If I factor in how the gloves are the same, the ratio will no doubt shift higher. It’s too soon to ask but the program can, and often does, surprise me.
“Jason, do you know the name of the killer?”
“I have a list of five thousand and one suspects. Would you like a copy?”
“No. Can’t you narrow it down?”
“Yes, with more data.”
Shit, more intel means more deaths. “Understood. Will you let me know if anyone else dies under similar circumstances?”
“Yes. To whom do I charge my time?”
“NYPD. Police Chief Russo authorized my usage.” I hope Dad won’t mind when the bill arrives.
Jason’s time does not come cheap and the way he smiles, I swear he understands. “Thank you. It is a pleasure working with you, again, Samantha Sutcliff.”
“Please, do not use my surname again.” If Daddy finds out, he’ll disown me.
“But it is correct, is it not?” Jason, in addition to trying on a new look, seems to be sporting a new, argumentative persona.
Oh for fuck’s sake.“Yes… just don’t. Okay? Unless you must. I need to hang up, my phone is ringing.” I picture my parents finding out I got married without them present and cringe.
Then, I take a deep breath, check my caller ID, and moan. “Hi Uncle Vinny.”Could this day get any worse?
“Sammy, how youz doing?” When he sounds this happy, he’s up to something.
“Fine, fine.”
“You still living with the bum?”Oh, oh. Here it comes.
“If you mean my fiancé, yes.”Wait for it…
“Give back the ring. I found someone better. He’s got a mansion in Jersey, huge yard, in-ground pool… the woiks.” My uncle, the marriage broker. It sounds like a Lifetime movie, the kind you watch at two in the morning with a carton of ice cream in your lap.
I could take a picture of my license and email it to him but he’d use it as blackmail. My mom can never find out about the wedding last summer.
“Uncle Vinny, please. You need to stop fixing me up with your friends. I love Suds. We’re the real thing.”
“That’s what they said about Coca-Cola and look what happened to it.” He snickers.
“It sold for millions of dollars?” Rubbing the back of my neck, I ease the tension. “How can I help you?”
“I need a favor and as I recall, youz owe me eight hours of detective time. Nothing too strenuous. You think you can manage?”
Frankie’s call comes to mind. “Nobody’s gonna die, right?”
“No, no. I simply want to know where the competition is spending their dough. This coronavirus is messing with my profits and yet he’s bragging he’s doing better than ever. It don’t seem right. I’ll have Joey drop off an envelope. I’ll include some sweet buns, too. You’re welcome.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank youz. Talk soon.”
Suds cracks open the door. “Was that Vincent?”
“Yeah.” I roll my eyes and hope to God I didn’t just step in shit.
“What did he want?” Dark eyes narrow and hone in on me like I did something wrong which I did not.
