Page 74 of Made of Steele
“Don’t worry. I won’t share.”
“I’m not actually worried. If you did share it publicly, the photo could link you to a stolen antiquity, and you could be sent to prison.”
“Ooh, I didn’t think of that,” she said, when she had indeed thought of that and many other ways to implicate Oliver. “Now that the box is closed, can I take a picture of you, though? You know, for late at night when I’m thinking about you.”
Her last comment made her stomach turn, but she smiled.
“Of course.” He sat back, preening.
She took shots of him holding the box. Sure, it didn’t implicate him like a picture of the object, but it did connect a link from the box to the item that a jury might find questionable. The pictures were taken immediately following the one of her with the object, in the same location, and the odds that the box was empty as he held it weren’t very high.
“Now,” he said. “Let’s talk about how soon we can start dating.”
Drew’s stomach continued to turn as he drove toward the Conti’s warehouse. He’d hated watching Teagan flirt with Oliver, but he was thankful she’d seen the antiquity and gotten a picture of it. Harris could try to have the item authenticated, and they could sweep in and arrest Oliver before he made the sale. They might be poised to arrest this guy and were making some progress on the murders, but Drew still had to keep the op going by telling Sal that he’d confirmed the drug quality and would move forward with the cash. One thing he couldn’t do was come out and tell them he knew the heroin was from Iraq.
He also wanted to see if he could learn the identity of Rossi’s thug to see if the creep might be behind the murders.
Drew slung his backpack holding the package of drugs over his shoulder as he got out of the car. The overcast skies made it seem to be nighttime, and the Christmas lights twinkling on the outside of the building felt foreign to his UC life. Last Christmas he’d spent alone in his dinky apartment while the Contis were home celebrating with their families.
He could honestly see how UC officers could turn and embrace the criminal life—which did happen at times. The offenders lived a high life, and the officer was stuck in poverty and witnessing all that life could offer if they gave in and took a bribe. He’d be lying if he said the money and posh life didn’t entice him at times. Like that Christmas Day. But then he thought of his mother. Of his faith. Of his oath to serve and protect. And he made it through another day to point his attention at bringing in the bad guys.
He climbed the steps and entered the lobby. He was greeted by the sweet smell of freshly brewed hazelnut coffee, so popular in the Northwest where hazelnuts were grown. He greeted Betty with a smile.
“Oh, sugar.” She held a cup of coffee. “You’re looking tired.”
He ran a hand through his hair but didn’t comment.
“You spending late nights with Teagan Steele?” She blew on the coffee.
“Not real late, but my social life has cut into my sleep for sure.” He chuckled to make light of it.
“You really like her.” Betty raised a penciled-in eyebrow. “I can tell.”
“You’re still my best girl.” He smiled.
“Oh, you.” She waved her free hand. “Only Sal and Aldo are in today.”
“Vito’s on the loose, huh? I thought those guys were inseparable.”
She set down her mug and cast a conspiratorial look around the area. “Between you and me, they had a big blowout. Vito said he’s tired of how they treat him, and he’s never coming back.”
Oh, wow. Interesting development.“You believe him?”
“Could be. He’s so much younger than the other two and always wanted to be like them, but they really do pick on the guy. I could see him going postal on them if they’re not careful.”
Drew didn’t realize the animosity went that deep. “Seriously? You think he might hurt them?”
She shrugged. “You never know these days with constant bullying and all. Maybe you could talk to Sal and Aldo. Tell them to take it easy on him.”
“Yeah. Sure. I’ll try.” He tapped the counter a few times and then headed past the security guard, the same petite woman as yesterday. She had a tough-looking stance but gave him a nod as he passed her.
Drew entered the warehouse. He had no intention of talking to Sal and Aldo about their brother. If their leads on the murders didn’t pan out, he would press Vito for additional information on Smiley.
Drew took a long breath, further inhaling his Dylan identity and stepped into the door. “What’s up, Contis?”
Sal glared at him. “Little Vito had a snit and rushed out. We’re trying to make decisions without him.”
Drew rolled his eyes. “Younger brothers.”
