“It’s in the hands of the police,” I lied. “I have nothing to go on.”
“Don’t give up.”
I met Stew’s shrewd gaze, lifting one shoulder as if to say “No idea how to respond.”
He nodded as if in sympathy. I wanted to wipe that superior look off his face with my fist.
“You’re not tapping today, Stew. No ringing sounds in your ear?” I asked, trying to keep the snideness out of my voice.
“Oh, ah, I lost it on my trip. A new one is coming. I’m just putting up with it,” he lied.
Another error. He was losing his focus, which was exactly what we needed.
“How annoying that must be. Where were you again? I forgot.”
“In the States.”
Deb frowned. “I thought it was Calgary.”
“Both, actually. Two trips in one,” he lied again, his voice terse. “But we’re not here to discuss boring finance. I want to help if I can.”
“Out,” Egan’s faint voice rang in my ear.
“If I can think of something, I’ll be in touch. Your cell number is the best way to contact you, I assume? Not direct at the office?”
“I’m working from home this week, so if you need me, call. I’ll be sure to answer.”
“Is that close?”
“Yep. I can walk.”
I was done. “Good thing. Driving in this city is a bitch.”
“I know,” he agreed. “I walk as much as I can.”
My phone rang, and I answered.
Leo responded to my terse greeting.
“Get back to the office.”
“Problem?”
“Yeah, one of the clients is causing a ruckus. I need you here,” he said loudly. “You don’t pay me enough to deal with this shit. And you need to cover a shift tonight. Dumbass Dave is drunk again.”
Deb cringed, and Stew turned his head to hide his smirk. He now thought my men were deadbeats and I was a total idiot. A paper pusher.
Perfect.
I’d remind him of that just before I killed him.
I hung up. “I, ah, need to go.”
“You’ll be in touch?” Deb asked, grabbing my hand.
“When I hear anything.” I met her eyes. She was upset and hurting, and I couldn’t tell her a thing. I had to keep her in the dark and play Stew, Andy, whatever the fuck his name was, along.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t protect her better,” I said sincerely.