“That’s what I told my ex-wife. She moved back to Georgia where they have”—he curled his fingers for air quotes—“real seasons.”
“They can keep the snow.”
“Not gonna argue that one, Counselor.” He nodded to the courthouse behind Nic. “You win your motion?”
“Of course.”
Moore laughed, full and loud. “You always were a cocky son of a bitch.”
“Won you more than a few cases.”
“That you have.”
The chitchat was cordial—he and Moore always had been, each respecting the other’s talents—but Nic couldn’t help wondering what the Assistant Director was seeking him out for today. A case? Or the case Nic wasn’t supposed to be working? Only one way to find out. No use beating around the bush. “Something you need, El?”
“Walk with me.” Moore extended an arm toward the food trucks parked around UN Plaza. A little after noon, it wasn’t too crowded yet. “Pick your poison, Price?”
“I’ve got a staff meeting at one.”
“Just need fifteen minutes of your time.” The AD was obviously stewing over something. “Promise it’ll be worth it.”
They grabbed sushi burritos, and Nic followed Moore over to the water fountain. Pigeons scattered as they claimed one of the empty concrete benches. Nic didn’t miss the AD’s strategic choice of seats. There were other people around—nothing to see here—but the fall of water from the fountain would make it impossible for anyone to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Nic unwrapped the foil from his burrito and took a bite, crunching through crispy daikon and pickled carrots and cucumbers to reach the rice and tempura shrimp, all the flavors mixing with the sriracha mayo. He swallowed down the bite, then fixed Moore with his best questioning-the-witness stare. “What’s going on, El?”
“You tell me,” Moore said, throwing the inquisitor’s stare right back at him. “Why have you been meeting with your father’s executive assistant? And don’t tell me it’s a sudden interest in joining the family business.”
Nic couldn’t stop the bitter laugh that escaped.
The corners of Moore’s eyes crinkled, letting on that he was fighting a knowing smile. “Yeah, I didn’t think so.”
Nic took another bite, deciding whether or not to trust the AD. Aidan and Cam both did, the latter urging him to go to Moore, especially if Moore had more facts on Vaughn and Curtis that they could use. At the same time, Moore was a skilled interrogator and an astute political climber, having played the game masterfully so far, becoming one of the youngest serving ADs. Nic had to tread carefully. “You’ve got eyes on the family office?”
Moore took a bite and nodded.
“My father too?”
Nodded again.
“Me?”
He swallowed and swiped a napkin across his mouth. “Not unless you’re suddenly getting into the family business. A source tells me you’re not.”
Nic let out a breath, relaxing. Ten to one he knew who that source was, and if she trusted Moore, if she had questioned him and come to that conclusion, including about this, then Nic trusted her instincts. “That source a certain bounty hunter of our mutual acquaintance?”
One side of Moore’s mouth hitched up. “Bail enforcement agent.”
Nic chuckled. “Sure, if that’s what we want to call her.”
Moore’s smile faded and he set his burrito aside. “You know what you’re getting into here, Price?”
“I think I’d know more if I saw the FBI’s file on the matter.”
Moore seemed to consider him now, deciding whether or not to trust him and Mel. Reaching the same conclusion Nic had, he withdrew a flash drive from his pocket. “Give that to Agent Hall. Should be what she needs to crack the encryption on the flash drives she copied last spring.”
Nic wiped off his hands before taking the jump stick. “Who encrypted them? Walker’s the only person I know who can outcode Hall.”
“And Walker would have given you the key.” That devastatingly handsome smirk reappeared. “Which is why I had Walker’s mentor at MIT encrypt them.”
