Chapter Nineteen

"I don't have time for punk-ass novels," Briggs said, and he walked away toward the living room.

"Do make yourself comfortable," Rebel called after him.

Briggs sat forward on the long burgundy-leather sofa, clasped his big hands between his legs. "You've been wasting our time, Mr. Navarro. Tell us where your brother is and tell us now."

Rebel arched a brow. "Or what, Agent Briggs?"

Morales said, "He's been married six months, a little late for a honeymoon."

"Archer and his wife left Tash here with me in mid-June and flew to Paris, on a delayed honeymoon, as I already told you. He said they'd be staying at the Ritz."

Briggs said, "Yeah, yeah, we knew that, but surprise, they're not there now. That's enough, Mr. Navarro—"

Morales looked up, frowning. "Isn't your brother worried about Tash? Has he stayed in touch with him?"

Rebel wanted to leap on Briggs, but he held steady. "I'll bet he's doing his best to exonerate himself, but obviously he's afraid to come back until you can find out the truth. But you know what? Sounds to me like you people want to railroad him, you've already made up your minds he's guilty. What about everybody else at the firm? Have you considered Carla Cartwright?"

"Because he's guilty as sin," Briggs said. "He was in charge, he made all the important decisions. He cleaned out his company over a matter of months, then he ran. It can't get much clearer than that."

Morales realized Rebel looked ready to leap on Briggs. She said quickly, "Tell us about Mrs. Navarro, Sasha is her name?"

Morales's voice was sympathetic. "Where do you think Mr. Navarro might go if he and Sasha left France?"

"You mean if he's guilty and knows he has to run and hide?"

Briggs said, "Of course that's what she means."

Morales rose and smoothed out her black jacket, forcing Briggs to follow suit. "If he contacts you again, you're obliged to let us know, Mr. Navarro. You have to think about yourself, and, of course, about Tash."

"I'll look forward to that pleasure," Rebel said. "Do let me know what you think of Uncle Willie's BBQ Palace."

Rebel said, "You have no idea."