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“But there isn’t anything to tell,” Mrs. Robie said hopelessly. “Paul never had the jewels in his possession. He never found the right snow globe. He wasn’t lying about that.”

“Maybe not about that.” Quinn sounded as grim as if he’d been dealing with Robie’s lies for years.

“He wasn’t lying about the rest of it either. He didn’t realize what he was doing—what he tried to do—or he would never have thought of-of double-crossing someone like Mr. Sirius. He didn’t have the whole picture. He thought it was just the Whittakers moving stolen jewelry. They really did do that. You know, local stuff. He didn’t make that up. If they told Mr. Sirius that it wasn’t true, they were lying.”

“The Whittakers have been dealt with.”

Andy was a little shocked by Quinn’s ominous pronouncement—given that it was true—and Mrs. Robie looked more scared than ever.

She rattled on. “If Paulie’d known, if he’dunderstoodwhat was really going on, he’d never have tried to steal from Mr. Sirius.” She added one final, sad, “He didn’t understand.”

It seemed the old adage about no honor among thieves was correct.

Quinn absorbed that, said, “That may be. However, Mr. Sirius is losing patience.”

He’s fishing, Andy thought, but he’d always admired that air of authority Quinn brought to his bullshitting.

“I know. I know he must be, but I know Paulie’s trying. I know he’s…” She swallowed. “Scared.”

The lady in the neighboring window was still watching them, but now she was on the talking animatedly on the phone.

Andy said quickly, “Okay. You’ve been very helpful, Mrs. Robie.” He looked meaningfully at Quinn. “We should go and let Mrs. Robie get to work.”

Now.He tried to communicate urgency with his eyes. He tried another pointed look over Quinn’s shoulder.

Message received. Quinn’s eyes narrowed. His expression changed. “Right. Yes. Thank you for your help, Mrs. Robie. Remember not to discuss this matter with anyone.Anyone.Understood?”

“Yes, yes,” she said breathlessly, and her relief that they were leaving, and leaving her unharmed, was almost another presence standing there among the towers of tires and junk.

Maybe she wasn’t exactly a solid citizen, but Andy couldn’t help feeling sympathy for her.

As they rounded the corner of the house, Quinn began a slow, cautious jog back to their car. Andy was right on his heels.

“What spooked you?” Quinn asked over his shoulder.

“The neighbor lady. I think she may have called the cops.”

Quinn swore.

They reached the car, threw themselves inside, and Quinn started the engine. They pulled away from the curb, though at a nerve-rackingly sedate pace, in Andy’s opinion.

As they turned onto the next street, a police cruiser passed them. The officer behind the wheel never so much as glanced their way.

“That was close,” Quinn remarked as the cruiser flashed by.

“Jesus.”

Quinn offered his sideways smile. “Don’t pretend you’re not enjoying this.”

“Uh, I hate to break it to you, Quinn, but I’m not enjoyingthis.”

“You’re not feeling evenslightlyexhilarated?”

“I’m feelinghugelyrelieved we’re not on our way to jail. Is that what you mean?”

“Close enough.”

Andy sighed, shook his head. “I know. I’m just not much of an action hero.”