Chapter 29

Mark Pace got out of the car and entered the Sparkles club. The doorman waved him through and directed him towards the office in the back.

“Hi, Leon!” he said as the door opened for him.

“Good to see you buddy! Happy to be out?”

“Ask a stupid question. Don’t you have anything to drink? The driver didn’t have anything.”

“Sorry about that. How about whiskey and soda?”

“Whatever you’ve got, man.”

Leon fixed two of them and they drank in silence for a few minutes. Then, Mark asked the obvious question.

“How did you get here? Seems like you landed on your feet right after you got out.”

“Yes. The investors know I can bank for them. Even though I’m a little bruised and dented, they figured my experience could turn this place around. And it’s across town from Star Candy and all that drama.”

“Yeah. Any news about Jasmine?”

“The snitch crawled into bed with Black Lives Matter. Good place for her.”

“At least she’s out of our hair.”

“For now at least.”

“What about Mrs. Fields?”

“Still banging the drum and not getting anywhere. Rumor has it the feds may be called in to take over the investigation.”

“Any worries on your end?”

“No. The FBI is stuck with the same case the state had. If they couldn’t make it stick before, I don’t see what extra they can bring now.”

“So it’s back to business.”

“Yes, but the old tricks got too much publicity and won’t work anymore. I’ve got some new ideas to give us an edge.”

“I’m ready to hear them.”