“It’s none of your business.” He bit his lower lip and continued, “But we’re friends, so I’ll tell you. Wilson has been caught going through our private files and records.”
“Who caught him?” I asked.
“I did, Jericho and I did.”
“What happened?”
“Jericho confronted him, and said he was disappointed in Wilson’s behavior, that he expected more from a former Marine. Wilson became angry and shoved Jericho away, then told me he deserved more money for all the work he’s doing. We continued our argument out into the hall and onto the lawn. I fired him and told him to leave, and he threatened me before going.”
Hondo said, “How did Wilson threaten you?”
“He said it wasn’t over, that he’d get me. I guess he meant he would get me for catching him red handed, in the act.”
I said, “Is Jericho around?”
“No, he left.”
“Is he living here?”
Troy waited a second before answering, “No. He’s here a lot because he’s helping me. He stays over occasionally in one of our guest rooms. I’m trying to put my life back together, if you haven’t noticed, and I need advice every once in a while. I trust him, so we talk.”
Hondo said, “He and Wilson did not get along, is that right?”
“Wilson was jealous. Why, I have no idea, but you’re right, they didn’t get along, and more on Wilson’s side than Jericho’s. Jericho tried to mend their relationship, but your friend wanted no part of it.”
Hondo said, “We’d still like to talk to Jericho.”
Troy held his hands wide, “Have at it. He’s somewhere in Los Angeles. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have business matters that need my attention.”
As we drove out the gate, I said to Hondo, “He’s plausible.”
“So you believe him.”
“I didn’t say that. But Troy has more on the ball than I thought. He’s a smooth talker.”
Hondo nodded. “You notice his hand in his pocket the whole time?”
“I did.” We drove by Wilson’s apartment and checked, but no one answered. Hondo tried calling him again with negative results.
“Any ideas on where to look?” Hondo said.
“No clue.” Tiredness tugged at my eyelids. “How about we get some sleep and regroup later.”
“Good call.” I dropped Hondo off at his place and drove to mine. I went into the bedroom, took off my shoes and fell face down on the bed, not even bothering to undress.
Hondo called three hours later and I fumbled for my phone, still groggy because I slept so soundly. “Hey,” I said.
“I’m in your kitchen. Made some coffee.”
I sat up, “Did you put cream in mine?”
“Yes.”
I yawned, stretched, rubbed my eyes and went into the kitchen. I smelled the coffee in the hallway, so I hurried. Hondo sat at the table with Wilson, and both had mugs of coffee. Mine had been placed in front of the empty chair.
“Where’d you come from?” I said.
Wilson said, “From doing some snooping. I didn’t have my phone on. When I turned it on later, I heard Hondo’s message.”