Page 31 of Insidious Threats
“ATJ intimated that if he’s forced to pay you the full amount, Delone might hold a grudge.”
“Feh. Poor little rich boy.”
“I know, Mais. But I got the sense his lawyer’s afraid of him. Afraid of how he might try to, I don’t know, get revenge if he feels like you’ve humiliated him again.”
One eyebrow shot up to Maisy’s forehead. “Again?”
“Evidently, his feelings were hurt after you called him out on live television for interfering with your reporting.”
Her head snapped back, and the mess of blonde curls bobbed on the top of her head. “Well, for land’s sake, Sasha, I can’t be worrying about that. Can’t he just buy another moon or somethin’ to ease the pain?”
Maisy’s Georgia was showing, which meant she was getting upset. Sasha sat down her coffee mug and made a ‘calm down’ motion with her hands. “Easy, tiger. I don’t think youshouldagree to a smaller payout. But just last night, you were telling us you haven’t had your hair done because you’re afraid someone might be following you or out to get you. If ATJ is right about Delone’s reaction, you might spend the rest of your life carrying those worries around with you. I just want you to think it through. That’s all.”
“Hang on, now. I’ve been worried that whoever wanted Landon dead might want me dead, too. It’s got nothing to do with this mess with Delone. But with a million dollars, I can install a decent security system. Heck, I can hire myself a hot bodyguard to follow me around like Whitney Houston inThe Bodyguard.”
She got a faraway look in her eyes, and Sasha snapped her fingers to bring her back to the present. “Indulge in your Kevin Costner fantasies on your own time. So, are you rejecting ATJ’s … it’s not really an offer, I don’t know what to call it … her plea?”
“Heck yeah, I am.”
“Okay. I’ll let her know. I don’t even think she mentioned anything to Gabe, so the wire’ll probably hit your account this afternoon. Naya will be in touch with the details.” She drained her coffee mug and stood. “I have to run.”
Maisy took the empty mug and walked her to the door. “Where are you off to?”
“Cinco Prescott’s house, of all places.”
“What on earth for?”
“Apparently, he’s missing. That’s what the terrible trio came to see me about.”
Surprise, followed by disdain, flashed across Maisy’s face. “That’s too bad, but it’s not your problem.”
“I know. But, Ellie Prescott helped us out. I thought I might see if she needs my help.”
Maisy’s face softened. “That’s fair. You’re just full of good deeds today, aren’t ya?”
“I try, Mais. I try.”
“I’m already starting to feel more human. What’s in that juice.”
Sasha gave her a steady look. “Seriously, you don’t want to know.”
16
Gar was still in bed when his cell phone rang. He grumbled and flipped on his bedside light, then squinted at the display.Antonia Pita.
He chuckled at the way he’d saved his pain-in-the-ass boss’ number in his contacts. Sure, it was childish, but every time she made a PITA of herself by calling or texting, it made him laugh.
“What’s up, Antonia?”
“I didn’t wake you, did I?”
He eyed the clock. “Well, yeah, you did. It’s six-thirty in the morning.”
Her voice wavered. “Oh, sorry. I just figured you must’ve made a New Year’s resolution to turn yourself into a morning person or something. You’ve been getting into the office so early these past few weeks.”
He rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “No, that’s fair. I was getting in early, but I guess I don’t need to anymore.”
“That’s why I’m calling. I just checked my voicemails when I woke up. I have a message from last night from Pinpoint Partners. Sounds like you’ve successfully debugged their project. They’re thrilled!”
