Chapter 64
Tasha Fields was taking a break from the latest BLM protest when Leon Pace walked in.
“What are you doing here?”
“I thought it was time for us to talk.”
“I have nothing to say to you. Count yourself lucky you are not in prison next to your cousin for the death of my husband!”
“When the courts have their say, justice will be done. All I can tell you is that I did not kill Damon. You either believe me or you don’t.”
“I don’t.”
“Don’t be hasty. Maybe there are things I can do for you.”
“Now that Sparkles threw you out on your ass? Your days of bigshot parties and influence are over. And I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
“In between those minutes of joy, perhaps you should think a little more about Damon.”
“Don’t you say his name to me!”
“If I’m such a bad guy, why did Damon stay in my employ for years? Think about that before you answer.”
“Because he didn’t realize you would turn on him!”
“Damon made a lot of money with me. With your big apartment and fancy clothes, I didn’t see you complaining about it.”
“Those days are gone because of your betrayal.”
“That’s your viewpoint. But you should consider how Damon made all that money.”
“Why?”
“Because Damon was not as white as snow. And despite the righteous talk, neither are you. I’m a careful man. I keep records of my dealings with people.”
“Stop right there. I don’t want to hear anything about it.”
“You can hear it from me or from the media outlets. Would you like his reputation smeared and your children embarrassed in school?”
Tasha froze for a moment.
“You play dirty, mister.”
“That’s what you’ve been shouting for months. Why are you surprised when your own rhetoric comes true? I had a long, productive relationship with Damon. Perhaps now, you and I can come to a long-term agreement as well.”
“Such as?”
“Think about it. I’ll be in touch. In the meantime, try reducing the volume of your attacks on me. The media moves on from the same story over and over again anyway.”
***
The next step in Leon’s plan was a meeting with Simon.
“Why do you grace my presence, Leon?”
“I might have something for you.”
“Such as?”
“Your organization needs contacts. Despite my recent fall from grace, I have information on local officials.”
Simon smiled to himself as he thought about Trenchard's USB drive. “We have our own list. So what?”
“You can always use more friends. The thing is, I’m a little short of cash to make payments. My idea is, I give you the list of officials, and your organization takes over payments to them. You get more resources on the payroll while I act as the trusted go-between.”
“You think this is your avenue back into the organization?”
“It’s a no-lose proposition for you. Can you think of a downside?”
“Your cousin Mark, for one thing.”
“Mark has nothing to do with this.”
“The trial is an embarrassment.”
“How so? You have already made the point to me, with emphasis, that Mark cannot reveal anything about your colleagues.”
“Are you so ready to throw your own blood under the bus?”
“I’m following the strategy that you suggested.”
Simon was uneasy about having his own words thrown back at him but found it hard to argue with Leon’s logic.
“It’s a good idea, but I will need to get approval for this.”
“I’m available when you are ready to proceed.”