Page 157 of The 6:20 Man

“Did what exactly?”

Devine said in a low voice, “You really want to go down with Brad Cowl?”

Chilton took a step back and said, “I got a meeting to get to.”

Montgomery put a hand on his arm. “Christian, we can help you get out of this.”

He shook his head, then looked at her and smiled sadly. “No, you can’t, Michelle. We’re not kids anymore. And this isn’t a game.”

“It’s never too late. You remember Poppy telling us that when we got into trouble.”

“Poppy . . . It’s just too late, Michelle. But I appreciate you trying.”

“Michelle told me that you set her up with Cowl,” interjected Devine. “Why’d you do that?”

Chilton eyed Montgomery. “I told you why. I knew she could use the money. Brad loves beautiful women, and there’s no woman more beautiful than Michelle.”

“Is that the only reason?”

“Yeah, why?”

“He also pays her to wear red and green bikinis at certain times out by the pool.”

Chilton looked at him funny. “A bikini? Why would he pay for that?”

“And the last lady he employed for that purpose ended up dead. They said suicide, but I don’t think she jumped into the East River all by her lonesome.”

“What ‘last lady’?”

“You really don’t know, do you?”

“No, I don’t.”

“How much funding do you get from Cowl?”

“I don’t have to tell you anything.”

“But you will have to tell the police.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” said Chilton heatedly.

“Your brownstone is owned by the Locust Group, not by you. They’re laundering and hiding money, Christian, on a global scale. We’re offering you an exit ramp. You just have to work with us.”

“Christian,” said Michelle, “we’re trying to help you.”

“I don’t need help. Everything will be fine.”

“Four people are dead and Cowl has done a runner,” said Devine. “He’s leaving people like you to hold the bag.”

Chilton walked away. They followed him outside.

Devine said, “If you work with us, we can help.”

Chilton whirled around. “Who are you? I thought you were working for Brad.”

“I am. And I’m not.”

“That’s as clear as mud.”