Under the Stars
Page 49
“You also married Bea.”
“Can you blame me?”
“No.” We both sit in silence a little while. Then I prop my elbow on the bar. “I need to find Landry. He’s not at the NOPD. Any idea where he might have gone?”
“He never left the city, but I don’t know where he is now.”
“Could you find out?”
He shrugs, lips poking out. “I still see Eddie every now and then. He might know something.”
“Text me if you do. I’m at Roland’s place for now.”
He slides off the stool, and I follow suit, ready to get back to Lara and the baby. We still need to figure out where we’re going to stay, and I’m sure Roland has to get to the club.
Terrence stops at the corner and lights up. “Landry’s not going to tell you anything. He’s not that stupid.”
“Maybe not, but maybe I can convince him it’s in his best interest to cooperate.”
Specifically, it’s in his best
interest to give me that fucking thumb drive.
“What exactly are you looking for?”
Shoving my hands in my pockets I study my friend. I’ve known Terrence as long as anybody in this city, and he’s always been a stand-up guy.
“They had cameras in every room. I need to get my hands on those recordings.”
His expression changes halfway through my explanation, as if he understands immediately what the introduction of surveillance means. He was the one who told me about the private dances, after all.
“I got you. I’ll see what I can find out.”
We shake hands, and I head north on Orleans Street. Roland’s place is just a few blocks away, but I want to make a slight detour first.
* * *
Lara
Mark texted he’s on his way back from meeting with Terrence, and I’m in Jillian’s closet-room. I’m not interested in staying here any longer than it takes to pack her things and leave.
“I’ll talk to Bill and see if we can do another concert this—” Roland stops in the doorway, but I don’t look up. “What are you doing?”
Jillian is in her crib kicking her little feet while she coos at her animal mobile. I’m emptying her drawers into my suitcase.
“We’re leaving.”
“Why?” He’s with me in two steps trying to catch my hands. I only push his away.
“I wouldn’t stay here another day if you paid me.”
“What the hell? Why are you acting this way?”
He’s still trying to stop me, so I pivot to face him. “How long have you been spying on me? Telling everything I do to Gavin?”
Anger burns under my skin, and I know it’s blazing from my eyes. I’ve been holding onto this confrontation since I faced Gavin in Seattle.
Roland takes a step back. “I haven’t spoken to Gavin in…” He shakes his head, his eyes roaming as if searching for an answer. “Five years? Since he left here.”