But the once-sweet Elliot had turned into a pain in the ass. He thrust out his jaw. “You were the last one to talk to him, right? Are you sure you’re remembering everything? I’ve been trying to get through to him for a week, and I think he’s got his secretary screening his calls.”
Chess nodded. “Same with me. When he stopped answering in our group text, I figured he was busy with that case, but Win was saying it’s moving along well?”
“Yeah. They got some good evidence from witnesses, and the women are willing to testify against the owner.” Elliot shot Spencer a look, and though he pretended indifference, he couldn’t help wanting to know what was going on with his father. So maybe he did check to see what prison he’d been sent to. Not that he cared—he’d never visit him—but it was good to keep tabs on his whereabouts. In case he needed a life-saving medical procedure, like a kidney or liver transplant, Spencer thought he should know where his only living relative was. Begrudgingly, he could admit he’d do the same for his father. He couldn’t let him die if it could be helped.
“You can say it, Ello. I’m not a delicate flower.”
Nervous, Elliot laced and unlaced his fingers. “Uh, well, Billy Kemp…turns out he kind of knew more than he said initially to Win. He not only knew they were taking in the drugs and using the bar to sell and distribute, he was helping them. That story he gave about only watching from the sidelines was a lie.”
Spencer’s mouth fell open. “You mean he knew about the girls and the drugs and lied to the cops and Wolf?”
“I don’t know about the girls. Just the drugs.” Elliot’s worried face turned to his. “Please don’t say anything. I mean, it’s not confidential, but—”
“But fucking nothing. Thatsleazebag. And Wolf is still representing him?” He decided to hell with it, poured a double vodka, and tossed it down. “I have to go.”
“Where? We haven’t eaten yet.”
Spencer had no stomach for food. Not when he’d been told his father was a dirtbag of the lowest kind. And Wolf? How could he? That sanctimonious prick, always acting as though his shit didn’t stink, yet still defending his rotten, lowlife of a father.
“I have to see someone.”
Ignoring Elliot and Chess trailing behind him, pleading for him to stay, Spencer called a car and waved them off.
“I’m sorry. I’ll call you soon.”
The car pulled up in front of Elliot’s door, and off he went.
Time to flush the wolf from his den.
***
“I’m sorry, but Mr. Wolf can’t be disturbed.”
Spencer had rarely come to Wolf’s hallowed offices and wasn’t familiar with the secretary at the front desk, but he tried his most winning smile.
“I’m not a client. I’m his best friend. Did you know it’s his birthday?”
Her eyes widened. “N-No, I didn’t, but—”
Spencer plowed on. Did he feel guilty lying? Not one little bit. “Well, of course. He’s such a private person. But we’ve known each other all our lives, and I haven’t seen him in years. I made this trip special from Europe to see him. I didn’t even stop home long enough to change, just dropped off my suitcase and came right over to see him.” He could see her wavering. “I promise I won’t take long. Just pop my head in and say hi to let him know I’m alive. See…” He dropped his voice to a whisper. “I work for the government, and I wasn’t allowed to be in contact with anyone. But my mission is over now. And all I want to do is see my best friend. I have no other family.”
Her mouth formed an O, and she blinked rapidly. “Well…I guess it wouldn’t hurt. Maybe you can cheer him up.” She picked up the phone. “What’s your name?”
Thinking fast, knowing that Wolf wouldn’t let him in once his name was announced, Spencer beamed at her and said, “Elliot. Elliot Hansen.”
The receptionist pushed a button. “Mr. Wolf, an Elliot Hansen is here to see you.”
He heard the rumble of Wolf’s deep voice and took several deep breaths, knowing if Wolf came out to greet him, the jig would be up.
“I’ll just scoot on in there and meet him.” He winked. “I want to have our first hello in years private, you know?”
Without waiting for her response, he pushed through the glass doors, and heart banging, walked past doors with other lawyers’ names on them. A door halfway down the hallway opened, and Wolf stepped out. When their eyes met, Wolf glared.
“I should’ve known. Go away. I have nothing to say to you.”
“Fine. I don’t care. Don’t talk. But you’ll listen to me.”
A voice sounded behind him. “Wolf? Is anything wrong?”
