Page 55 of Tommy Gabrini: All Fall Down
“Two thousand to rent a lock box?” asked Sal. “That’s excessive.”
“It’s not if you need anonymity, and a place where somebody can pick up cash without anybody noticing,” Vera said.
Tommy pulled out his phone and went to Trammel’s website. He pulled up a photo, and then showed it to Vera. “Is that him?”
Vera stared at the handsome black man looking back at her. “That could be him maybe.” Then she shook her head. “I don’t know. I can’t be positive.”
“But you think it’s him?”
“Maybe. Or maybe not. I just don’t know, Tommy.”
“And you never heard of Barbell Barry Sedaka?”
She shook her head. “Never.”
Then Tommy stood up. Sal did too. “If you see him again,” Tommy said, “let me know.”
“How will I get in touch with you?”
Sal looked at Tommy. Would he give her his cell number? But when Tommy pulled out a business card and handed it to her, Sal was pleased. His brother, whom Sal felt still held a candle for her, was over that bitch. Grace was safe.
“So how has life been treating you?” she asked Tommy as she accepted his card.
“I’m okay. What about you?”
She smiled. “You mean since you dumped me for that trollop you married?”
Tommy didn’t smile, nor did he respond to that, which Sal also appreciated. Tommy didn’t play when it came to Grace.
“I was just joking, Tommy, geez,” she said, although nobody in that office believed her.
“Call me if you see your renter again,” Tommy said, all business-like. “And stick around in case something comes up,” he added. And then he left the office. Mick walked out too. Sal gave her an evil eye, and left last.
But once they got out of the restaurant, he caught up to Tommy and Mick. “You guys buying what she’s selling?”
“What you think she’s selling?” asked Mick.
“Half-truths and airheaded-ness,” said Sal.
“She’s hiding something, that’s for sure,” said Mick.
“Have Robby put a tail on her, Sal,” said Tommy. “If she’s involved, we’ll find out.”
“I know that’s right,” Sal agreed. Then he looked at Tommy as they made their way out of the mall. “What photo from Trammel did you show her?”
“Orenthal Neal’s photo.”
“The new guy? The one you think Grace has the hots for?”
Tommy gave Sal a hard look. This was news to Mick. “Who is this guy?” he asked.
“The new COO,” said Tommy. “Don’t listen to Sal. Grace doesn’t have the hots for anybody but me.”
Mick laughed. “That’s what your ass thinks. Every woman has the hots for another man.”
“Oh yeah?” asked Sal. “So who does Roz have the hots for?”
“None of yourgotdamn business,” said Mick without breaking his stride.
