Page 101 of Only the Devil

“You said you don’t know who tampered with the presentation. Is that correct?”

“Yes. Phillip’s working on it.”

“Phillip? You don’t learn, do you?”

“This isn’t?—”

“I’m done with this.”

“Bennett–”

“No. I’m done. Sterling Financial is closing.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“Have you ever known me to not mean what I say?”

“I can make this right.”

“You’ve done quite enough.”

“Please. Give me a chance. I can fix this.”

“I’ll tell you what. You reach out to Phillip. Tell him to go to the hangar.”

“Why? What–”

“You want to make this right? Call him. Tell him I expect him to be on a plane leaving this country. I don’t want him speaking to any authorities. I don’t want him answering any questions. Do you understand me?”

“Where are you sending him?”

“Does it matter?”

“I need to tell him what to pack.”

“Tell him he’ll take the plane to New York, and from there he’ll be headed to Saint Kitts to wait this out.”

“Why Saint Kitts?”

“Because if you tell him the truth he won’t go. Tell him to be at the hangar within three hours. And remind him it’s nonextradition.”

“Tonight?”

“Do you want him answering questions?”

“No. You’re right.”

“Can I trust you with this?”

“Yes. Thank you for giving me a chance?—”

“Do not call me again. Not from the office, from your cell, do not email me, do not?—”

“Bennett—”

“Jillian, do you understand?”

“Please let me make this right. I can fix this.”