Lost Souls by J. Bishop (the giving tree read aloud txt) 📗

business. You looking for any extra work?”

Mason began to wonder that if this investigation continued the way this conversation was, he might need it. “I’m doing fine at the moment, but thanks for the offer.”

“Can we get back to Daphne?” asked Trick.

Tony raised a finger. “In a sec.” He stood and walked to the window. “Do you really talk to dead people, Mr. Redstone?” He looked back. “No bullshitting.”

Mason didn’t hesitate. “Yes. No bullshitting.”

Tony put his hands in his pockets and turned to face them. “Then I’ll make you a deal. You want to talk to Daphne? Then I’ll personally call her up and you can talk to her here, in my office and in private.”

“In exchange for…?” asked Trick.

Tony paused. “In exchange for a reading.” He paused. “My mother died recently, and I want to talk to her.”

**

Trick stood. “Are you serious? You’re going to bribe him to get what you want?”

Red held his head. “Trick─”

“No, Red,” said Trick, his anger building and his voice rising. He pointed at Tony. “What kind of business are you running here?”

Tony remained by the window. “It’s the business of two professionals. You want something, and I want something. Why not work together?”

Trick glared. “This is ridiculous. I can’t believe─”

Red stood. “That’s fine. I’d be happy to provide a reading.”

Trick dropped his jaw. “You don’t have to do this.”

“It’s okay.” Red sighed. “You know how it goes. We’ve done it before, remember? You scratch my back…”

“…and I scratch yours,” said Tony. “I can’t imagine you’re not familiar with it, Mr. Monroe?”

Trick wanted to knock the smug look off of Tony’s face, but knew he’d been defeated. “He does this, and we talk to Daphne today? In this office?”

“And in private,” said Tony. “That’s the deal.”

“What if Daphne decides otherwise?” asked Mason.

“I suspect if you tell her you’re trying to help Chad and solve his murder, she’ll be more than willing to help.” He shrugged. “But if not, then I’ll pay you your standard rate for the reading. Sound fair?”

Red nodded. “Okay.” He eyed Trick. “You’ll have to wait outside.”

“You’ve got to be kidding,” said Trick.

“Privacy issues,” said Red, “unless Tony is okay with you staying.”

Tony waved. “It’s fine. He can stay.”

Trick raked a hand through his hair. “I can’t believe we’re doing this.”

“It is a little unconventional,” said Tony, returning to his chair and standing beside it. “But I’ve learned that a little give-and-take in business has its perks.” He tipped his head at Red. “Don’t you agree?”

“Red, are you sure about this?” asked Trick. “You don’t have to. We can find another way…”

“It’s fine. And another way will only take longer,” said Red. He gestured. “Have a seat, Tony, and get comfortable.”

Tony sat and settled back. Red sat, too, and Trick remained standing, until Red and Tony looked at him with impatience, and then he sat on the couch with a grunt.

Red shifted and got comfortable. “Let me start by saying that I can’t promise who will come through. I’ll only open myself up and see what happens. I can ask for your mother, but if she chooses not to communicate, that’s out of my hands.”

Tony’s expression didn’t change. “You don’t know my mother, Mr. Redstone. I’m surprised she’s not here already.”

Trick watched as Red closed his eyes. In their years of partnership, Trick had been aware of Red’s abilities, although it had taken Red some time to confide in his partner. Trick had, at first, thought Red needed psychological help, but it hadn’t taken long for Trick to realize that Red had a gift. Red had known things and seen things that Trick could not explain, and he’d told Trick a few things about Trick’s own family, which only a few were privy to. Red’s abilities had been a fun novelty until Red had told him he was leaving the Rangers and moving to pursue his calling, then it hadn’t been so fun anymore.

Mason took a deep breath and let it out, while Trick and Tony waited. Tony seemed nervous and bounced his knee. Trick hoped Tony’s mother would show herself and scold her son for holding this reading over their heads, or he at least hoped Mason would tell Tony as much.

Several seconds passed quietly, until Red shook out his hands and opened his eyes. “There’s an older woman here. Black hair with silver roots. Thin. Almost too thin. She’s got a shawl wrapped around her shoulders and a silver clip holding her hair back.” Tony sat up in his seat, his eyes wide. “She doesn’t like that shirt you’re wearing.”

Tony’s eyes widened. “Holy shit.” He pulled on his sleeve. “She always hated this shirt.”

“She’s impatient,” said Mason. “Wants to know what you want. She’s got things to do.”

Tony shook his head. “Some things never change. What the hell is on her schedule? She’s dead.”

Mason frowned. “She doesn’t like your tone. Says you’re the one that’s dead. Not her.”

“What?” asked Tony. “What does that even mean?”

Red went quiet and stared off at a fixed point. Trick looked in the same direction, but only saw Tony’s desk, and a wall of books, plaques and awards.

“You should spend more time with your family,” said Red, looking back at Tony. “You work too hard. You don’t enjoy life. Stop making money and start making memories.”

Tony paled. “She said that to me on her deathbed.” He swallowed and sat up. “Is she okay?”

Red scowled. “Of course, I’m okay.” He closed his eyes. “Sorry. She’s speaking through me. She’s a feisty one, but I like her. I’m going to let her talk.”

Tony nodded, although he seemed uncertain. “Okay.”

Red let out a breath. “I’m with your grandfather. Your grandmother’s around here somewhere, but she’s probably flirting with Frank.”

Tony sucked in a breath. “Frank? You don’t mean…?”

Mason kept his eyes closed. “Yes. Sinatra. She’s still a huge fan.”

“I don’t believe this,” said Tony. “My grandma Trudy loved Sinatra.”

“He still has those blue eyes. Handsome as ever,” said Red.

Tony gestured at Trick. “You guys didn’t do some sort