by G. K. Parks
“He wasn’t parked or waiting when you arrived at Noah’s. You said Klassi recognized the vehicle. Have you tried asking him about it again?”
“He says he doesn’t know anything, and he won’t tell me about his acquaintances. I have people checking, but I can’t force Don to cooperate.”
“You could refuse to work his case.”
“Even if I did, Cross would find someone else to do it, and Klassi threatened to take down Martin if I don’t behave.”
“I doubt he has dirt on Marty.”
“It seems like a stretch, but I don’t want to chance it. Plus, the best way to ID the unsub is to work the case.”
“True, but he was outside Noah’s. And he might have been surveilling the office space Noah rented the first time he picked up your trail. It stands to reason they might also have a connection.”
“They can’t be working together, or Noah wouldn’t continue the con.”
“Yeah, well, victim doesn’t make a lot of sense. If the unsub had a ton of money, he wouldn’t drive a shitty car.”
“Unless he had to sell everything after Noah stole his fortune.”
“Okay, I’ll buy that. But why attack you? Sun Tzu, the enemy of my enemy.” Mark raised his brow in challenge. “You and the unsub should be on the same side. And when he cornered you in the alley, you hadn’t even met Noah or confronted him. So it’s not like he made a mistake. He waited for you, Alex, and it had nothing to do with Noah. My money’s on a connection to good ol’ Donnie boy. The unsub was watching him too, outside that bar and outside Klassi’s apartment. We need to figure this out fast,” Mark warned. “You don’t need any surprises.”
“Tell me about it.” My eyes went to the doorway. Normally, I wouldn’t have invited Mark to Cross Security to discuss these matters, but a part of me wanted to push Cross’s buttons. The other part wanted to make it clear that I didn’t need Lucien or this job, and Mark was the best way to do it.
“Did you handle the situation with Cross?”
“I don’t know. Cross says he hoped to convince Martin to sign with Cross Security and from there convince him to work on developing body armor.”
Mark snorted. “Except you and I both know Marty avoids projects that have military applications. He’d never agree to that. And unlike some people, he’s smart enough not to get in bed with Lucien Cross.”
I ignored the comment. “Yeah, well, I’m just waiting for Cross to decide what he’s going to do.”
“About what?”
“He hired me for access to Martin, but now he realizes it’s a handicap. He’d fire me if he wasn’t afraid that would make Martin even less apt to work with him.”
“Well, good. Lucien finally fucked himself. It’s about time.” He shrugged into his jacket. “Just make sure he doesn’t fuck you in the process.”
* * *
I rolled over and grabbed the ringing phone. “Hello?” I mumbled. No one in their right mind would call this early on a Saturday.
“Alex, hey,” Noah said, “I’m glad I caught you.”
“What’s up?”
“I was just wondering if we could meet for breakfast.”
“When and where?”
“Your hotel.”
Shit. I climbed out of bed, ignoring the questioning look Martin was giving me. “Yeah, um…I have a confession to make.” I pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. “You woke me up.”
Noah didn’t speak for a moment. “I’m sorry. I’m used to keeping business hours. I wasn’t thinking.”
“No, no, it’s fine.” I grabbed a rolling suitcase from the hall closet and emptied one of my drawers into it. “I just need some time. Can I call you back?”
“Sure, no problem.”
“Thanks, Noah. Bye.” I disconnected, scrambling to get packed. I should have planned this out. I should have realized he might have wanted to see the hotel. Going into the bathroom, I hurried to get ready, skipping the shower. I was tossing my toiletries into a bag when Martin appeared in the doorway.
“Where are you going?”
“A hotel.”
The question formed on his lips, but I went around him before he could ask. I made sure there weren’t any luggage tags or identifying marks on the suitcase. Digging through my purse, I found the engagement ring and wedding band and slipped them on.
“You’re supposed to take off your wedding ring when you go to a hotel, not the other way around,” Martin remarked.
“No wonder I haven’t been able to lure a man back to my room.” I grabbed my gun, checked the safety, and tossed it into my purse. “I’ll see you later.” I gave him a quick kiss and headed for the door.
“Are you coming back?”
“Hopefully.” I pulled the door closed behind me.
When I arrived at the hotel, I kept my head on a swivel. Cross had taken precautions and made sure I had a backdated reservation just in case. However, stopping at the front desk to pick up the key and check in would tip off the scammer that he was getting played. Luckily, I didn’t spot Noah or the red car.
Dragging my bag behind me, I went to my room. It was a standard hotel room. Nothing special about it. I shoved some of my clothing into the drawers and hung a few items in the closet. I left some things in the suitcase and left it open on the luggage stand.
I entered the bathroom, turned the water to hot, and let the shower run while I placed my toiletries on the vanity and along the ledge. I unwrapped a few of the plastic cups, made a pot of coffee, tossed some tissues and wrappers into the trash can, and turned off the water. I wiped the inside of the shower curtain with a towel, so it would appear used and hung it on the back of the door.
Checking the time, I called Noah back and gave him my room number. I looked around, realizing the bed was pristine. I pulled down the covers, tossed one of the pillows on the floor, and rolled around on the sheets. Now, I was ready for company.
While I waited for him to arrive, I read the room service menu, familiarizing myself with the options. Was it weird he wanted to meet for breakfast? He probably wanted an answer, and I couldn’t drag my feet much longer. If I kept this up, he’d find another mark. I had to commit. I glanced down at the ring on my finger. Talk about commitment.
A knock sounded at the door. It was showtime. “You always walk around with grocery bags?”
Noah laughed. “Well, I didn’t know what you might like for breakfast, so I bought a little bit of everything.”
“I figured we’d get room service.”
“Aren’t you tired of it by now?”
“You know me so well.”
He went to the table and put down the bag, pulling out paper plates, an assortment of bakery items, and a container of fresh fruit. “Do you have coffee?” he asked.
“Is the Pope Catholic?” I filled two cups and carried them to the table. “Seriously, Noah, what’s going on?”
He looked a little embarrassed. “Is it wrong to say I enjoy your company?”
That was unexpected. I didn’t think he planned to play the con this way, but he didn’t have the same timeframe he had with Don Klassi, particularly when Alexandra Scott’s money would be in motion in less than a week. “I like hanging out with you too. It’s nice to have someone to talk to.”
“My life’s been work for so long. It’s not often I meet someone like you.”
“Like me?” I asked.
“Someone willing to fight for what they want. My clients are great, but they get everything so easily. And you’re about to lose everything. It’s refreshing to see someone face an actual struggle with such grace and strength.”
“Conrad didn’t leave me much choice.” I rested my chin in my hands. “I don’t know what I should do. Most of the time, I’m just angry. Why should he get everything? Didn’t our life together mean anything? But then I think about the mistakes I made, knowing how many times he’d been married before, aware he was a cheater.” I stared into my cup. “He actually cheated on his last wife w
ith me, and now, he’s cheating on me with whoever will come next. I should have known. It’s stupid to think someone will change.”
“You wanted to see the best in him.” Noah reached for a muffin.
“And other times,” I smiled at a memory, “he was so sweet. He encouraged my art. He bought the gallery and those paintings because they made me happy. I still love that man, but I don’t know what happened to him. He’s been so cold. So distant. He hates me now, and I don’t know why.” I met Noah’s eyes. “If I take his money, he’ll always hate me. We’ll never be able to go back.”
“Do you think that’s even possible?”
I licked my lips. “No, but I wish it was.” I looked up. “I have to do this. If I don’t, he’ll toss me aside. I found out from an acquaintance that his first ex-wife just got evicted from her home because she couldn’t pay her rent. He ruined her life. She was an educated woman, but she never entered the job market. She never had a career, and when he dumped her, she could only find menial jobs. When the divorce settlement ran out, she couldn’t make ends meet. I don’t want the same thing to happen to me.”
Noah reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze. “I won’t let that happen.”
“Okay, I’ll do it. No turning back now.”
He was professional enough to keep the elated smile off his face, but I saw the satisfaction in his eyes. He thought he tricked me. He thought he’d just hooked another significant payday. The plans were already in motion. Too bad he didn’t’ realize I had him by the short and curlies.
Twenty
Everything was set. Noah agreed to a small transfer, so I could test the waters and make sure Conrad wouldn’t catch on. Assuming it went smoothly, which I was sure it would, Noah and I would meet tomorrow, and I’d transfer half a million to him. We never met at his office. He didn’t want anyone to see what was happening just in case Conrad tracked the transfer or came looking for the culprit. Instead, we did the deed in my hotel room.
To maintain appearances, Cross arranged an actual showing at the gallery, just in case Noah dropped by uninvited. It was catered with fifty guests. I didn’t know who any of the people were, but it didn’t matter. No one actually tried to buy a painting. They just ate the food, drank their cocktails, and called it a night. The number of cars outside ensured everyone knew there was a party. I had to hand it to my boss; he actually did a few things right.
“Do you need anything else?” Cross asked as the caterers left.
“Were you able to trace the funds once they went into Noah’s account?”
“My people are on it. We’ll get him.”
“Is that a no?”
Cross gave me an icy look. “It’s a not yet. It will be fine. I know what I’m doing.”
Earlier, I authorized a transfer of $5000 into Noah’s private numbered account. Supposedly, Alexandra quoted her husband the excess amount as an expense for the gallery showing. Noah then converted the dollars into coin and gave me a zip drive with the cryptocurrency. I checked it immediately, then passed the USB off to the experts at Cross Security. The cryptocurrency was the same type of worthless coin Noah had given to Klassi. The same worthless coin Klassi desperately wanted. I still didn’t know what his obsession was, but I’d find out soon enough.
We were scheduled to complete the final transaction tomorrow afternoon, except there would be no final transaction. I just had to string Noah along until Cross received the information he needed to recover Don Klassi’s millions.
“Fine, but if Noah outsmarts you, it’s not my fault. And it better not come out of my paycheck.”
Cross gave me a look. “I have no intention of losing any money on this venture.”
“That makes one of us.”
He pressed his lips together. “When are you supposed to make the next exchange?”
“Tomorrow afternoon. He’s going to meet me at the gallery. I should have collected the checks by then.”
“No office?”
“No. I imagine he couldn’t find a new one on such short notice. But I’ll find some way to delay him.”
“You better. We don’t have half a million, so be prepared for anything.”
“Yes, sir.”
Things were finally falling into place. Cross had a surefire and probably illegal way of tracking the transferred funds. We’d find out where they went. I just wasn’t certain it would lead to Klassi’s money. Something about the situation felt wrong. Don’s unwillingness to explain why he wouldn’t go to the authorities didn’t ease my suspicions. He must have done some shady dealings, possibly with the unsub who hated my involvement and wanted it put to an end.
“What if he has as many accounts as he does aliases?” I asked.
“That’s also a possibility.” Cross studied me. “Are you sure you haven’t tipped him off? You seem nervous.”
“I don’t think so. Still, we can’t discount the possibility that the driver of the red car is somehow connected to the grifter.”
“I’ll put someone on Noah’s apartment. If he tries to skip town, I’ll make sure we’re there to stop him. And if the car comes back again, we’ll follow it.”
“Thanks.”
That night, I went home feeling antsy. The annoying twinge in the back of my mind hadn’t stopped since the party at the gallery. Perhaps my subconscious was protesting my alliance with Cross. I didn’t know exactly what was bothering me, but I couldn’t get comfortable.
I spent a few hours prowling the apartment like a jungle cat. Martin was working late. He had several back-to-back teleconferences, so he wasn’t around to distract me. The situation with Klassi stunk to high heaven, but it didn’t matter. By this time tomorrow, it would be over. Klassi would get his money back, minus Cross’s cut, and I would insist that Don tell me everything he knows about the asshole with the knife. I would have the leverage needed to force the answers out of him. This time, I wasn’t taking no for an answer.
When Martin came home, he found me wearing my dress from the gallery. The pins were still in my hair. “You look beautiful. Is this for me?”
“Sure, handsome.” I crumpled into his arms. “Run away with me.”
He smirked, bending down for a kiss. “Rough night?”
“I don’t know.”
Carefully, he pulled the pins from my hair, letting the tendrils fall in messy curls. He ran his fingers through it, gently so as not to tug on any knots. “Why are you all dressed up?”
“Cocktail party.”
“Without me?” His fingertips traced the straps of my dress. “You know I love a good cocktail party.”
“Cross was there.”
“So it was a rough night.” He brushed his thumb along my cheek and kissed me long and slow. “Let me see if I can make it better.”
* * *
I shot up in bed. My heart raced, and my breath came in ragged gasps. Martin reached for me. The gentle brush of his fingers against my bare skin made me jump.
“Sweetheart, what is it?”
I recalled the nightmare. “My car exploded.”
“What?” He sat up.
I shook my head. “In my dream.” I took a deep breath. So much for a peaceful night’s sleep. “I got into my car, turned the key, and ka-boom.” My skin felt insanely hot, as if I actually had been inside the inferno. I kicked off the covers, wiping at the beads of sweat that dripped down my lower back.
He gathered my hair, lifting the damp locks off my neck and wrapping the long brown strands around his hand a few times. He blew gently against my overheated skin, making me shiver.
“Stop that,” I hissed, turning to face him.
“We need to talk.”
“It’s five a.m. And those are the four worst words anyone can ever say.”
“Says who?” Martin asked.
“You.”
He thought for a moment. “Regardless, I want to know what’s going on with you.”
“You didn’t seem to care a few hours ago.”
“I did. I still do.” His green eyes stared into my soul. “I will always care about you. Nothing will ever change that.” He swallowed. “You’ve been having a lot of nightmares again. That means something’s wrong, and you’re afraid to talk to me about it.”
I tugged my hair free from his grip and tied it in a messy knot. “Nothing’s wrong. Can I please go back to sleep?”
I flipped my pillow over and pressed my cheek into the first cool spot I found. My thoughts went to car bombings and one of my early private sector cases. I’d been double-crossed by a friend. Mark’s warning about Cross reverberated in my mind. Could I trust my boss? What about the rest of his employees? Kellan betrayed me. And yet, I had to put my trust in them in order to work Klassi’s case. What if somebody sold me out? Nothing ever turned up concerning the red car or its driver, but the possibilities were endless.
“I don’t know what’s wrong. I just know something is,” I admitted. “I haven’t been myself since Stuart Gifford died in front of me, but I don’t think it’s about that.”
Martin sighed, his warm breath caressing my skin. “Are you scared?”
“Of what?” I turned around to face him.
“Us.” He struggled to figure out a better way to phrase it. “That Friday, when you came to my office, you were terrified. I could see the trajectory of your thoughts. I knew where your mind was.”
“I don’t want to lose you. But more than that, I don’t want you to die.”
“I know. Me too.”
“Well, you are rather fond of yourself.”
“You know what I mean.” His expression sobered. “Someone attacked you. It’s not the first time, and I’m not naïve enough to think it’ll be the last. I thought you would have…I don’t know.”
“Found the guy? Kicked his ass? Had him arrested?”
“All of the above.” Martin settled down on the pillow beside me. “Are there any leads?”
