Out on the sidewalk in the dreary neighborhood, Doyle suspected the owners knew more than they were willing to say. The lead they handed him to one of the other suppliers might be a good one and it’d be easy to check since the number of local suppliers was small. Or it could be something to get him off their backs. He’d have to follow that lead either way.
While considering his options, he felt the cold air seeping in through his wool coat, threatening to quick-freeze him. Then he saw the designer who’d been on his way out just before Doyle left. Short, dark-haired, and squat, the guy stood against a wall smoking a cigarette. He looked at Doyle as if he wanted to speak but couldn’t get started.
“Hey, saw you inside,” Doyle held out his hand and hoped the guy would shake before it froze a
