Page 34

Story: Hide and Seek

That wasn’t a promise Quinn could make, but Andy appreciated the sentiment. He managed a smile. “Sure. Thank you.”

Quinn’s dark brows drew together. “I’m serious. I can’t stop him from embarrassing you or making life uncomfortable. But I can guarantee he won’t ever lay a hand on you again.”

Andy said wearily, “And how do you think you’ll do that?”

Instead of answering, Quinn asked, “How did you end up with someone like Bok?”

“Well, I didn’tend upwith him, as you see.”

Quinn’s mouth curled. “Noted.”

“He was part of a security detail for a special event at the museum.” Andy’s smile was wry. “We started talking. He was funny and charming and looked great in a tuxedo.”

Quinn didn’t say a word.

Andy said, “He seemed like a nice guy. A good guy.”

Which just went to show how wrong first impressions could be. Granted, Marcushadbeen funny, could be charming, and looked terrific in a tuxedo. But he was also a bully. And a dirty cop. He had accepted bribes, used excessive force, tried to intimidate witnesses, and twice been caught deleting witness videos of his actions. He was not one of the good guys. In fact, he had zero respect for the good guys.

And as his professional life began to fall apart, Marcus had turned his rage and frustration on Andy, who, in his opinion, was not sufficiently on his side. But it was hard to be on the side of someone who had done the things Marcus was accused of. Andy had still cared for Marcus, still wanted to help him, support him, but no. He had not condoned, could not pretend to condone any of the things Marcus had done.

And when Marcus was fired? Andy had seen it coming, and he’d been relieved—and thought Marcus should be grateful—he hadn’t also been prosecuted. Marcus had a very different view of everything. In particular, Andy’s attitude.

So it was sort of uncanny when Quinn said, “I’ve known a few guys like Marcus. They’re their own worst enemy. And anything that goes wrong for them is always someone else’s fault.”

Bull’s-eye. Even so, it felt disloyal to talk about any of this to an outsider. Andy said, “He’s had some challenges.”

“We’ve all had some challenges. Most of us don’t blame our partners for them.”

Yeah, well. That.

“What did he say that made you think he plans on killing me?”

Quinn quoted with casual brutality, “I’m going to enjoy killing that little prick.There were several variations on the theme.”

“Maybe it was just talk.” Marcus was big on threats.

“Maybe. Some of it was certainly intended to piss me off.”

“But…”

“I don’t think it was just talk. And neither do you. This is an asshole who barely skated out from under a mountain of legal problems but had no hesitation in breaking in here last night. That tells me he has zero fear of repercussions. He feels invincible. He feels self-righteous. Hewilltry to kill you.”

Andy swallowed. “Okay. Monday I’ll file that restraining order. In the meantime…”

Quinn waited politely for Andy to finish his thought.

Andy tried again. “In the meantime, I should find out how Uncle C.’s doing.” He spoke with a briskness he didn’t feel. He wasn’t sure he could take any more bad news.

Quinn nodded. “I’ll see if I can find out where Bok is staying.”

Andy eyed Quinn uneasily. “Quinn, I appreciate that you want to help, but if you put yourself on Marcus’s radar, you’ll be a target as well.”

Quinn’s amusement seemed genuine. “I appreciate the warning. I won’t do anything to further complicate your life.”

“That’s not what I mean. Marcus is not always…normal in his reactions.”

“I noticed. Listen. Don’t worry. I’m very good at taking care of myself. Anyway, I’m pretty sure Marcus already noticed me.”