60

Jake reported back to Sammy Candelosi. He’d been putting it off because he figured Sammy wouldn’t be happy.

He wasn’t. “That’s all you’ve got?”

“That’s a lot, Sammy. He’s bringing in out-of-town talent. The guy’s been delayed, but he’ll be coming. What more do you want?”

“Who’s the guy? When’s he coming? Where is he? Why is he delayed?”

“I thought you knew who the guy was.”

Sammy’s eyes widened. “You gonna argue with me?”

“Oh, no, of course not. All that would be good to confirm. But he didn’t want to tell me. What am I going to do, say you gotta tell me, Pete, Sammy wants to know? I’m doing everything I can without tipping him off.”

“Or you already tipped him off so he’s not giving you anything.”

“He doesn’t suspect a thing, I swear.”

“Then get back there and get me some more information. And speed it up, will you? You took so long getting this I thought you were dead.”

Jake said nothing, just stood there and took the abuse. He figured it could have been worse.

“Go on, get out of here,” Sammy said.

Jake grimaced as he headed for the door. It seemed everyone was telling him that lately.

When he was gone, Slythe said, “What do you make of that?”

Sammy shrugged. “He’s probably right. The guy’s house burned down, and he’s hung up dealing with it. When he gets his affairs in order, he’ll be headed here.”

“How long will that take?”

“Damned if I know. No one ever burned down my house.”

“So he’s still in L.A.”

“It would appear so.”

“You want me to go back and try to find him?”

“That might take a little time. I need you here.”

“So what do you want to do about him?”

“There’s guys who handle that sort of thing.”