janet maple 05 - it doesnt pay to be bad (18 page)

“Tina?”

Tina heard Janet calling her name as she was passing by the office that Janet and Dennis shared. She could tell that Janet was checking up on her, and she couldn’t say she blamed her—this was a big case for the agency and there wasn’t any room for slip-ups.

“Yes?” Tina poked her head through the door. She nodded at Janet and said a quick hi to Dennis who waved back, but remained absorbed in his computer screen.

“I was wondering if you wanted to get a drink?” Janet asked. “There’s a bar a few blocks away and they do a great happy hour. Dennis and I were going to head over there—would you like to join us? We could all use some unwind time. Don’t you think so, Dennis?” Janet added.

“What?” Dennis asked, pulling himself away from his computer.

“A drink? I think we could all use a drink,” Janet repeated.

“No argument there,” Dennis agreed. “Let’s blow this joint and get loaded.”

“What do you say, Tina?” Janet pressed.

“I’d love to, but I’m meeting Daniel,” Tina halted purposely, noticing Janet tense up, “with Agent Norris for a strategy session,” she added. “We’re all grabbing a bite to eat.”

At the mention of Agent Norris’s name, Janet looked instantly relaxed. “Great idea. I’m sure Agent Norris will have very useful insights.”

“You’re welcome to come if you’d like. I’m sure Agent Norris won’t mind,” Tina said.

“No worries,” Janet said. “We have some more groundwork to do here.”

“I understand.”

“We can touch base tomorrow morning,” Janet said. “Go get ’em.”

Tina smiled brightly. “Thanks. I won’t let you down. See you tomorrow.”

“Smooth going Sherlock,” Dennis quipped once the door closed behind Tina.

“What?” Janet crossed her arms on her chest. “I was worried Garrett pulled a fast one on Tina. Can you blame me for checking up on her?”

“I told you that girl doesn’t need a chaperone. She can hold her own in any situation. In fact, I can’t imagine any guy in the right mind wanting to hit on her—one wrong move and she’ll have you in a headlock.”

Janet shook her head. “Can you please be serious for once? Our professional reputation is on the line here. One wrong move and Bassand will be on to us. And then I doubt our little agency will be in demand much longer.”

Dennis stretched and yawned. “Why don’t you let Ham worry about that—drumming up business is under his purview. Now, I’m feeling very stiff after sitting around the office all day, poring over Bassand and Garrett’s biographies. I feel like I know a little too much about both of them. And I could sure use that drink you were pedaling to Tina.”

Janet frowned. “I wanted to stay a little longer. There are a few more details I’d like to go over with you.”

Dennis waved his hand in dismissal. “There’s no reason we can’t do that over a drink, and that’ll give us the reason to put the whole thing as an office expense.”

“You’re on a roll today. We’re not going to do anything of the kind,” Janet said firmly.

“Come on—let’s get out of here and clear our heads.”

“You’re right. I could use a drink too.” Janet logged off from her computer and reached for her purse. “Let’s get out of here.”

They were about to leave the office when Janet’s phone rang.

“Don’t answer it,” Dennis pleaded.

Janet looked at the caller ID window. “It’s Leonard.”

“Trust dear old Lenny to ruin the night,” Dennis muttered, slumping back into his chair. “I guess that means our drinks are cancelled.”

“That’s right—no drinking on the job.” Janet picked up her phone. “Hi Leonard. What’s up? I see,” she said, listening to Leonard’s frantic voice on the other end of the line. “Don’t worry. I’m sure it’s nothing to fret over. We’ll handle it. See you soon.”

“What’s going on?” Dennis asked after Janet hung up.

“Leonard is all wound up. Bassand’s requested a meeting tonight. He wants us to meet his associate. Some woman by the name of Nicole Sheridan.”

“Wow, wow.” Dennis raised his hand. “What makes Bassand think he can just bring every Tom, Dick, and Harry in on this deal? We had an agreement—he can’t just flip on us like that.”

“I agree, but we’re not in the position to argue with Bassand—we have to keep him baited. Besides, what’s the harm in entrapping another criminal? More glory for the FBI, right?”

Dennis shook his head. “We don’t want Bassand to have the upper hand by having too many people working for him. It’ll make things tougher for us.”

“Granted, but I still don’t think we’re in the position to argue with him.”

“We gotta run it by Agent Norris,” Dennis said.

Janet reached for the phone and put it on speaker. “I’m dialing him now.”

“Agent Norris,” the voice on the other line answered after the first ring.

“Agent Norris, it’s Janet Maple and Dennis Walker,” Janet said quickly, “we have a situation on our hands.” She proceeded to give Agent Norris a summary of her conversation with Leonard.

“Yes, her name is very familiar to me,” said Agent Norris after Janet finished her summary. “She’s Bassand’s right hand—very skilled and dangerous.”

“So do we allow Bassand to bring in this Nicole character or do we push back?” Dennis asked. “I recommend we push back—we don’t want Bassand calling the shots, and we certainly don’t need another set of eyes on us.”

“But at the same time we might have the opportunity to entrap Nicole Sheridan,” Janet pointed out. “And get Bassand comfortable.”

“Proceed with tonight’s meeting. I have something to sweeten the pot—schematics for the display case for the Eternal Light—it’ll show Bassand that you mean business. You can say that you got it from the company that designed the case for Garrett. If Bassand is having any doubts, this will put them to rest. I’ll email you the plans via the encrypted connection. Agree to Bassand’s conditions, but make it known that there will be no more changes to the arrangement,” instructed Agent Norris. “I suspected he was going to do this—he never operates on his own. Bassand always likes to have someone there to take the fall if necessary. Looks like this time he’s chosen Nicole. So much for loyalty among thieves. Great work you two. Keep me posted on how the meeting tonight goes.”

“Will do,” Janet said. “Thank you, Agent Norris.” And with that she disconnected the phone.

“Well, you’ve heard the man.” Dennis shook his head. “Nicole is in and we’ve got to watch our backs.”

“With a job like ours, it comes with the territory.”

“That is does,” Dennis agreed.

“Don’t tell me you don’t love it.” She nudged him. “Aren’t you even a little bit curious to meet this mysterious Nicole?”

“Yes, I am,” Dennis agreed. “But I have a feeling I might’ve already met her,” he added under his breath.

“What was that?” Janet asked.

“Nothing,” Dennis said quickly. “We should get out of here or we’re going to be late.”

Chapter 13

Janet and Dennis were about to enter their building when they noticed a slouched figure lurking behind them. The two of them didn’t need to look twice to know that it was Leonard.

“Hello, Lenny,” Dennis said without turning around. “Care to join us?”

There was a sound of rushing footsteps and a few moments later Leonard caught up with them. “What took you so long?” he complained. “My arms are about to fall off.” He held up the garment bags he had in his hands.

“What’s this?” Dennis asked. “More horrible suits for me to wear? Wasn’t last time enough?”

“You can’t go wearing the same suit twice,” Leonard pointed out. “Not if you want Bassand to take you seriously.”

“I wasn’t going to,” Dennis shot back. “I have very nice suits hanging in my closet, thank you very much.”

“Come on, you two,” Janet interrupted. “Let’s go inside already.”

Luckily the lobby was empty and so was the elevator. A few minutes later they were standing in front of Janet and Dennis’s apartment door.

“I’ll go in first,” Janet said, “so that Baxter doesn’t get upset.”

“Fine by me,” Leonard agreed. “Keep that dog away from me and my trousers.”

Dennis smirked. “See, even Baxter knows that your choice in fashion is no good.”

Janet shook her head and opened the door. “Baxter, buddy, we’re home!”

There was a sound of scurrying paws as Baxter burst down the hall to greet them. His joyful bark turned into an alarming one at the sight of Leonard, as Baxter growled and bared his front teeth.

“For such a small dog, he has very impressive canine teeth,” Leonard observed, his back pressed against the front door.

“Jack Russells are hunting dogs,” Dennis said proudly. “They may be small, but their jaws are very powerful. They can hold their grip for a very long time.”

“I see,” Leonard squeaked, noticeably paler.

“Don’t be scared, Leonard,” Janet tried to reassure him. “Baxter doesn’t bite. Well, not unless he thinks there’s a threat to his home or his family. He knows you’re with us now—he’s just showing off.”

“Well tell him I’m impressed and that he can stop,” Leonard squeaked.

Janet laughed. “I think he knows that already. Come on buddy,” she said firmly, gently nudging Baxter, “on you go.” Baxter obediently trotted into the living room where he lay down on the floor by the sofa.

Janet led the way into the living room and took a seat. “Come on you two,” she called over to Dennis and Leonard. “We have lots to discuss.”

“After you.” Dennis ushered Leonard inside with a sweeping gesture.

“Thanks.” Leonard hurried over to where Janet was sitting. He was about to take a seat next to her when Baxter raised his head and barked sharply. “See?” Leonard nearly jumped. “This dog hates my guts.”

“Well, maybe if you addressed him by his name instead of ‘this dog’, Baxter might change his opinion,” Dennis said, as he scratched Baxter behind his ear. “I know buddy—he gets on my nerves too,” he whispered theatrically to Baxter.

“I heard that!” Leonard exclaimed. “And if you think that your sentiment isn’t reciprocated, you’re sorely mistaken. Why do I even bother with this nonsense? I should just let you both bomb.”

“Leonard, calm down—” Janet tried to calm him down.

“Let us bomb? And where would the deal you have with the feds be then?” Dennis cut in. “Don’t forget that we all have a stake in this.”

“Then act like it,” Leonard huffed, his arms crossed on his chest.

“Stop acting like school boys, both of you!” Janet said loudly. “Dennis, why don’t you get Leonard a drink? I think he could use one to relax. In fact, why don’t you pour us all drinks?”

“I thought you said we shouldn’t drink on the job,” Dennis pointed out.

“That’s right, but a little cognac is just what we need to settle our nerves. Now, Leonard what is it that you wanted to tell us?” Janet asked while Dennis went over to the bar to get their drinks.

“Oh, only that Bassand wants you to meet Nicole,” Leonard answered.

“You already mentioned that,” Janet reminded him. “What’s the big deal?”

“What’s the big deal? Only that nothing ever gets past Nicole. She’s the shrewdest woman I’ve ever met and the meanest one too,” Leonard added. “At fifteen she ran away from a foster home and was living off the streets. That’s when Bassand took her in and taught her the trade. He saw her swipe a Cartier watch right off some foolish woman’s wrist in a bakery shop while the stupid cow was buying Nicole an éclair. As if Nicole was some poor waif that needed saving! He still has a soft spot for her—calls her his little dove. And she is very devoted to him—she thinks of him as her father.”

“This is all very touching,” said Dennis as he placed their drinks on the table. “I didn’t know Bassand was capable of taking in street orphans. But then he did turn her into a thief, so I guess it fits the bill. Here, drink up.” He handed Leonard a glass.

Leonard lifted the snifter to his lips, took a tentative sip, and made a face.

“It’s not as good as Bassand’s scotch, but it’s not all that bad,” Dennis said defensively.

“It’s not that,” Leonard apologized, “I’m just not much of a drinker. But I can certainly use some of it now.” He finished the rest of his glass and shivered. “It seems to be doing the trick—I feel better already.”

“I’m glad.” Janet smiled. “Should we get going?”

Leonard nodded. “Yes. Just change into the outfits I brought you and we’ll be ready to go.”

Dennis groaned. “Not that again.”

Janet gave him a sharp look. “Don’t even start—you’ll be fighting a losing battle.”

“Look before you speak,” Leonard said, as he unzipped one of the garment bags and pulled out a metallic gray suit. “Now don’t tell me this isn’t a stylish suit.”

Dennis waved his hand in resignation. “I’m not even going to dignify that with an answer.”

“Good,” Janet cut in. “Now go and change.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Dennis got off the couch, grabbed the suit, and shuffled into the bedroom.

“Do you have anything for me?” Janet asked. “I loved the last outfit you picked,” she added to bolster Leonard’s self-esteem—with all the putdowns coming his way from Dennis and from Bassand, he could certainly use it.

“Thanks!” Leonard’s eyes twinkled. “I thought you would look great in this.” He opened the other garment bag and pulled out a fitted black shift dress. “Just pair it with black heels and you’ll be good to go.”

“I love it,” Janet said honestly. The dress was simple, but it was very elegant and the fabric looked very expensive. “But Leonard, how on earth are you able to afford all of this?”

“Don’t worry.” He grinned. “I’m sending the bill to the feds.”

“I hope they’ll pay.”

“Oh, they will. Believe you me, after we hand them Bassand on a platter, they’ll pay.”

Janet smiled at the newly confident Leonard—what a difference a few words of encouragement could make. “That’s the spirit, Leonard. Keep it up. Now, I’m going to go and change.” Janet got up from her seat about to leave—a move that wasn’t lost on Baxter who’d been observing everything keenly and barked instantly, his eyes fixed on Leonard.

“You’re not going to leave me here with him, are you?” Leonard’s flash of bravery had instantly evaporated.