Betrayal in Death (In Death #12)(99)

"Says Yost could be entitled to a bonus based on the take, but that would be transferred to him after the merchandise was transported and fenced."

"Okay, so why's he hanging? Probably wants to be certain it goes off smooth, and he's not required for any more work. And there's still Summerset on his slate. He'll be tuned to the media for news of the theft. I need to bring in Nadine."

They worked straight through until her team threatened to revolt without proper nourishment. Eve ate half a sandwich while working at her computer. She refused to budge until she'd read everything through one last time.

"Lieutenant, your eyes are going to bleed. Computer, save and hold data." Then Roarke swung her chair around before she could countermand his order. "It's after eight. You're exhausted, and the mind will only hold so much at a go. Send your team home and take a break."

"They can go. There are just a few more things I want to look over. Is Nadine still here?"

"No, she had to be on-air. You covered it with her, and she'll plant your story. You've covered everything twice over and more."

"Maybe. Where is everybody?"

"McNab's down in the kitchen talking Summerset out of a second dessert before he heads to the hotel. Peabody's taking a swim at my suggestion to clear her head, and Feeney's in my office working because his head's very nearly as hard as your own. There's nothing more you can do tonight."

"If there's not it's because I've overlooked it. I want to get some men up to Olympus, into the transpo station in case Yost gets by us here. I'll let Agent Stowe decide which end she wants to take when I fill her in."

"Which won't be until tomorrow, as you don't want her filled in too soon. Feeney," he called out and began to knead his wife's knotted shoulders. "Go home."

"In a minute. Dallas, we ought to alert Space Traffic Control in case Yost detours on his way to Olympus."

"We alert STC, it's one more tongue to wag," she called back. "You got any secure contacts with them?"

"I'll work on it. I used to have this..." He trailed off as he stepped in and saw Roarke bent over Eve, rubbing her shoulders. "Ah, well, you know, I think I'll head out now. I can give Peabody a lift."

"She's in the pool," Roarke told him, not so gently holding his wife down when she tried to rise.

"Yeah." Feeney's face brightened. "Wouldn't mind a quick dip myself."

"Go right ahead. You're going to eat," Roarke said to Eve.

"I did."

"A half-sandwich isn't sufficient." He glanced over as he heard voices. "Fine. We have company. You can have some soup while Mavis entertains you."

"I don't have time for -- " She broke off, sighed. Mavis was already whirling into the room on six-inch platform slides that exploded with colored lights at every bouncing step.

"Hey, Dallas, hey, Roarke. Just ran into Feeney, and he said you were wrapped for the day."

"Not really, I still have some stuff. Why don't you play with Roarke while I finish up?" Her pleasure at the inspiration fractured when another woman, this one with twelve-inch coils shooting out of her head in screaming red, strolled in.

"Trina," Eve managed, and her stomach clutched with dread.

"We came by to give you the scoop and poop up close and personal," Mavis announced. "Trina got the line on the products and all, like you asked me. Right, Trina?"

"Right, and right down the line."

"That's great." It's going to be okay, Eve thought. It's just business. "What have you got?"

"Tell her, Trina. Oh, wine! Roarke, you are total." She plunked her pretty butt in its crotch-shot skirt on Eve's desk and beamed at him as he handed around glasses of wine.

"Okay," Trina began. "You got your Youth supercover foundation, burnt honey tone, your mocha, same product. You can get them at any high-end department store or salon. Then you got your unisex powder, in both loose and compact. He went for Deloren there -- that's mostly sold in salons and spa centers, 'cause it's too pricey for the regulars."

"How many spots in New York?"

"Oh, two, three dozen easy. He's got fine taste in enhancements. Cheek color's are Deloren, Youth and a nice rose quartz from Salina. The eye stuff -- "

"Trina, I appreciate all this, but can you fine it down to whichever products you tagged that have limited distribution? Any stuff in there only sold wholesale maybe?"

"I'm getting to it." Trina curled her lips, currently painted vampire black. "Here's a guy who likes to experiment with enhancements, and isn't afraid to pay top dollar. Gotta admire that. From the looks of the video, he took the basics, and a few fancies. He keeps them all organized, so I could deduce..."

She held on to that word a moment, savoring it. "I could deduce he favors Youth and Natural Bliss. NB's hypo-allergenic, all natural, and costs two left arms. Can't buy it over-the-counter. Can't get it unless you're a licensed consultant. Salon use only, not for resale. So this guy either has a license or a source 'cause he's got some of those salon-use-onlys in his drawer."

As did she, Trina thought smugly. "Happens I get it from Carnegy Enhancement Supplies on Second Avenue when I've got a client who can pay the fee."