Chapter 15

Conley sat next to William O’Neil’s desk. Outside the office, Morgan’s Tap was alive with customers on a busy Thursday, exhaling smoke tinged with the sweet smell of alcohol.

Drawings lined the walls, large sketches taped to the wood paneling. Conley and Kendricks studied the gallery. Sage and O’Neil studied the detectives.

William pointed at a drawing of a building, a stark, windowless gray box with steps attached. He touched its middle with bent knuckles.

“That’s it, Matt. The Paladin.”

Sage stood, placed her hand on O’Neil’s shoulder, and drew it lovingly across as she passed.

That touch is more than just friendship, Conley thought.

She tapped the top of the portraits. “And these are its members.”

The faces shared the same pose, as if they were staring straight into a photographer’s lens. Names were drawn under each one, beautiful curling titles done in calligraphy. They made the subjects look regal.

“I drew them from memory,” she said. “Thought they might help.ˮ

She continued around the room, palms smoothing some, fingers flicking others, a checkmark of approval.

“Some of these people will help us find out who threatened Victor. Carrie’s one who’ll talk for sure. Others won’t. Some will want to stop us from learning anything.”

“The pictures will definitely help,” Conley said. “So where is the Paladin?”

Sage and O’Neil exchanged glances, as if deciding who would answer.

“We have no idea,” O’Neil said.

“I don’t understand.”

“Victor drove,” she said. “I went only twice, never paid attention to its location.”

“Just ask one of them,” Conley said. He swung his arm at the portraits.

“Victor knew them. I don’t know how to contact any of these people,” Sage said.

“I can find their club,” O’Neil said.

“No, William,” Conley said. “That’s my job.”

Sage sat, crossed her legs, folded her arms, and eyed Conley.

“May I make a suggestion?” O’Neil asked.

“No need,” Conley said. “You’ve been a great help already. Thank you both.”

Amateur hour’s over.

He stood and motioned Kendricks to leave.

“Matt—ˮ

“Forget it, William. We’ll let you know what happens,” Conley said as he and Kendricks shrugged into their jackets and turned to leave.

Sage shook her head and folded her arms.