“How soon can you get here?”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“The private detective called. Something about Dex and the Ghost.”
“The Ghost? It’s safe. In police lockup.”
“Can you just get here? I don’t know how much time we have. I’m very worried. Trevor’s there, and—”
“Say no more. We’re on our way.” He disconnected, looking at Remi. “We need to go.”
“What’s wrong?”
“That issue with Allegra and her ex. It’s coming to a head.” He turned to Geoffrey. “I don’t suppose you could give us a lift to the train station?”
“But the papers. They’re at the office. Surely you can spare an hour to—”
“The papers have to wait.”
The man looked horrified. “You realize you’ll be losing tens of thousands of dollars? The interest alone is frightening.”
“Can’t be helped,” Sam said, patting his pockets. “Any chance you can loan us train fare?”
* * *
—
SAM AND REMI settled into their seats, as the train pulled away from the station. “I should’ve asked him for snack money,” Sam said.
“He bought us first-class tickets. It comes with a meal.”
“How long has it been since we’ve eaten? I doubt it’s going to be enough.” His phone rang. Chad was on the other end.
“Oliver wanted to make sure you’re on your way,” Chad said.
“Barring some unforeseen problem, we should be there in about two hours.” Sam moved closer to Remi, putting the phone between them so that she could hear. “Do you know what’s wrong?”
“Just that he’s beside himself after talking on the phone to the private detective,” Chad said, lowering his voice as though Oliver was nearby, “who’s confirmed the ex-husband is at the house. Poor chap. Worried about his sister and nephew, of course. We’re there now.”
“At Allegra’s?”
“At the solicitor’s. Waiting for Bill Snyder to come in and tell him exactly what’s going on. I thought I’d check in and let you know where we are, and that I’ll be ’round to pick you up when you arrive. I don’t think he’s in any condition to drive.”
“We’ll see you then,” Sam said.
“Should we call the police?” Remi asked, after he’d disconnected.
“Bill Snyder knows what he’s doing. If he thinks the police should be called, I doubt he’ll hesitate. Let’s wait to see what’s going on.”
“I hope we’re not too late.”
77
By the time Arthur Oren returned to his Manchester estate that evening, his temper had cooled significantly. It flared again when Colton walked into his office.
“I take it you weren’t successful in recovering the Ghost?” Colton asked.
“Are you trying to be funny?”