You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 639

The car rolled out of the automatic wash and made a U-turn past the gas station.

Brandon spotted a coffee shop up ahead. “Pull over,” he told his coworker. “I’m wiped. I need coffee. Want anything?”

“Iced Americano.”

Brandon hopped out, headed straight inside, and placed their order. While he waited at the counter, he scrolled through his contacts and finally hit dial on a number he’d saved ages ago.

In her kitchen, Patricia slid the last lemon slice into a jar and was just about to drizzle honey on top when her phone rang. She’d set it on the dining table when she came in, the screen facing Oliver. The name “Brandon” lit up.

Patricia glanced over, set the jar down, wiped her hands, and grabbed the phone. She walked to the window and answered.

Her voice was smooth and level, drifting over to Oliver. “Mr. Lantz.”

“Mr. Martin,” Brandon replied, voice slightly sharp. “I’ve got to know—what am I in your world? The executioner? The tiger among wolves?”

Patricia let out a soft, amused laugh. “Why would you say that about yourself, Mr. Lantz?”

“Can you blame me? You set the traps so perfectly, I stepped right into all of them. Didn’t even realize it until now.”

From dropping off meals to opening up to her, he’d followed her script step by step. Just another pawn on Patricia’s board.

She needed someone to take the heat. If the cops found out Tina was involved, it would be better than having Patricia personally throw Tina under the bus. She was the CEO now; if she went too far, she’d just scare off future partners. Not smart.

Patricia, always a step ahead.

She ignored the edge in his voice and replied lightly, “Let’s talk face-to-face. This isn’t something I can explain over the phone. When can you meet, Mr. Lantz?”

“I wouldn’t dare keep you waiting, Mr. Martin. Just say the word.”

He wasn’t one for putting on airs. He’d never claim to be too busy for her.

Brandon hung up right as the barista handed him the coffees. He got back in the car and handed the iced Americano to his coworker.

His coworker shook the cup with a sigh. “Why is every place all about iced drinks lately?”

“Heading back to the office?”

“Yeah. Gotta report to the boss about this case—again. I thought it was closed, but here we go.”

Patricia returned to the table, phone in hand.

Oliver, who’d been watching her, finally looked away. “What was that about?”

“Emerson’s case. He dropped Tina’s name as an accomplice. Mr. Lantz is investigating now.”

“He’s looking into you?” Oliver asked, though he already knew the answer.

He could see right through her. His wife had worked her charm on a cop, and without so much as a flicker of emotion, she’d pulled Brandon to her side, using him as her blade. Smart move.

One willing to act, one willing to be used.

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