Counterfeit Magic by Armstrong Kelley

Author:Armstrong, Kelley [Armstrong, Kelley]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2010-03-17T19:40:08+00:00

The Art of Blackmail

“Man, that Ethan’s a piece of work,” Savannah said when we got into the car. “Can you believe what he did to his brother? Deciding he’s not good enough to turn pro? Tommy should have taken him into the ring years ago.”

I gazed out the window and said nothing. There’d been a time when Savannah had wanted a career as an artist, and while I’d never have denied her the chance to go to art school, part of me had wondered if encouraging her wholeheartedly had been the right thing to do.

Savannah had talent, but no more than thousands of other kids who dreamed of their first gallery opening. We’d subtly tried to steer her toward graphic design or another use for her skills so she could make a living while pursuing art on the side. She hadn’t been interested in that. She wanted to be an artist.

In the end, it was Savannah herself who changed her mind. As high school had progressed, her interest in art had waned. These days, it was only a hobby. She’d found her passion in her job. Well, not her actual job as admin assistant. What she loved were these forays into the field that she hoped would get her out of the receptionist’s chair for good. And they would, as soon as she’d matured a little more.

If Savannah had been hell-bent on art school, would I have found a way to convince her not to go? No. I couldn’t do what Ethan had done. But I’d have been tempted.

I had to admit, though, that it was different with Tommy. Being state champ meant he did have the talent to go pro. He might not have become a star, but he could have made a living at it for a while. Was that what Ethan feared? A short-lived career? Retiring young, bitter and disillusioned, with nothing to fall back on? Had he set Tommy on a different path to spare him that fate? As someone in a similar position—raising a younger “sibling”—I could understand that urge to protect. I just wasn’t sure I agreed with it.

Thinking of retired fighters reminded me of the scene I’d witnessed at the ring, Tommy talking to that former boxer. Had the man been trying to lure Tommy into a bigger arena? What had he said that had alarmed Tommy? Made him look over at Ethan and move the conversation to the office?

“Okay, you’re thinking something,” Savannah said. “What’s the plan, boss?”

“We need to speak to the Gallante brothers again. Separately this time.”

* * * *

Finding an address for the Gallantes was easy enough. Nichols said they’d lived in the same house all their lives. A simple property search gave us a location on the other side of Santa Cruz.

While Savannah drove, I worked on theories. From Nichols, we’d confirmed that Jared hadn’t fought in the ring the night he died, which meant that when the Gallantes talked about another fighter’s death, they didn’t mean him. Which left us with a problem.

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