Simone’s stomach dropped. His sweet wife doted on him, loved him, yet he was a lying cheat and corrupt government worker.
“Text him,” Simone said. “Show us the text before you send it, then we’ll hold onto your phone so you don’t warn him.”
Hirzog’s eyes widened. “Warn him? Why would I do that? He’s just ruined my life. I never want to see the SOB again. This my Hail Mary.”
He typed out a text, showed it to them.
“Send it,” Simone said.
Jerod, I don’t want the money. You can have it if you come by tonight so we can talk. One last time
Seconds later, his phone binged.
8 tonight. You can transfer the money when I’m there
Peter’s shoulders fell. “I can’t believe he used me.”
Outside, Nikki placed Hirzog into the back seat of a waiting police car. Simone and Nikki slipped into Nikki’s unmarked cruiser, and the caravan took off for Hirzog’s home in Chevy Chase.
“I’m not convinced Jerod will show,” Simone said. “If he’s funded by terrorists, he doesn’t need Peter’s money.”
“I’m not sure I agree with that,” Nikki pushed back. “If he’s in it for the money, he will. I don’t know a lot of people whowouldn’t. Two hundred fifty thousand is a lot of money for a fifteen-minute meeting.”
It was six-thirty when they arrived at Hirzog’s. Two police officers entered, cleared the home, then waited outside. Simone was surprised that Peter heated the casserole, opened a bottleof wine. Both she and Nikki declined the alcohol, but Nikki ate some of the enchilada casserole.
“Your wife is an excellent cook,” Nikki said.
“Yeah, she’s a great woman,” Peter said. “I really blew it with her. When she finds out, she’ll leave me.”
Simone had been seated at the kitchen table, studying Hirzog. She wasn’t sure what to make of her former mentor. He appeared as relaxed as could be, but maybe he was good at hiding his emotions.
I wouldn’t be able to eat if I was accused of helping terrorists into the country.
Peter turned on the television to watch the news broadcast. When it ended, he turned it off. “I’m relieved I wasn’t on it.” He regarded Nikki. “I’d like to call my lawyer.”
“After you’re arrested,” Nikki replied. “You don’t get special treatment just because you offered me a piece of your wife’s casserole. Doesn’t work like that.”
Hirzog went to the counter and got busy making a pot of coffee.
At seven-thirty Luciano texted her.
How are you doing?
Quiet here. Hirzog is acting like things are normal. Denial???
Body armor, yes?
Yes
Service weapon?
In my handbag
Not good enough. Wear it! See you in 45. Love you, baby.
I love you
Luciano brought her joy, plain and simple.
