Page 60 of The Fallen Man

Jackson chuckled, which had been Aiden’s goal.

“Not that you should smile at these idiots. Mostly just do your silent tough guy thing and I will lawyer at them until they get tired and give up.”

“It’s a system that works,” said Jackson.

“It really does,” said Aiden. “I’ve almost gotten over being surprised that it does. I chalk it up to a lack of mental fortitude myself. People have no stamina. Or it could be laziness, I suppose.”

“Well, that and I’m annoying.”

“I’ve heard that,” said Aiden, straightening his tie, and running a hand over his hair. “Do I look like I make more in an hour than these guys do in a day?” he asked, turning to Jackson.

“You probably do make more in an hour,” said Jackson.

“Probably. But that isn’t the point. Sometimes how much I make is a moral embarrassment that shouldn’t be mentioned. But today the point is to look like I have the time and resourcesto be more trouble than anyone wants to have in their life.”

“Oh. Well, goal achieved. You look like you sleep with super models on gold plated sheets or something.”

“Perfect! Let’s go get this over with.”

Aiden went into the front desk and charmed the front desk clerk until he showed them into the next office and then there was the next office after that. Aiden showed them Jackson’s magic letter from the District Attorney’s office that asked for cooperation. Aiden was pretty sure Jackson had achieved that through some sort of carnal relations with a very attractive Assistant D.A. but he didn’t like to ask because knowing that wouldn’t help them should he have to answer any questions on the record. As predicted, none of the people they talked to liked Jackson. Aiden strutted and Jackson growled and the administrators yipped like tiny, but very angry dogs.

And then at some point Jackson disappeared and came back thirty minutes later smelling of cigarettes. By that time, Aiden had gained access to the records and he gave Jackson a look that asked if he was ready to go. Jackson gave an infinitesimal nod and Aiden gave one of his own. They didn’t speak until they were out on the side-walk.

“What’d you get?” asked Aiden.

“Who me?” asked Jackson and Aiden shook his head.

“If all you got was a cigarette break, I’m going to be pissed.”

Jackson flashed a grin. “You first.”

“There was only one visitor who wasn’t related to the defense team. She signed in as C. Granger.”

Jackson nodded. “That’s the third ex-wife – Christina Granger. I talked to some of the guards. They didn’t know who came to visit him, but they did tell me that we’re not the first ones to come sniffing around. Some guy came around a couple of months ago. Didn’t get a name, but he passed out cash to get the same information.”

Aiden took a deep breath. “Damn. I don’t like being behind someone else.”

“Neither do I,” said Jackson. “And I don’t like not knowing who that person is. I knew we were taking too long. I just didn’t think we were on a clock and Eleanor kept pushing back.”

Aiden shook his head. “She fucking hates having us mess around with her stuff, but she still needs us.”

“Agreed,” said Jackson. “Fortunately, we tracked ex-wife number three to Colorado. Devonte headed out there a few days ago.”

“Hopefully, he’s not just skiing,” said Aiden. “Tell him to get a move on.”

“Devonte hates snow. And he asked me if there was such a thing as horse repellent.”

Aiden laughed. “Does he think they just wander the streets of Colorado?”

“Maybe they do for all I know,” said Jackson. “I told him if he saw his horse to flap his arms and look big.”

Aiden laughed. “Worst advice ever.”

“Yeah,” said Jackson, grinning. “But I’m kind of hoping he meets a horse now.”

“Got time for lunch?” asked Aiden.

“Nah, I told Eleanor I’d pick up some stuff up while I was down here and then I’m heading back to the office. You guys are coming on Sunday, right?”