Countdown - Iris Johansen [19]
She was trying to clear her mind. “You know my friend Mike was killed?”
“Yes, I’m sorry. I understand you were very close.”
“And how did you know about what happened tonight with Donnell?”
“I had Bartlett bug your car.”
“What?”
“And your dorm room.” He smiled. “Does that make you angry enough to follow me and give me hell?”
“Yes.” She came down the steps. “You’re damn right it does.”
“Good.” He moved down the street. “Then come along and I’ll give you the first five minutes to scold me.”
Scold? She wanted to murder him. He was just the same. Totally confident, totally contained, and totally without concern for anyone’s plans but his own.
“You’re thinking bad thoughts about me,” he murmured. “I can feel the vibes. You should really give me time to explain before you get angry.”
“You just told me you bugged my car.”
“It was done with the best of intentions.” He stopped before a blue Lexus. “Bartlett, I need to talk to her. Watch the dorm for Donnell and call me if he shows up.”
Bartlett nodded as he got out of the car. “My pleasure.” He smiled at Jane. “I’m glad to see you again. I’m sorry it’s under such unhappy circumstances.”
“I agree. Since you were evidently busy bugging my car and dorm room.”
Bartlett gazed reproachfully at Trevor. “Was it really necessary to tell her that?”
“Yes. Give him the keys to your car, Jane. He might as well be on stakeout in comfort.”
She started to refuse and then she met Bartlett’s gentle, dark eyes, which had always reminded her of Winnie the Pooh. It was no use being angry with Bartlett. He’d only been following Trevor’s orders. She tossed him the car keys. “You shouldn’t have done it, Bartlett.”
“I thought it best. Maybe I was wrong.”
“You were wrong.” She got into the passenger seat. “And don’t you let Donnell into that dorm if he comes back.”
“You know I’m not good at violence, Jane.” He added earnestly, “But I’ll be sure to let you know right away.”
She watched him walk away as Trevor got into the driver’s seat. “You shouldn’t have involved him. He’s no criminal.”
“How do you know? It’s been four years and he’s been associating with me. Maybe I corrupted him with my wicked ways.”
“Not everyone is corruptible.” Although the chances of anyone being able to withstand Trevor if he chose to exert that magnetism and intelligence that had drawn her to him were very slight. He was a Pied Piper who could persuade anyone that black was white. She had watched him twist situations to suit himself during those weeks they had been together, and knew the dazzling power of that silver tongue. “And you like Bartlett. You wouldn’t respect him if you were able to make a yes man of him.”
He chuckled. “You’re right. But there’s no danger of Bartlett becoming a yes man. He has too much character.”
“How did you persuade him to bug my car?”
“I told him it would help keep you safe.” His smile disappeared. “Though I didn’t expect you to waylay Donnell. That could have been dangerous. A desperate man is always a wild card.”
“He was scared. I could see it.”
“Frightened men have been known to strike out.”
“He didn’t and it’s over. It’s none of your business.” She turned to face him. “Or is it? You said you could tell me more than that envelope. Do it.”
“The other man’s name is probably Dennis Wharton. He generally works with Leonard.”
“How do you know?”
“I’ve run into him in the past.”
“Then why didn’t you tell the police you knew who killed Mike?”
“I didn’t want them to go on the run.”
“Why not?”
“I want them for myself,” he said simply. “The police aren’t always efficient. I didn’t want to risk Leonard and Wharton getting another chance at you.”
“And you thought they’d try?”
“As long as the situation isn’t too dicey. The police aren’t making much headway. I’d bet those two will make at least one more try before someone else is sent to complete the job.”
“Sent by whom?”
He shook his head. “Really, Jane, I can’t tell you everything. Then I’d have nothing to use as