he was standing there.” She swallowed. “I was glad I wasn’t alone. He didn’t … do anything much, at some point he gave me his coat. But it’s even harder to do something when a human soul cares about you. Even if he’s a total stranger.”

“Shit, sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No, I think it’s important to talk about it. It helps. If you’re too much in your own head … thoughts can take a wrong turn and suddenly doing something terrible seems like the best solution. Even if there’s a better way. That’s my five cents, anyway.” She shook her head.

“Are you better now?” Weirdly, he found he actually wanted to know. Though in his experience, people who were close to a breakdown didn’t talk about it so openly. Silence was the killer, not weakness.

“Yes. Much better. Thank you.” She smiled warmly at him. “I didn’t ask at the time, of course, but since then, I’ve wondered why exactly he was alone on that bridge that night. I guess as far as meet cutes go, ours sucks. Yours is better. Weddings are a classic.”

Sal nodded and had to force himself to concentrate. He had pieces of the puzzle that could help Beth understand Jack Barsanti. Shit, he’d come here to secure leverage, and maybe find a weak point in the consigliere’s emotional armor, a way to get to him. She’d given him so much he could turn Barsanti inside out if he wanted.

“You know what Jack needs? A therapist.”

She nodded. “It really helps. If he’s worried about seeing one, I can tell him what he can expect. Maybe he can work through his family stuff with them. I feel he’s focused on the wrong solutions. Maybe you can help him understand that?”

Unlikely. “I’ll see what I can do. Wow, that got pretty heavy for such a nice Sunday.” He finished off the waffle and watched her eat too. “Thanks for telling me all this. It helps me understand what’s going on.”

“He’s lucky to have you. You seem kind.”

“Doing the best I can.” Sal checked his phone. “I need to call a friend. Maybe we can exchange numbers and keep in touch?”

“I’d like that.” She gave him her number, and he texted her to make sure he had the correct one. Yet another thing Catia had briefed him on. “And can you tell him to call me?”

“Will do. First, I’ll have to have a somewhat difficult conversation with him myself, but you can have what’s left over when I’m done.” He winked to indicate he was joking.

“Oh my God. Please be gentle? He’s a good guy.” She, too, said it jokingly, but he still nodded.

He left her at the table, dialing the doc’s number before he got to the door.

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