Page 54 of Defender
Michael looked over at Finn. With all these businesses using the same bank, there was a chance this was what had happened at the boutique and laundromat too. Those two owners hadn’t been anywhere near as helpful. But Carter could be a different story. Maybe they could convince him to be an informant and get back in the game. Then they could trace the money. Before Michael could ask, though, a nurse came in.
“Out with two of you. Mr. Carter needs some bandages changed and a vitals check.” The nurse’s no-nonsense tone didn’t bode well for arguing. Probably for the better so Michael could strategize with Finn first and get the plan approved by their boss before they made any offers.
“I’ll call the sketch artists to see when we can get one here,” Michael told Isaac before leaving the room.
Finn waited until they were walking in the hallway again. “What do you think?”
“My gut says he’s telling the truth. I don’t think he knows who is behind all this.”
“Think he’ll inform for us?” Finn pushed the button for the elevator.
“I think it’s our best step forward. Hopefully we can get the captain to sign off on it and Carter will cooperate.”
“If these people are running this ring to launder money, a convenience store and the laundromat attached to the dry-cleaning place make sense for big cash deposits. Not sure how much cash business the boutique does.”
“Guess we should find out.” Michael drove to the dry cleaners.
The daughter said her mother had left to visit family in Europe.
Next, they tried the boutique owner. She didn’t cooperate at all, claiming ignorance about any threats or knowing who was behind the burglary.
Finn laughed when they got back to the car. “Michael, do you not know how to charm the ladies? A little less scowl. More smiles and beguiling tones.”
“Oh, is that the secret?” Michael rolled his eyes. He wanted to close the case and know the job was done and done well. “I don’t have time for games.”
“It doesn’t have to be a game. Some of us are naturally more charming. And you know what they say about catching flies.”
“Let’s hope I’m more charming with Captain Salvador. We’ll need to get him on board if we want to have Carter attempt to make a deal and become an informant.”
“No doubt.” His partner hummed to the rock ballad playing on the radio.
Okay, that was weird.
“Speaking of charm, how was your date last night? You never even said who it was.”
“It was good.” Finn turned to look out his passenger window.
“Good? That’s it? Usually you’re telling me all about your smooth moves and romantic dinners. Was it that much of a dud that you have nothing to share?”
“’Twasn’t a bad date at all. It was…rather nice actually. You should try it sometime. You know, get out there and dance a little. Enjoy the finer things in life.”
“I don’t have time for that.”
“You would if you made time. Maybe didn’t work so hard after hours.”
Finn knew what work Michael did “after hours.”
“You think I should stop investigating my mom’s murder?” He couldn’t keep the edge out of his voice.
“I’m not saying that, Mick. But to be honest, I am worried about you. Your family is worried. You spend so much time and energy on it that you’ve forgotten how to live.”
“Live? Everyone else has forgotten Martina Martinelli. Everyone else has gone on with their lives as if hers didn’t matter. Either they want to believe the rumors that she was corrupt and taking payouts from a drug dealer and thus deserved what she got, or they don’t care. So if I don’t investigate, who will?”
Finn sighed. “I’m not saying to give it all up. I’m saying maybe you could make room for the people in your life who are still here. And have you even prayed about all this? You don’t go to church anymore. You know I would help you too if you’d ask, but you don’t. It’s like you think it’s all up to you.”
“Because it is.”
“Michael, it’s not. As a brother, I’m going to say this, and you’re not going to like it, but take a good look at the pride that feeds that lie. You keep going this way and you’re going to burn out. And you know your mum wouldn’t want that.”
