“And Gennaro?” Stone asked.
“He and his companion have crossed the street and are now heading south around the circle, walking fast.”
“We can either follow the money or follow the one who thinks he has the money,” Stone said. “It’s your call, Jack.”
“The latter,” Jack said without hesitating. “Gennaro has to be the one who ordered the accidents that hurt Hillary and Fred. So, I’d very much like to have a talk with him. Since we have two people on the woman and a bug on the money, we can save her for later.”
“Dino, this might be a good time for you to be somewhere else,” Stone suggested.
“Funny, I was thinking the same thing,” Dino said. “Alicia, could you please drop me off at your earliest convenience. I have a sudden need to return to my office.”
Chapter 59
Gennaro was itching to openthe briefcase on the ride from Columbus Circle back to the Bronx, but he couldn’t risk Toomey getting a peek at what was inside.
By the time they finally reached his place, he was ready to jump out of his skin.
“Thanks, Toomey,” he said as he grabbed the door handle. “I’ll transfer your pay when I get inside.”
He opened the door and started to climb out.
“Mr. Gennaro?” Toomey said.
“Yeah?”
“Any chance I could use your restroom? We’ve been on the go, and I haven’t had the chance.”
Gennaro wanted to say no, but that might make Toomey curious. Best to keep that kind of thing to a minimum. “Sure. But make it fast. I have someplace I need to go.”
“Thanks.”
Toomey got out and followed Gennaro to the house.
Gennaro unlocked the door, then hurried inside to turn off the alarm, only to find it wasn’t on.
“Ricky? That you?”
Gennaro froze as the blood drained from his face. Heknew that voice. There was no good reason the person it belonged to should be in his house.
Someone tapped his shoulder. He jerked and whirled around to find Toomey smiling at him.
“Go on in,” Toomey said. “Mr. Ramirez is waiting for you.”
“You—you knew he was here?”
“Ricky, what’s the holdup?” Pinkie called.
When Toomey motioned for Gennaro to keep moving, Gennaro reluctantly entered the living room.
In the dining area, Pinkie was sitting at the table, a sandwich on a plate in front of him. Miguel Montes sat nearby, in a chair that faced Ricky.
“What you standing so far away for?” Miguel asked.
Ricky slowly crossed the room until he was a few feet from the table.
“Good to see you, Ricky,” Pinkie said. He picked up his sandwich. “Hope you don’t mind, but I used the last of your sliced ham.”
“Hi, Pinkie,” Gennaro said. “Th-that’s not a problem at all. You’re welcome to whatever you want.”
