Brutality by Ingrid Thoft

and planted himself in front of Tasha’s treadmill. “We need to reschedule the exploratory meeting,” he said to her without any preamble.
    Tasha glared at him. “Reed, this is Fina Ludlow. She’s a private investigator.”
    The man looked spooked for an instant, then recovered and exchanged hellos with Fina.
    “Call my office to reschedule, won’t you?” Tasha said tersely.
    “Of course. I’ll be in touch.” He beat a hasty retreat.
    Fina didn’t say anything for a moment, nor did Tasha.
    “Mayor or city council?” Fina asked.
    “I’m sorry?” Tasha peered at her.
    “People convene exploratory committees when they’re thinking of running for office. So which office do you have in mind?”
    Tasha decreased her speed and slowed to a walk. She grabbed the towel from the handrail and mopped her sweaty brow. Her makeup still looked untouched.
    “No comment.”
    “You’d make an excellent candidate,” Fina said. She hopped onto the sides of the moving belt before pressing the stop button.
    “Uh-huh.”
    “You can tell me. I’ll be discreet.”
    Tasha rolled her eyes and pulled one foot toward her butt to stretch her quadriceps muscle. “Discretion is not the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the name Ludlow .” She stretched the other leg before stepping off the treadmill.
    Fina followed her to the water cooler. “Is there anyone else you think I should talk to about Liz?” she asked.
    “No, but I’ll let you know if I think of anyone.” Tasha took a long gulp from her refilled water bottle. “I’ve got to go, but you’re welcome to stay and work out some more.”
    Fina pretended to seriously consider the suggestion. “I think I’m good.”
    Tasha smiled. “Well, in that case, they have amazing products in the locker room, plus a Jacuzzi and a sauna. Take your time in there.”
    “That sounds infinitely more appealing. Thanks.”
    “If you hear anything about Liz, give me a call,” Tasha said before disappearing into the locker room.
    “Of course.”
    Fina refilled her bottle before wandering into the locker room, where she stayed in the Jacuzzi until her fingers got pruney.
    She wasn’t quite sure what she’d gleaned from the conversation other than an elevated heart rate and sore hamstrings.

6.
    Fina retreated home—given the arctic temperatures and her muscle fatigue, a nap seemed like the right course of action, but she staved off the urge. She called Scotty’s assistant, Michelle, to get an update on the Disney ticket situation. Fina joked about trading favors, but she was a big believer in quid pro quo. Sometimes people were altruistic and selfless, but more often they were looking to further their own interests or the interests of the people they cared about. Even so, most people clung tightly to the idea that relationships were equal and neither party should have the upper hand. No one wanted to feel like they were getting the short end of the stick. That was what drove lawsuits, after all: making someone “whole” after they’d been wronged. Cristian was her friend, and she liked making him and Matteo happy, but she also knew it was good for business.
    Fina grabbed a diet soda and plopped down on the couch before dialing Cristian.
    “Menendez.”
    “Hey. How’s it going?”
    “Fine. How are you?” It was quiet in the background, which suggested he wasn’t at the station.
    “I’m good.” She sipped her drink.
    There was a pregnant pause.
    “Good news: There’s a Disney on Ice show coming up,” Fina said. “It’s called ‘Let’s Celebrate!’ It’s—and I quote—a ‘magical medley of holidays, celebrations, and festivities from around the globe,’ including a luau, Mardi Gras, and Valentine’s Day. It sounds absolutely horrific.”
    “Which means Teo will love it. Let me check the custody schedule and I’ll give you some possible dates.”
    “Is there any way we could meet up today?”
    “What do you want?” he asked suspiciously.
    “I