“I’ll get word to you, believe me, you’ll know. I don’t want you to act early or late.” She smiled, and it lit her eyes. “In a few days, you’ll have a few acquaintances of mine knocking on your door for similar services. We all recognize and realize the importance of having outside counsel to handle our personal affairs. I’ve passed your name on. Audrey, Joyce, and Candice, for starters. We look out for each other but don’t share personal details of our relationships.”
One of the benefits of being in their sorority was someone always had your back and looked out for you. Why hadn’t Francesca turned to her sorority sisters? Would they respond the same way Faith had initially? Some might, but most wouldn’t. At least she hoped they wouldn’t.
“Alright.” Faith glanced at the red satchel. “If you’re dead you want me to open this one? And do what? Turn the information over to the police?” She hoped Francesca didn’t want her to break the law and impede a murder investigation.
“Nothing I have goes to the police. You have no idea who’s really in charge…nothing goes to the police. You hire a private security firm you trust and have them do a parallel investigation. I do not want this information made public directly through me. If it comes out another way, so be it, but not through me. No matter what, I won’t do that to him. I won’t turn my back on him. Won’t be disloyal and share his secrets.”
What if he’s the one who kills you? Faith didn’t understand that type of love or loyalty and remained silent. Keeping her client’s secret wasn’t a problem. Protecting a murderer who killed her client was another challenge. How could she explain that to Francesca without sounding as if she was accusing the man?
“If and this is a big if,” Francesca said after returning the satchels to the safe deposit box. “If he’s involved with my disappearance or death, it’ll all come out, anyway. Not through me but through another channel.” She took a deep breath. “Your fees and the fees for whoever you hire will be paid through this bank account which is why I put you on it. My main banker has instructions to keep a certain amount of money in this account. If you need more to fund the search for me, draw on the additional account in the green satchel.”
Faith opened her mouth and closed it. “I’ve never had a client who had so many ducks lined up to make my job easier. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“Me neither, but I want to live my life without looking over my shoulder. This way, if something happens, I’ve got back up,” Francesca said.
“What about security? Why not hire someone now?” Faith asked.
“I already have that. You’re not supposed to see them, but they’re always with me and have been since his first year in the Senate. A couple of my security team have been with me the entire time. We’re close, like family.” She looked at Faith, covered her hand, and squeezed it. “Few people can say they’ve loved the way he and I have for over 16 years. We’ve never missed holidays, birthdays or special events with each other. I’m secure in his love for me.” She paused, released Faith’s hand, and sat back. “But something’s happening, and he won’t tell me what it is. What’s in this box is more to keep him safe than me.” The corners of her mouth turned up. “If you’re as good as I’ve heard, he and I will both be safe.”
CHAPTER TWO
A year and a half later…
Drake Sanderson walked through the crowded lobby of the five-star hotel and cursed. This day had been bad from the beginning. The client Laura, his law partner, wanted him to meet canceled at the last minute, stating he went with another firm. Fine. It was his prerogative to choose a law firm he was comfortable with but why wait until Drake flew down to Atlanta to share the news? A text last night would’ve been appreciated.
If that hadn’t been enough, the hotel was hosting a conference for the National Bar Association which meant lawyers were everywhere discussing everything from social injustice to constitutional amendments to the best places in Atlanta to shop. Finding a cab was a nightmare. The bar and restaurants all had lines. Room service was ridiculously slow, and his flight home to Versteck delayed. Laura and Asher were using the company plane and would send it for him in the morning until then he was stuck.
Yippee.
“Drake?”
He turned and looked in the direction he heard his name. Finally, something was going right. “Gavin? What are you doing here? I heard you were running the world from your high tower.” Drake pressed through the crowd until he reached his law school classmate, Gavin Ward. Dressed impeccably in a dark charcoal suit and a white collarless shirt, Gavin looked like the model of a wealthy, successful businessman. His best friend, Theo Barnes, was one of the richest men in America and in the top 20 wealthiest men in the world. When Theo inherited his wealth, he took Gavin with him to the top.
“They let me out every now and then,” Gavin said smiling as they gave each other a one-armed embrace. “It’s good to see you, looking good.”
“Good to see you too. How’s life been treating you? I heard Theo’s married with kids now, you following in his footsteps any time soon? Or have you already made the jump?” Drake asked as they move to the side for a little more privacy.
“Life’s been good. I’m in charge of one of Theo’s high-tech companies, keeps me busy.” He gave Drake his business card.
“C.E.O…. Theo’s lucky to have you. I always said the man was smart when he came to visit you,” Drake said remembering Theo hanging out with Gavin on Duke’s campus during law school.
Gavin laughed. Shorter than Drake by a few inches with an athletic, runner’s build, the dark brown complexioned man drew the gazes of several women and a few men. “We were supposed to be in law school together. Theo changed his mind at the last minute and started his businesses. He and Imani have three kids and are really happy.” Gavin looked around and leaned closer. “Man, look at the honey’s up in this place, would a sane man bring his woman here unless he already put a ring on her finger? That’s like taking sand to the beach. Man, I’m not about that life, not right now. Not right now.”
Drake laughed and agreed. There were beautiful women everywhere; most wore tags for the conference. “Dark, luscious, chocolate,” Drake murmured as his gaze lit on several black females across the room. “The National Bar Association is for Black attorneys, right?”
“Yes. It’s an old organization. Most of the people here are also members of the Bar as well. This is something extra. How’s Laura? She married yet?” Gavin asked.
“Dude, you need to let up on Laura before she shoots you like she promised the last time you showed up at the Charity Ball with Theo. She’s a heart-breaker,” Drake said before he winked. Laura and Gavin enjoyed teasing each other even though they held one another in high esteem.
Smiling, Gavin waved down his comment. “I know. But I love seeing those freckles on her face redden. She’s so Orphan Annie when she’s excited or angry,” Gavin said. His smile eased off as he looked around. “I might have some work for you and your team.” A line appeared between his brows as he looked up at Drake. “I’m not sure yet, won’t know for certain until later today. Give me your number so I can reach you in a few hours. If I’m right, you’ll need to start work on this immediately.”
Drake straightened and wrote his number. “Is this for Laura’s office or Asher’s?” He handed the card to Gavin who stuck it in his pocket.
“I’m thinking both which means you’ll have to be the bridge and run it. That’s if I can swing some cooperation, that’s going to be tough. There’s another group I can use, but with Imani and the kids, I won’t pull anyone from there and need to farm this out.”
“Wait,” Drake said concerned. “Imani’s in danger?”
“What?” Gavin frowned. “Not that I know of. This isn’t about her or Theo. Believe me when I say he has a personal army at his disposal, so do I for that matter. I don’t want to involve them; that’s what I meant.”
“Oh. Alright. Imani’s good people. We always enjoy when she
comes to town,” Drake said.
“I know. Back to what I was saying.” Gavin leaned in. “I think a combination of companies might be the right ticket for this situation.” He held up his hand to stop Drake’s question. “I’ve got to talk to her first. We’re meeting in a little bit.” He looked at the overhead wall clock. “I only have bits and pieces of the problem, but from what I’ve gathered she’s in over her head and will need help.”
Drake watched a stunning, dark, statuesque beauty lean against the bar pretending to listen to her friends while watching him. The day was looking up. “Whatever you need, I’ve got you. We go way back to late night food runs in Durham. Lots of times you covered me.”
“You covered me too,” Gavin said and looked in the direction of Drake’s gaze. “Seems I’m still covering your back. She’s a piranha. Don’t go anywhere near that one.” He shook his head. “You always had an eye for the sisters, you and Theo. At least he picked one with class, beauty, and brains. It looks like I’ve still got to watch your back.”
Stung, yet appreciative of Gavin’s warning, Drake looked down at him. “Thanks, I’m stuck here until they send the plane tomorrow. It’d be nice to spend time with at least one of these honeys.”
“We’ll go to dinner and see what we see,” Gavin said.
“Leave here? But…look at the bounty here,” Drake complained.
“This isn’t the place to pick anyone up for a night of pleasure, trust me. You don’t want to be slapped with a legal or physical nightmare. We’ll go into town, and if you meet someone from here in a neutral place, it’s a different ball game.”
Drake nodded. In all honesty he didn’t see what the change in venue would do but yielded to Gavin’s experience.
“I see you’re still wearing cowboy boots,” Gavin said with a slight smile.
“Of course, what else would I wear?” Drake said looking at his custom made Lucchese alligator boots.
Gavin waved down the question. “You’re packing?”
“Aren’t you?” Drake asked, serious now that the topic changed.
“Yes. But I’m nowhere as good as you. You eat that stuff for breakfast,” Gavin said, looking around and nodding at a few people.
“If you’re concerned that something might jump off, do not go out tonight without me. I’ll cover your back. I’m serious,” Drake said all kidding aside. He never traveled without at least two pistols and couldn’t imagine why Gavin didn’t have any heavy artillery. As Theo Barnes’ right-hand man, Gavin would be a prime kidnapping target.
“Deal. I’ll call you once done, and we’ll head out.” He grabbed Drake’s arm and nodded before releasing him. “I see her now.” He turned and walked off. “I’ll call you in an hour or so.”
Drake tried to see whoever Gavin was going to meet but didn’t. With one last glance at the luscious looking honey, he turned and headed to the elevator for his room.
<<<<>>>>
Faith pressed through the crowds. Dressed in a form-fitting red and cream suit with matching pumps, make-up, and hair in place, she waved and smiled at people she knew but didn’t have time to stop and talk. She was running late to meet Gavin for drinks. Being two of eight Black first-year law students at Duke, they had gravitated to each other and developed a life-long friendship.
Whenever they had time to reminisce, they laughed over the scarcity of resources in those days and how creative they’d been. Scholarships covered little. Both had been saddled with student loans and dreams to make it big one day. They ate enough Ramen noodles to own the company. Socializing was reduced to free activities on campus or in the surrounding area. Neither had a lot of spending money on extras. Law school had been a humbling experience. Gavin’s meteoric rise in the public sector as the C.E.O. of a Fortune 500 company and best friend to billionaire Theo Barnes meant he no longer worried about college loans. Now that she owned her firm, neither did she. They had come a long way.
Her phone beeped with a text message. She glanced at it and groaned. Her brother Alex reminded her to pay the electric bill for him and their father. She stuffed the phone into her purse and released a sigh.
During her sophomore year of undergrad, her mother died in a car accident. The man charged walked away unscathed physically and financially in Faith’s opinion. His actions changed the landscape of her family forever and were the catalyst for her to go into law. Her parents had been Missionaries when her mom died. Her father never returned to the mission field. In fact, he rarely left the house, and if it weren’t for her younger brother, Alex, who moved back home, the place would fall apart around her father.
Faith turned off those thoughts and focused on the reasons she needed Gavin’s advice on what to do next. The hotel lobby was a mad-house. People pushed and squeezed through everywhere. It wasn’t surprising with the great line-up of speakers this year. She planned to sit in on Congresswoman Maxine Water’s discussion in the morning.
Standing on tip-toes, she looked around for Gavin and saw him moving in her direction. Seeing him made her heart smile. Time and no doubt money had been good to him. He moved with confidence and good health.
When he reached her, he pulled her close for a hug.
Faith laughed. It had been too long since they saw each other. “You look marvelous, dahling,” she teased looking him over.
“You’re just as gorgeous today as you were eight years ago standing in the auditorium wondering where to sit for the lecture. Come, I’ve got a quiet spot to talk. Hungry?” He wrapped his arm around her waist and led her away from the thronging crowd to the elevator.
“No. I’m good for now,” she said as the elevator climbed quickly to the top floors. He used another key, and the elevator continued upward. When they stepped out, it was quiet. Security was stationed discreetly along the hall and nodded as they passed. He opened a door and waved her inside.
Faith’s breath caught at the regal beauty of the space. It could have been taken directly from one of the pages of any interior design or decorating magazine. The living area was immaculately laid out with cream and gray contemporary furniture that screamed big bucks. Beautiful artwork graced the pearl gray walls. Thick carpet ate the sound of their footsteps as they headed down the hall. Gavin stopped in front of a door, opened it and ushered her inside. A wall of glass showcased the Atlanta skyscape. She ignored the bed and sat in one of the plush leather chairs that faced the window.
“Magnificent,” she whispered staring outside while finding her center.
“The master bedroom has a similar view,” he said taking the seat next to her. For several moments they sat in contemplative, comfortable silence.
“What’s going on? You sounded…off on the phone,” he said turning to face her.
She appreciated him giving her this time when he had so many other things going on. “You know I’ve started my own company.” She met his gaze.
“Yes. Didn’t you get the flowers I sent?”
She laughed in remembrance of the large bouquets he sent every day the first week of her opening. “It was a rhetorical question, Gavin. Of course, I got your flowers. I called and thanked you for them, remember?”
He nodded.
“My client list is still relatively small, ten people to be exact but they’re all unique and work in similar occupations.” She frowned. “Work isn’t the right word.” She cleared her throat. “They’re all in relationships with people who are married or can’t be seen with them in public.”
His eyebrows shot up, and then he smiled. “You represent kept women? Mistresses?”
“And two kept men,” she said relieved to have that out in the open.
“Men? Well, well, well. That’s a lot more interesting than negotiating million-dollar contracts to be sure. Do they pay you well?” he asked.
“Extremely. I don’t have a lot of competition I suppose. Maybe I do.” She shook her head trying to line up her thoughts. Things were at a delicate point; she had to be careful with what she said.
“Word of mouth, only. I’ve lost a few, gained a few. Ten seems to be the magic number for the firm.”
“You want more clients?” he asked.
“No. Not right now. I stay very busy with the ones I have. I’ve added two paralegals in the past six months and an administrator. I never thought how complicated the lifestyles could be.” She waved her hand. “There’s a specific case I want to talk to you about.”
“That’s why we’re here and not downstairs,” he said.
Inhaling deeply, she cleared her throat. “I think my client is missing.” She held up her hand. “Wait. Let me start over. A year and a half ago, my client informed me what to do if she went missing or died.”
Gavin’s face sobered as he straightened in his chair.
“There’s supposed to be certain triggers in place to assist me in carrying out her instructions if one of those things happen. She put me on her bank account and her safety deposit box which has the information I’m supposed to access if either of those things happens.”
“Her missing or dying?” he asked.
Pleased he was paying attention and taking her concerns seriously, she nodded. “The problem is the triggers haven’t engaged, but I cannot reach her. I’ve called three times in the past week to ask a question regarding a new licensing deal, and she hasn’t responded which isn’t like her at all. Normally, she returns my calls within hours or sends a text telling me when she’ll be available to talk.”
“Which is code for she’s with her man or something like that?” he asked.
“Possibly. I’ve never questioned her about it, and she never volunteered that information.” Faith drew her lower lip between her teeth for a few moments.
“You’re not sure if you should access the information in the safety deposit box without the triggers? But you’re afraid she’s in trouble and want to help, is that it?”
Drake (Men of Versteck Valley Book 3) Page 2
