Finally Russ spoke. “As far as I know, I haven’t misplaced any money.”

“That’s the thing,” she hurried to explain. “Most of my clients don’t realize they’re due some money. Sometimes it’s a bank account that’s been forgotten or a utility deposit. But most often, I search for missing heirs. Sometimes when people die with no will or an old or bad will, it’s a real chore to locate the heirs.”

“Are you saying someone died and left me some money?” He didn’t look as pleased by that possibility as most people were.

Sydney didn’t answer his question. Instead she said, “It’s not prudent for me to reveal too many details until we have an agreement.”

“Oh, I get it. You’re afraid I’ll cut you out.”

Yes, exactly. He’d figured out her game pretty quickly. “Mr. Klein, I deal in information and information has value. Surely you can see I wouldn’t have much of a business if I gave away information for free.”

He continued to scowl suspiciously at her. She hadn’t yet seen him smile.

“I provide a service,” she continued, trying to make him understand. “I reunite people with money and property they never even knew about. And for that, I charge a fee.”

Finally, his frown faded to something more like thoughtfulness. She released the breath she’d been holding. Maybe she’d gotten through.

“I don’t begrudge your right to make a living however you see fit,” he finally said. “But I don’t think I’m the person you’re looking for.”

“But you don’t even know who I’m looking for,” she pointed out. What was the deal with this guy, anyway?

“Doesn’t matter. I don’t want more money. I make a comfortable income and I have everything I need.”

For a moment, Sydney just stared. “You mean, you won’t even answer a few questions?” She’d never had anyone refuse to let her hook them up with their money, not unless they already had an idea of where the money was. Most considered the sudden appearance of an heir-finder a gift from on high.