“No shit,” Newman drawled. “Must be important work?”
“All our work is of vital importance,” the limp dick said, only increasing Newman’s need to leap over the counter and pummel the guy.
“We want to get some people in and do some shots for a magazine spread of the redwoods. Oldest trees for many miles. Right, Tex?”
“Sure.” The eldest Gelderman brother had always been a quick thinker, and today proved no different.
“Wildlife has highly skilled photographers, who are handpicked for selective conservation projects. We don’t just photograph trees for a booklet.”
If he sneers once more, I’m wiping it off his face with my fist,Newman thought.
“I suggest you contact a local to help with your little project.”
“Actually, I just received a phone call from my cousin, and he’s keen to do it.”
Newman looked at Tex, not knowing which of his many cousins he was talking about.
“Cousin?” Jay enquired politely, no longer surly now they’d acknowledged him and the magazine.
“Johnathan Finchley.”
“Never heard of him.”
“You may know him as John Finch?”
Newman watched Jay closely, and saw the flash of excitement at the mention of John Finch.
“He’s your cousin?”
“He is, and been at me for months to get down here, and now Hope’s on board, we’re looking to get him here soon.”
“Yes, and with Hope being a local and all, the booklet should turn out great.” Newman added his support to the lie.
“Hope?”
Newman watched the man shoot a look left and right. He didn’t look quite so confident now, the fucker.
“You probably know her, she was with Wildlife. Finch wanted a local to work with him, she was available, and with her experience it was a no-brainer,” Newman said.
“Hope Lawrence?”
The man was the color of a stale sandwich now.
“That’s her. She’s much loved and respected. We’re very proud of our girl,” Tex said.
“Yeah, no offence, Jay, but this is the big time for her. I mean Wildlife is a big deal and all, but John Finch, well, you know all about him, right? Next level stuff.”
Jay nodded.
“Here’s the fudge.” Mac arrived. He walked behind the counter and elbowed Newman to one side. He bagged it, then Jay paid. The man’s hands were shaking.
“So, Hope. Any idea where she is?”
“Nope, she was out scouting locations when I last spoke to her,” Newman said, then picked something out of his teeth. Jay left.
“Don’t let the door hit you in the ass,” Newman muttered. “Fuckhead.”
“Okay, so I just used my cousin’s name without his knowledge, which doesn’t bother me overly, as he owes me big. But I’d like to know what I was lying for, so fill me in.”
