Private Agendas: A Victoria Rodessa Legal Thriller

by Katherine Smith Dedrick

  Victoria rolled her eyes at his ego, but she was grateful they were apparently back on track and didn’t need to discuss anything but business tonight.

  * * *

  As they left their hotel and stepped out into the busy evening, Victoria looked around at all the people. “Even though this is our sixth night here, I can’t get over how cosmopolitan this city is. I know I’m speaking from total ignorance, given that the only other country I’ve seen is Bermuda, but I’m consistently impressed.”

  “I’ve been here a few times, one of which was before the city reverted back to Chinese control from the Brits. While there’ve been changes, so far, the city’s maintained its vibe,” Armond said as he took Victoria’s arm and steered her into an elevator in an unmarked building. “I think you’ll like this place,” Armond said as the elevator began its hurtling trip to the top. “It offers authentic Chinese and also American food, like burgers and fries. If you want to be adventurous, which I highly recommend since you’re here, you can have a few bites of Chinese food while still getting your fix of fries.”

  “You know I’m not adventurous with food,” Victoria answered, wrinkling her nose.

  “Indeed,” Armond rebuffed.

  “No need to be an elitist. It’s just that I have a delicate palate but you go right ahead.”

  As the elevator doors opened, Victoria stood stunned.

  Armond smiled and took pity on her, knowing the scene playing out in front of them must be a hit to her senses. “Ladies first, or are you going to stand here and continue to gawk?”

  “No. Of course,” Victoria barely whispered. Her senses were immediately assaulted by a type of beauty and elegance she’d never seen. Vivid red and gold carpets strategically placed across the floors of the expansive rooms were accented by intricate scenes, created by what appeared to be gold leaf on the interior walls and elaborately carved furniture. The outer glass walls revealed a stunning view that seemed to change slightly with each passing second. Victoria’s eyes darted from the view to the activity on the inside and then back to the view. “What is this place? Are we moving?” Victoria asked.

  “Over the course of the meal, we should complete the circle, so we’ll see 360 degree views of the city and the harbor.”

  “Wow.”

  “I can’t quite recall when I’ve heard such an exquisite vocabulary. As to where we are, the restaurant is owned by one of the most sought-after chefs in the world. He believes in different kitchens, menus, and sections in each restaurant, so diners can have a unique experience, depending on their mood. It took me three months to get a reservation, so you can understand why I wasn’t going to let a little thing like a broken nose get in the way,” Armond said as he gently touched just under his nostrils to ensure there was no further bleeding.

  “This is beautiful, Armond. But how did you know I’d be here three months ago?” Victoria asked as they were being led to a table by one of the windows.

  “I didn’t. I knew I’d be here with someone so I booked it.”

  “Oh, of course,” Victoria responded, a bit embarrassed she had assumed it was for her.

  “I’ll order some wine and a plate of Chinese and American bites. That way you’ll be able to try something new if you want and if not, go straight to the familiar food. Does that work?”

  “Perfect, thanks.”

  “Okay, let’s discuss the investors.”

  Handing Armond her list, she began. “At this point, I’m comfortable with the top three. They already have funds in the US, so we don’t have to worry about them being able to get their money there.”

  “What about the American woman?” Armond asked. “She was one of my top three candidates. I thought she was interesting.”

  “She is that,” Victoria responded, “but we’re not looking for interesting. Even though we received verification of her net worth, there’s something about her…” Victoria trailed off without finishing her thought.

  “In what way? I didn’t get that vibe. I thought she was smart and quite charming. She certainly appreciates how American business works, and I didn’t get the impression she was lying about having no desire to be involved in the film or about her sole interest being to get a solid return on her investment.”

  Nodding, Victoria said, “I can’t disagree with anything you said. But there’s something else, underneath it all. It’s just a gut feeling.”

  Reaching across the table, Armond took Victoria’s pen out of her hand and crossed her name off the list. “That’s one of the reasons I wanted you involved: your instinct. If you feel that strongly about her, then she’s no longer a viable option.”

  “I appreciate that, Armond. I do feel strongly about her, but it’s just a feeling. Perhaps we should have your father meet her before we delete her from the running. She has a number of good points. As an American, she understands the culture, so Renoir Productions won’t need to handhold her during the investment process, and, since she lives overseas, she won’t be in anyone’s way during production.”

  Shaking his head, Armond handed the pen back. “No need. My father doesn’t want to redo the work he’s paying us to do. She’s off the list. Now let’s choose the top three, put them in order, and enjoy our night.”

  Victoria raised her glass. “Thank you for this opportunity, Armond. It’s been a wonderful trip, and I hope you feel, as I do, that there’s been a successful outcome for Renoir Productions.”

  Armond raised his glass in response, watching one of the servers approach their table over Victoria’s shoulder. “I ordered a delicacy to start. I hope you’ll be open-minded.”

  “What kind of delicacy?” Victoria asked suspiciously.

  “Soup.”

  Victoria let out an audible breath of relief. “Oh, I love soup. What kind? Egg drop? Noodle?”

  “Not quite,” Armond answered as he watched Victoria’s face change from delight to horror as the sterling silver top was lifted from their bowls.

  “Oh my God! You must be kidding! Please tell me my soup is not staring back at me.”

  “Pigeon head soup. The eyes will pop in your mouth!” Armond said as he picked up his spoon while Victoria excused herself and ran to the bathroom.

  CHAPTER

  38

  JAMES STOOD AT the door and waited for her to get out of the car. He knew how skittish she was, and he got the feeling that if he rushed her or made one wrong move, she’d be gone. While that was her problem, he had opened his business to help people. Much to his surprise, he was learning there were a slew of people who’d been subject to hacking or other nefarious activities, and he was good at helping them get out of whatever mess they’d stumbled into. He’d also discovered that if he wanted to make this his life’s work, he was going to have to learn to deal with all sorts of personalities and problems. Penny, as she called herself, was the perfect place for him to begin to hone his skills.

  “Good morning, James.” Penny gave a forced smile as she walked through the screen door he held open for her. “I assume we’re alone?”

  “We are. We’ll have a few hours before my parents return. If you don’t mind, I’d like to see it again. I’ve done some research, and I have a few theories.”

  “That works for me. I’ll have to leave here in no more than ninety minutes anyway.”

  “First, I’d like to call you by your real name, if you don’t mind, Gretchen,” James began, knowing she might bolt now that he knew who she was.

  Looking into his eyes for the first time, she admitted, “I knew you’d investigate me when I left. It’s human nature and, I would think for someone in your line of business, particularly hard to resist.”

  “I’ve learned it’s important for me to know as much as I can about my clients in order to help them. Sometimes I play along and don’t let them know I’ve learned their real identity. I figure if they’re more comfortable with the charade, then so be it. But in your case, I have a hunch that wha
tever this is”—James held up the thumb drive—“it will take us working together to figure it out. I’m also hoping you’re willing to tell me a bit about who you were before this…um…event. While I know what’s online, I’d like you to put some meat on those bones.”

  Gretchen sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. Fidgeting was a habit she’d developed in college to buy time when she wasn’t sure of her answer. It’d been years since she’d had to resort to that delay tactic. Before this happened, she’d been immensely confident in herself and her abilities. Now, she was one conversation away from becoming one of The Moms, and that scared the shit right out of her—more than trusting this twenty-something boy with her story. “Since I’ll never be one of The Moms, you’re my only choice,” Gretchen said, cocking her head and holding out her hand.

  “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about, but I promise I’ll do everything in my power to ensure you won’t be sorry.” James reached out and shook her hand. “Okay, I’m listening.”

  CHAPTER

  39

  KAT LEANED BACK in her chair and propped her bare feet on her desk. She hadn’t realized how exhausted she was until she sat down to read the confidential report she’d just received via courier. Between running the Miami litigation, handling the financing on her family’s developments, and working on Victoria’s case, she’d been run ragged. She pushed herself up and walked over to her bar to pour herself a glass of wine. Leaning out her office door, she called out, “Emma, do you want a glass? I’m opening my Friday best.”

  “No thanks, Kat. I’ve got to get home to my kids before my husband feeds them something other than food for dinner. I’ll take a rain check.”

  “Enjoy your weekend,” Kat returned.

  “I will. You need to get out of here too. How late are you staying?”

  “Just a bit longer. I’m fine. Go home. Say hey to your kids and hubby for me.” Kat shut her door, settled back at her desk, and began to read.

  Ten minutes later, the phone rang. She was so startled by the breach of silence she almost dumped her wine. Breathing deliberately to calm her rapidly beating heart, she glanced at the caller ID and answered the phone, “Are you reading this?”

  “That’s why I called. The investigator must have delivered it to each of us at the same time,” Robert responded. “By the way, how are you?”

  Kat smiled at his tone. “I’m good. Busy but very grateful for it. You?”

  “All good in Chi-Town, thanks. Listen, I just finished reading it. Are you through?”

  “About halfway, but it’s—”

  Robert interrupted. “Bizarre! I’ve seen hundreds of investigative reports in my career, but this one is different. I just wanted to let you know that this is not the norm. Call me the minute you’re done,” Robert ordered before he hung up.

  “Okay, good chat,” Kat muttered. About fifteen minutes later Kat called Robert and walked over to the bar to refill her glass.

  “Well? What do you think?” Robert asked.

  “I’m calling BS. I don’t buy this quality-of-life excuse. It makes absolutely no sense. I mean, no one works that hard for six to seven years and then wakes up one morning with an insatiable desire to work on crafts or bake cookies or learn to sew or whatever other nonsense is in this report, and walks away from the ability to earn six or even seven figures. I’m not buying—”

  “Kat,” Robert interrupted, “there’s more than just that. I agree that it doesn’t make sense. But there’s something else.

  He was only able to find a rather small percentage of the women. Where are all the others? He’s an investigator. Finding people is what he does. Typically, these types of reports have a line on all, or a significant percentage, of the women.”

  “What are you suggesting?” Kat asked.

  “I don’t know. He’s one of my best investigators. Something’s off. I need to meet with him. Do me a favor, Kat.”

  “Of course,” Kat answered, having never heard calm and cool Robert this amped up.

  “Make sure this document is locked in a safe only you can access. I’d feel better if it wasn’t left in your office, not that I don’t trust your staff—”

  “Sure, no problem. I understand. I’ll take it home and keep it in my private safe. You’re kind of freaking me out. What is it you think is off?”

  “I don’t know, and I don’t mean to sound dramatic. It may be nothing, but I’ll call you as soon as I know something. I gotta run. Bye.” Robert hung up and Kat was left staring at the phone, annoyed at having been hung up on two times in less than an hour.

  CHAPTER

  40

  THEY WOULD LAND just in time for dinner with Armond’s parents. Watching the California coast come into view made Victoria realize how excited she was to get back. One of the first things she wanted was her favorite coffee and scone. She didn’t care if it was time for dinner. Her body clock told her it was time for breakfast. Victoria was grateful that, except for a few hours at the beginning of the flight when she and Armond had discussed the final line-up of investors they would recommend to his parents to-night, they had both spent the remainder of the trip sleeping.

  “What are you smiling about?” Armond asked, looking across the aisle.

  “As corny as it sounds, I’m happy to soon be back on familiar soil.”

  “I understand completely. I always feel that way. Although I’d bet half our company profits from our next film that what you’re really excited about is being able to eat your pedestrian food.”

  “You would win that bet. I was actually going to ask if we could stop and grab a coffee at my favorite place, and I’m dying for a scone. The pastries over there were just not the same.”

  “Wouldn’t you rather have champagne or wine?” Armond asked. “It will be seven in the evening by the time we touch down.”

  “First coffee, then I’ll advance up the drink spectrum. I just woke up, and coffee comes right after I open my eyes.”

  “Then, of course. We want to keep our newest counsel happy. By the way, when are you going to bill us for your time?”

  Victoria reached into her bag and handed Armond an invoice. “Since I bill at the end of each month, which was yesterday or today—I can’t keep what day it is straight—I thought I should let you see the amount before I officially bill your company.” Victoria tried not to wince as she handed the paper to Armond.

  Turning on his overhead light, he looked it over, folded it and put it away.

  Victoria almost jumped out of her chair waiting for a reaction. It was the largest invoice she’d ever given a client. Even when she’d been at Acker, Smith & McGowen, working almost eighteen-hour days to meet a deadline, she had never turned in a bill that large. She couldn’t stand it anymore. “Well?”

  “Well, what?” Armond responded.

  “Is it too much?” Victoria asked. “Will your parents be upset?”

  “Victoria, of course it’s too much. It’s a legal bill. When have you ever heard of any client who thought a legal bill was not too much? It’s outrageous and hard to swallow, but it’s your bill,” Armond finished and turned to look out the window.

  Just then, the captain walked back to let them know they’d be landing in about fifteen minutes. As soon as he was back in the front of the plane, Victoria said, “Armond, then let me revise it. I don’t want your parents or you to be upset.”

  Armond turned back to her and laughed out loud. “V, there’s nothing wrong with your bill. Last year, we used one of the top LA firms, and the bill we got was three times the amount of the one you just handed me. You’re a bargain!”

  “Wait, what? Three times the amount?”

  “That’s what I said. Stop devaluing your work. You’re good at what you do, and you deserve to get paid for every hour you do it.”

  “Three times the amount? Well, you do know I still have to bill Renoir Productions for this stopover and for the time I worked on the flight
, don’t you? Perhaps my rate per hour just went up.”

  Armond cocked his brow. “Don’t push it.” They smiled at each other as the plane landed smoothly on the LA tarmac.

  CHAPTER

  41

  WHILE ADAM HADN’T planned to return so soon, it had given him an opportunity to meet with each of his Asian clients one more time before the end of the year.

  Happily, their businesses were booming which meant the firm’s business would continue to boom as well. When companies did well, they hired and paid for lawyers at an almost fevered pace. The flip side was when economies slowed and companies had to tighten their belts, lawyers were one of the first expenses to get cut.

  Adam had learned this lesson the hard way during the recession, so while things were good, he intended to rake in all the legal work he could get, picking every possible legal dollar from his clients’ pockets. It wasn’t the most officer-of-the-court way to practice law, but it worked for him.

  While he waited, he watched Bangkok turn from day to night from the height of his hotel suite. As the lights along the shore of the Chao Phraya River came to life, a slight snarl crossed his face at the thought of how dirty it was. Garbage from years of restaurants, hotels, and people dumping whatever they no longer wanted floated in the brown water. While a clean-up effort was underway, he would never understand why tourists insisted on riding in small boats through the filth to see the sights.

  He felt his phone vibrate. Finally, he thought. Checking the caller ID and seeing it was blocked, he asked, “Where?” He rolled his eyes at the answer but decided it wasn’t worth the effort to disagree. “I’ll meet you in fifteen minutes.”

  Heading out of the hotel, he was immediately enveloped by stifling humidity and throngs of people. He walked about a mile and entered one of the better-known ping pong bars. Adam paid the entrance fee and sat at the bar next to a large man with a defensive tackle-like football player build.