“You’re an accountant?” Now Jude looks confused and frustrated with the conversation.
“Well yes, but I don’t do accounting for anyone but myself, maybe some family members if they need help with their taxes. But I’m good at decor, so that’s what I do…well, right now, anyway.”
“Fine.” He sighs, looking as if he’s trying to find the patience to continue. “You’re a decorator,” he pauses and looks to me with eyebrows raised for confirmation. I give him a small smile and he continues. “And are here because of the laundry room. Do you know where Trevor Harper is right now? Who he’s with?”
“No.” I answer honestly. “Megan said he had to leave town on a business trip unexpectedly. She said he left right before I got here this morning. Why would I know who he’s with? I told you I do my best to avoid Trevor and his associates.”
“He left right before you got here this morning?” he asked.
“That’s what Megan said.”
“What time did you get here?”
“Eleven, maybe eleven-fifteen. I was barely here fifteen to twenty minutes before you all barged in. Why?” I ask.
“Just needed a time line.”
Looking even more frustrated and maybe a bit disappointed, I think Agent Ortiz finally understands I have no idea what’s going on and know nothing about Trevor, either.
Tony, shifting at my side, butts in. “I think it’s pretty clear she has no useful information about Trevor Harper. Is she free to go?”
“Sure. We’ll need your contact information, Ms. Carpino. If you don’t mind filling out some paperwork for us before you leave, we’d appreciate it,” Jude says on a sigh.
“Of course. Can I have my things back, please?”
“Yeah. Mac has your stuff and I’ll be right back with the paperwork,” Jude answers.
“Can I see Megan?” I add.
“No, absolutely not.” Tony frowns, joining the conversation. “You’re not talking to Megan Harper. It’s important, Gabby. You need to let this play out the way it’s gonna play out, but no contact. Got it? You’ve been pulled into this shit just by being here, you don’t want to buy into more of Megan’s drama.”
Okay, Tony’s pissed. He knows Megan, we all went to high school together so he’s familiar with her tendency for drama. I get that, but he can’t order me around and tell me who I can or cannot talk to.
I glare at him as I hear Jude agree. “Yeah, the best idea would be to stay away from Megan Harper for a while.”
Looking back at Jude, I demand, “Why?”
It’s not Jude, but Tony who answers. “Gabby, I don’t even know what the fuck’s goin on here, but there’s a hell of a lot of Federal Agents and Police Officers goin through all their shit. I don’t want you anywhere near anyone with the last name Harper or anyone who has anything to do with them. Are you feeling the magnitude of what’s up here? No Megan Harper. Period.”
“Are you her husband?” Jude asks out of the blue.
I guess I can see how he might come to this conclusion since we have the same last name and Tony being all bossy with no patience for me. But still, yuck. He’s my cousin. Tony’s only seven months older than me but was a year ahead of me in school. He has seven inches on me, almost black eyes to my blue, rich brown hair to my dark blonde but we do share our dads’ olive toned complexion.
“Fuck no. We’re cousins, but she’s still a pain in my ass at times,” Tony answers as I gasp. “At least she knows enough to call for representation when she gets herself into shit like this.”
“You are unbelievable, Tony Carpino.” I throw him my dirtiest look before turning to Jude. “Just for your information, I’ve never had to call for representation before. Ever. But if there’s a next time, I’m calling another Carpino.” I turn to Tony. “Got it?” Looking back at Jude, I continue. “Paperwork…my things…please?”
“Yes ma’am” Jude replies, gazing down at me with a hint of a grin this time.
Salt and Pepper, who answers to Mac, returns my purse with all my belongings and my gun. He smiles kindly and despite him making fun of me earlier, I’m pretty sure had we met at say, a picnic or any happier occasion, I would really like him. He appears to have a soft side under his tough black police outfit.
I fill out my paperwork and without giving Tony a second glance, turn on my heel, strutting myself out to my car. It’s a miracle I’m not blocked in with the number of cars parked in the drive. I walk as fast as my shoes will take me and start to climb up into my pearly white Tahoe when I hear Tony trailing behind me, calling for me. “Gabby, stop.”
Barely turning, I give him the edge of my tongue. “What do you want Tony?”
“Stop and talk to me for a second. Calm down.”
“Calm down?” I fully turning to him. “Do you think I wanted that to happen today? I was told to stand with my hands against a wall, cuffed, patted down, had to wait for almost an hour because if I didn’t, I’d be treated to a different load of shit from you for not calling before answering questions. Am I right?” Tony sighs, tipping his head back, looking to the sky. I go on while waving my hand around. “See, I’m right. I did nothing but deliver a client gift to be treated to this crazy-ass mess. So, drop the attitude Tony, next time I’ll call your dad or Gino. The only reason I didn’t was because it would get straight to my aunts and I didn’t want to worry them. They worry about me enough—I don’t need to add fuel to their fire.”
“I’m sorry Gabby, but you run your mouth like a freight train and always say too much. I know you’ve never been questioned like that before, but next time, God help me—there won’t be one, but if there is, just answer the damn questions. I’m ninety-nine percent sure you’re clear, but you never know. Just leave out the fucking commentary.”
“You’re in business law, Tone—mergers and acquisitions. Didn’t know you handled so many interrogations on a daily basis.” I have no trouble being haughty now.
Tony takes a step closer, putting a hand on the side of my neck and leans down to me. “Look, I’m sorry. I hated to see you sitting in that shit-storm when I walked into the house.” I close my eyes and turn my head to the side. “Gabba.” He uses his nickname for me softly and I open my eyes but don’t turn to look at him. “You good?”
I don’t answer him for a few seconds and he gives me a little shake. I finally look up and whisper on a sigh, “Yeah, I’m good.”
Tony goes on softly. “I was serious in there. You do not see or talk to Megan. If she tries to call you, do not answer and let me know if she tries to come see you. They don’t put together an operation like this for no reason. Trevor’s got himself sucked into some serious shit and I don’t want you anywhere near it.”
“I know. I get it, I get it.” I finally give in.
“I don’t have any meetings the rest of the day. You want me to follow you home and hang out for a while?” he asks, proving to me I’m his favorite cousin and just maybe his favorite person ever.