Winter stepped out and Pierce Mulvane brushed past him to hurry into the casino, followed by a red-faced Albert White, who had just burst through the stairway door.
“What did you say to Mulvane just now?” Brad asked.
“Not much. I think I got through to him. If he and White haven’t checked me out, they will now. Having a reputation like mine is sometimes a good thing. Hopefully their sources are good, and they’ll get rattled, which is something those fellows aren’t accustomed to. Mulvane will stew some and then he’ll make a move.”
“Well, now I’m a little confused. See, I thought we had a plan that involved wiring Leigh and catching Mulvane forcing the sale. The thing we discussed with Alexa-Federal charges of extortion, uttering threats, maybe murdering Sherry Adams?”
“I changed that plan,” Winter said.
“So I noticed. Why?”
“Mulvane’s smart and he’s never going to say anything incriminating to Leigh. And wiring her would put Leigh in more danger. I’m convinced that he’s done some stupid and criminal crap, and I want him to know that the only way out is through me. It could get intense.”
“This hasn’t been intense?” Brad asked, incredulous.
“Yes, it’s been that, but all of it could pale in comparison to the next day or two. Styer hasn’t left the area, and maybe this will spur Mulvane or White to sic him on me.”
“You seem sure of that,” Brad said.
“Yeah,” Winter said. “Trust me on this stuff. I know how to fuel a fire.”