Chapter 33

“Now, there’s no call for that, son,” the man said, obviously not assaulted. “This here is a business matter. There’s no room for emotion in business. I know you’re going through a tough spot right now, but to be frank, your tough spot is rapidly becoming my tough spot.”

“If I told you once, I told you a thousand times. I’ve got it handled. Can’t you take me at my word?” Ronan’s voice was agitated, but he sounded like he was making an effort to reign himself in.

“Of course. Your word has gotten us this far, truth be told. If you’d like to tell us how you’ve got this under control, we’d be relieved to hear it.”

“Not yet, I said. When it’s time, you’ll know.”

“Fine,” the man said. “Roy, if you’d hand me the file, please.”

Felix heard the shuffling of papers. The young, nervous man Felix had seen standing silently to the side must be Roy.

“Roy,” Ronan said. “So help me God, if you pull out one slip of paper, that whole folder’s goin’ right up yer freakin’ arse.”