Page 41 of Atlas
“Don’t sound so surprised, Kit. You make it sound like we never talk.”
“What’s the craic?”
“I need your expertise. A friend of mine is getting threats, and I want to know if she’s in danger. If you can make the problem go away, there’s a bonus for you.”
“I love bonuses, but I’m not a hitman.”
“I meant if you can find dirt on him to get him locked up.”
“What do you know about the man?”
“Not much. His name is Niklavs Zakis, and he’s married to Velna Zakis. They have a son together called Benjamin, but the child is now in foster care because of the abuse he suffered. I don’t have their exact address. All I know is that they’re in California and that the son belonged to the White Rose School district, where my friend used to work as a school psychologist.”
“California. Why are you calling me about a case in California? Did ye forget that I live in Ireland?”
“No, but I figured you have contacts in the US.”
“Aye, we do, but why not call them directly?”
“Because I don’t have time, and I trust you.”
“I’m honored. Now, tell me the name of yer friend.”
“Jolene Fisher.”
“And can I talk to her to get some more details?”
“No, for now, I don’t want her to know that I’m getting involved. Just get me a full report, and we’ll take it from there.”
“All right. Send me more information if you come across anything.”
“Will do, and I’ll see you next in a few days for Saffron’s birthday.”
“That’s right.”
“Wait, Kit…”
“Aye?”
“What are you getting her?”
She chuckled. “I’m not telling ye.”
“Come on; I won’t steal your idea, but I need some inspiration.”
“I’m getting her the thing I wanted the most for my sixth birthday.”
“Which is?”
“Ye’ll see when ye get here.”
“That’s not very helpful.”
“What did ye want when ye were six?”
“Who can remember that sort of thing? And I was a boy, so it would be different anyway.” I sighed with frustration. “I might have to call Liv or River for help.”
“Hmm… , I’ll see what I can find out about Niklavs Zakis while ye figure out the bigger problem of what to give yer little sister.”
