Maverick grunted. What a crock of shit. “I see.”
George drained the beer and wiped his mouth. “Give it some thought. I’ll be in touch.” Groaning, he pushed his rotund body off the old, wooden chair. “Thanks for dinner.” The senator bustled out through the employee-only entrance.
Seething, Maverick wolfed down his burger. After guzzling the beer, he reached for his wallet, forgetting he didn’t have it. Rudy hurried over and cleared the table. “Everything good?”
“Great meal, Rudy. I don’t have any money—”
Rudy held up his hand. “You’re an American hero. This one’s on me.”
“Thanks.” Maverick shook Rudy’s hand and strode out through the back door.
At the end of the alley, a black sedan waited at the curb. As Maverick approached, the occupant in the back seat rolled down the window.
“Get in.”
5
S H O C K E D
M averick slid inside and the sedan rolled out of the alley. “How’d you know I got summoned here? Dad call you?” “He didn’t have to,” Sinclair said. “I know everything that goes on in this cock-sucking town, including the crap Internado just pulled.”
“I’m going to ignore his request for Watergate, the sequel. I’d rather take my chances at the hearing.”
“If you don’t help him, he’ll rip out your jugular.”
“I won’t become his bitch and I’m sure as hell not going to do something illegal.”
“I know that.” Sinclair stiffened. “I’ve got dirt on him and I’m here if you need anything.”
“The hearing will amount to a hand slapping.”
“And if he sticks it to you?”
“Then we’ll bury him under all that dirt you’ve dug up.”
Sinclair flashed a smile. “I’ll love every second of it.” Pausing, he eyed Maverick. “You look like hell. Need pain meds?”
He studied his brother’s face. The intensity radiating from his eyes was stronger than usual. He’d pursed his lips. Never a good sign when Sin kept things bottled up. “I got off those as soon as I could drag my sorry ass out of bed. Don’t tell me you’re taking them again.”
The car stopped at a light. “Not at the moment.” Sinclair stared out the window. “Sorry I missed the media frenzy at the airport.”
“I didn’t expect you’d be there. Don’t your kind only come out after dark?”
Sinclair chuckled. “You’re the glue in this family. Everyone will sleep easier now that you’re back home.”
“Thanks for my cell phone. How’d you get it?”
“Penelope buzzed me in. I cracked open your safe.” He handed Maverick his wallet. “I threw in some cash for you.”
“Thanks, brother. How are you doing?”
“The club runs itself. My firm is going through a growth spurt. Everyone who’s anyone in D.C. is in crisis mode.”
“What do you expect? You’re The Fixer.”
Sin flashed a smile. “Colton and I have been talking about a new business venture. You in?”
“Sure. Maybe. No clue. I don’t even know what time zone I’m in. Check with me in a few.” Maverick glanced out the window at the familiar surroundings.