“Thanks for agreeing to see me,” Chris said.
“Oh, none of that. I would have been more than happy to see you even without Mickey’s dramatic phone call. So, how have you two been doing since we last met? I hope you don’t feel bad about the way things ended with Tobias. The man was dying anyway.”
Chris frowned. “He was?”
“Well, aren’t we all dying in a way?”
“We don’t feel bad about what happened,” Jay said flatly. “It washischoice to be a psychopath.”
“True, very true. Although I do find myself missing his company more than I thought I would. Anyway, what is this life-and-death situation Mickey mentioned? You know I’m a fan of good drama.”
Once more, Chris found himself briefly going over his history with the Mitchells, then about the twisted inheritance and his adopted brothers’ threat. He kept to the facts, giving all the details and leaving emotions outof the story.
Oscar’s features grew more somber the more Chris spoke, and when he finished, Oscar turned to Jay. “Are you with him around the clock?”
“Only mornings and nights because I have to help my brother at the garage.” He glanced at Chris. “After the call from Trevor yesterday, I was thinking—”
“No.” Chris shook his head. “I can’t let you stay with me around the clock.”
“Why the hell not?” Oscar placed his glass on the table.
“They won’t try anything while I’m at work. Trevor isn’t stupid.”
“But heisdesperate, isn’t he? The line between desperation and stupidity is thin and fragile.”
“You’re right,” Jay said, “but after hearing Trevor yesterday, I don't think he’s that desperateyet. He’s clever enough to take things slow and careful.”
Oscar massaged his chin. “Well, I guess that’s something. You said that Mickey is looking into the will?”
“Yes, but I’m not optimistic.”
Oscar nodded. “Wills are indeed tricky. Tobias didn’t leave one, nor did he have a next of kin. Mickey is helping me get hold of his assets since I was his loyal partner and friend for years. I will donate some of the money to charity, of course, for karma’s sake. I’m thinking of someplace with puppies. Or dolphins.”
Jay cleared his throat. “Back to topic...”
“Yes, of course.” Oscar sat straighter as if about to make an announcement. “In my opinion, Chris must be protected around the clock like the precious flower that he is, at least until we know more about the will. If this man, Trevor, is as clever as you claim, he might find a way to get to him even during the day. Hell, that’s what I would’ve done. I also agree that Jay can’t become a full-time bodyguard.”
“Can you help us with that?” Jay asked.
“I can, and I shall.” He took out his phone and texted someone. “Where do you live?” he asked Chris.
“White Plains.”
“A lovely place, but quite far. Do you commute to the city every day?”
“Yes. I like to drive. I listen to podcasts.”
Oscar made a face. “Dreadful.”
Jay smirked.
“Does your wife know what’s going on?”
“No. She’s staying with our kids at her parents’ place.”
“Good. Keep them away from this. If I were Trevor, I’d consider using them as bargaining chips.”
Chris felt nauseous, but he needed to hear these things—to stare reality in its ugly face.
