In for a Ruble by David Duffy

Author:David Duffy [Duffy, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Literature & Fiction, Mystery; Thriller & Suspense, Mystery, Thrillers, Private Investigators
ISBN: 0312621914
Amazon: B0071NMDT0
Goodreads: 13167057
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Published: 2012-07-17T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

Suspicion confirmed.

Leitz was waiting at my office. He and Foos were bent over a laptop in the open area, comparing notes on something. Leitz had switched to blue cashmere today. Same corduroys, from the looks of it, same shoes.

“Don’t you believe in progress reports?” Leitz said, looking up, trying to be confrontational, but not able to manage it. His eyes were red with bags underneath. He was tired, and for him, decidedly subdued. Looked like Jenny had told him of her diagnosis.

“Didn’t see the need. You had your man in the tan coat for that.”

He started to say something, stopped and shook his head. “He figured you spotted him—on Houston Street.”

“Before that—outside Marianna’s.”

“How’d you figure he was working for me?”

“Process of elimination. Who else would have someone following me around?”

He nodded. “Serves me right. Foos said I could trust you, but…”

“I’m told you like to control things.”

He nodded again. “Guilty.”

“You want your report now?”

He shrugged. “If you think it’s necessary. I actually came down here … I want to ask you to stop. The computers, whoever it was, it just doesn’t matter that much anymore.”

He looked down at the coffee table.

“I’m finished anyway,” I said. “I can tell you who and what if you want. But it’s likely to cause more pain.”

“That’s not possible.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

It took a minute before he raised his head. Tears in his eyes. “You … you know?”

“She told me. Only when I asked, although I already knew about the doctors and the tests.”

“Jesus.” He started a lunge for the laptop. For a moment I thought he was going to hurl it across the room. Foos thought the same thing and was ready to grab it first. But halfway there, Leitz just collapsed and fell back on the sofa. Sorrow overwhelmed temper. Foos was unconvinced. He closed the lid and moved the computer out of range.

“Life ain’t fair, man,” he said, mainly, I think, to say something.

I went to the kitchen and came back with the vodka bottle. Leitz shook his head when I offered him a glass.

“It’ll help, if you don’t overdue it.”

“You mean, like Marianna?”

I shrugged.

“Just a little,” he said.

I poured him a finger. He took a sip and put the glass on the table and wiped his eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t come here to unload my burdens on you.”

“That’s all right.” His family had already done that.

He picked up the glass, took another swallow, and shook his head when I offered a refill.

“Tell me what you found out,” he said quietly, “although I’ve almost decided to abandon the TV bid. I’ve got more important things to focus on.”

He sounded sincere. I believed him, but I wondered how he’d feel a day or two or ten down the road. I’m determined we should all lead as normal a life as possible, Jenny Leitz had said. She’d be encouraging him to keep on.

“We can do this another time if you want,” I said.

He shook his head. He was struggling to stay afloat in an emotional tsunami.

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