Page 60 of Bit's Bliss

I glanced over at Zin, who appeared lost in thought.

“Why her, though? Because Malcolm was vulnerable? In Paso Robles alone there are plenty of wine heiresses with bank,” Snapper added.

I kept my eye on Zin. There was something he wasn’t saying.

“Not the kind of bank Eberly has,” he finally looked up and said.

“How much are we talking?” Kick asked. “Ow! Fuck. Why’d you kick me?” he said to Snapper.

“Because you don’t ask questions like that.”

Zin’s eyes met mine. Whatever the number was, it was significant.

“Could someone have gotten to Breck?” I asked.

He shook his head. “He wouldn’t have willingly divulged anything about our family.”

“Key word is willingly,” said Snapper.

“Okay, let’s say there’s something to this theory,” said Brix. “Burke’s got a guy on the inside atthe bureau—I’m not saying it’s Zin’s and Eberly’s cousin—but he somehow got advance knowledge of the raid. Which explains how he avoided arrest. But how would he have found out Eberly’s net worth?”

“Beginner hacker could get that info,” Kick muttered.

I looked over at Brix.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

“Everybody always says the Irish mob families don’t lay claim to those in the US. But I doubt they’d leave money on the table if they saw a way to sweep in and take it for themselves.”

“Are you thinking this Burke guy is a scout?”

“Possibly. Or he’s an independent looking for investors.”

“How many zeros are we talking she’s worth, Zin?” Brix asked.

“High nines.”

My brother looked at me. “How long were Eberly and Burke engaged?”

“How the fuck would I know?” I snapped.

“About a year,” Zin answered.

“The FBI investigation took place over a period of five years,” I said under my breath.

“So you’re thinking Burke, or whoever the hell he is, knew about the investigation, knew there’d be a sweep of both the Killeens and FAIM, and was biding his time?” Snapper asked.

“And building his cash reserves,” Brix added. “Takes drug money to make drug money.”

“What better way to get your hands on an heiress’ money than to sweep in and save the day after her father loses their business and home out from under her?” said Kick.

“He’s got Malcolm.”

Heads shot up around the table at my statement.

“Makes sense, Bit,” said Brix.

I pushed my chair away from the table, rested my elbows on my knees, and lowered my head.