Edward felt like he’d been punched in the gut.
“That’s not all. It’s Patrick Whitaker who’s going to print it.”
He let go of Milo’s hands, even though he was on the verge of tears. He needed to understand a few things first.
“When are they going to print?”
“It’ll be before Monday,” said Derek.
“I want Milo to answer the questions. Does Patrick know what’s being announced on Monday?”
“I don’t know what you mean,” said Milo.
He knew Milo was telling the truth, so he didn’t elaborate any further. He hated doing this, but after ten years as a politician, it had been ingrained in him to detach when he was gathering facts. Edward needed to know what he was dealing with.
“Have you got the pictures with you?”
Milo nodded. He pulled out his phone, opened his photo album, and scrolled to a folder. He passed it to Edward, who looked at them. It was hard to be objective when he was looking at such an intimate moment. There was no doubt it was his face, so denial wasn’t an option.
“Why are you cropped out on some pictures and not on others?” he asked Milo.
“I’m not sure. I think the first was a teaser or something. Then he got the unedited pictures.”
“And why is the word ‘cunt’ written across them all?”
“It’s a watermark to stop them from being printed without the photographer being paid.”
“Do you know who the photographer is?”
Milo shook his head.
“It’s not Hargreaves,” said Derek.
“How do you know that? I thought he’d been quiet. This timing is not a coincidence.”
“I asked Patrick,” said Milo. “He said it was nothing to do with Hargreaves, but wouldn’t tell me who it was. He said it was for my safety.”
“What does that mean?”
“I don’t know. I have a feeling it might have something to do with Grant Kincaid.”
“Who?”
“He’s part of the mob,” said Derek.
“The mob? What is this, the sixties?”
“This guy’s a big deal, Eddie. He’s at the top of the tree and not someone you want to piss off.”
“Why? Because he’ll kill me?” he said, with a snort.
“Yes. It’s not a joke, Eddie. I don’t know why Kincaid would want to do something like this, though. It’s not his style.”
“Probably a homophobe.”
“No, he’s bi. He’s married to a guy, so it’s not that.”
“Why do you think it’s him, Milo?” asked Derek.
