Free Private Oz by James Patterson Page A

…”
    And he was gone, Darlene just staring after him.

Chapter 43
    “SO HOW CAN I help?” Micky began.
    They were in Johnny’s small office at the end of the corridor. Johnny had called him the night before. This was the earliest the singer could make it.
    “Micky, you claim Graham Parker wants you killed because you’re apparently worth more dead than alive.”
    “Correct.”
    “But that would imply that he is either very greedy or has money troubles.”
    “Well, course he’s greedy, Johnny. He’s a businessman. Only thinks about dollars and cents.”
    “Yeah, but why didn’t you tell us he filed for bankruptcy in the States?”
    He shrugged. “Didn’t really see why it was important.”
    Johnny gazed into his eyes and counted to three before responding. “Well of course it is.” He glanced over to Hemi who had sunk into a sofa at the back of the room, same fixed expression as always.
    “God, this is all so fucked up!” Micky exclaimed and put his head down for a moment. “You got a drink, man?”
    Johnny pulled up from behind his desk, left the room for a few seconds and returned with a bottle and a glass. He handed them to Micky, who stared at the label.
    “Do you know anything about his finances, Micky?” Johnny asked. “He must know all about yours. Does it only go one way?”
    Micky took a swig from the bottle, held it at arm’s length. “Good shit.”
    “I’ll take your word for it,” Johnny said. “I don’t drink.”
    “Lucky you.”
    Johnny raised an eyebrow.
    “No, I mean it. Wish I didn’t have to …”
    “Parker’s finances?”
    “I’m not an accountant, man! I don’t know much about my own money let alone my manager’s!”
    Johnny rolled his eyes. Maybe he had overestimated this guy, he thought. Maybe Craig was right, he was drug addled. Perhaps he was just plain dumb … or both. “But he must have made a fortune,” Johnny tried again. “How could he have ended up bankrupt?”
    Micky said nothing, just took another swig.
    “Look, Micky!” Johnny snapped. “How do you expect Private to help you if you don’t tell us everything you know about the man?”
    The rock star looked up and held Johnny’s stare. “Yeah,” he said finally. “You’re right.”
    Course I’m bloody right, Johnny thought, and waited for the singer to go on.
    “Graham had a major problem. Blew fifteen mill … apparently.”
    “How?”
    “Compulsive gambler. But look, dude, we all have our demons. I’ve not seen Graham even dabble since I’ve known him. Got him drunk a few times and he’s told me straight that gambling is a mug’s game and he stopped when he came here. Went into therapy, the lot. Gave up his old vices, doesn’t even smoke weed now.”
    “And you believe that?”
    Micky considered the bottle again. “Well put it this way, Johnny.” He lifted his eyes. “It’s up to you to prove it if my manager has been lying, isn’t it? And if he has been … Bingo! Motive time!”

Chapter 44
    MARY HAD TO smile. She saw the car in the lot about twenty yards away. It fit exactly the description the owner gave on the phone the night before. He’d sounded nervous but also full of bravado about his red saloon with the jacked-up rear wheels and the flame spray job along the sides that he would be waiting in on the edge of Prince Alfred Park in Parramatta.
    He claimed he had info about the murder of ‘that Chinese kid’, but refused to come into Private’s HQ. He gave a time and place where he would meet someone from the agency, and so here she was.
    It was hot as Mary crossed the gravel. She saw the guy in the driver’s seat, bleached blond mullet, baseball cap, shades, cigarette. He hadn’t mentioned he’d have a very big Rottweiler in the back.
    The guy leaned over, pushed open the door. The dog growled.
    “Shut up Thor!”
    Mary kept her eyes fixed on the dog and slipped into the seat.
    “He’s cool,” the guy said. “Knows who’s boss. Don’t you, Thor?”
    Mary