“This city has a history with bank robberies,” Seamus said. “I’m sure you know that, being a lawyer.”
She nodded, her mind screaming at her to be careful.
“Got curious,” he said, his gaze piercing, a contradiction to the casual tone of his voice. “Curious about the city I live in. And then I thought, you know who would know all about bank robberies? That smart little lass on your payroll. And being a lawyer and all, she wouldn’t want to violate the whole client confidentiality thing, isn’t that right?”
She swallowed hard. “That’s right.”
He smiled. “I’m curious to see what you find.”
“When do you need this… research?” she asked.
“Yesterday, lass. Yesterday.”
“I’ll get right on it.”
“Good. I trust that you understand what I’m looking for,” he said.
She nodded. “Anything else?”
He reached for the stack of envelopes, pulled one off the bottom, and handed it to her. “There’s a little something extra in there for you this week. A gift.”
She wondered if the gift would accrue interest, then decided it didn’t matter. She was into Seamus for so much money that whatever was in the envelope wouldn’t make a difference, interest or no interest.
“Thank you.”
“I’m happy to help, lass.” He hesitated. “There is one more thing.”
“What is it?”
“I seem to remember you and Burke over there having a bit of a romp a few years back.” He paused like he expected her to say something, then continued when she didn’t. “Mr. Burke is now in our employ — on a probationary basis — isn’t that right, Burke?”
“That’s right, boss.” Bridget had to hand it to Nolan. He sounded grateful, like Seamus had given him some kind of golden opportunity when Bridget assumed Nolan had left his fancy job and fat paycheck to work for him.
“I ever tell you I knew Burke’s dad before he was a big shot?” Seamus asked her.
“I don’t think so.”
“Ran wild in the same streets,” Seamus said.
She wondered if it was her imagination that there was a note of resentment in his voice. “It’s a small world.”
“Indeed it is.” Seamus held her gaze. “Anyway, that thing you had with Burke going to be a problem for you? A conflict of interest or something?”
“Not at all.” She had to brace herself to say what came next. “That was over a long time ago.”
Seamus nodded. “Good, because business and pleasure make for bad bedfellows, if you know what I mean.”
“I do.”
“You’re a good lass. I’m glad you’re on my side.”
She forced a smile and turned to go, avoiding Nolan’s eyes as she made her way out of the room, Seamus’s words playing through her mind.
This city has a long history with bank robberies…
He was going to rob a bank. He was going to rob a bank and she was going to be complicit.
She left the bar without saying goodbye to Connor, pushing through the door onto the street and breathing in the cold air like it might save her life. Her heart was racing, her chest constricting with panic, when someone put a hand on her arm and spun her around.