Luke shook his head. He needed to focus on drinking and getting Brian as comfortable as possible. “I’ve had a long week. I think just sitting back sounds perfect.”
“Trouble at DevX?” Brian took a drink.
“Not exactly.” Luke didn’t want to give Longineu any personal information, but he needed to give something to get his trust. His pride might have to take a hit to pull this off. “I’m in the middle of a dry spell and it’s not a feeling I’m used to.”
“Well, hell. We can break that streak tonight easy enough. You just say the word and we’ll make it happen.”
Luke shook his head. “Hate to be that guy, but there’s someone I already have in mind.”
“No shit? I thought you were bagging chicks left and right. You know, I hate to stereotype, but usually all I have to do is break out the Ferrari and the panties drop. Ferrari is one of my cheaper cars. They don’t care.”
Luke ran a hand through his hair and really wished he had less in common with this ass. At least he wasn’t married while he was using his cars to pick up women. “It’s a bit more messy. She works for me and doesn’t want things to get complicated.”
“Well, shit. What’s the problem? If anything, fucking you would just be better for her career.”
“That’s what I think!” said Luke in mock agreement. “Would she rather I fire her?”
Longineu snorted. “They always think they’re making things easier, don’t they?”
Luke had to bite back a look of disdain. “True.” Just then, the waitress dropped off his Scotch, and Luke immediately took a swig. If he wanted to get his information, he needed to remain relatively clear-headed, but there was no way he could carry any more conversation with this ass sober. “So how are the investments coming along? The last statements looked promising.”
Longineu shook his head. “No, I’m not done yet. Who is the chick?”
Trust. He needed to build trust. “Some new secretary who just started. No one important.” No one Longineu should have any reason to think he knew.
“Didn’t your brother just hook up with a secretary? That should make this chick feel fine about it!”
“Lori’s not a secretary, actually.”
Longineu didn’t look as though he cared a bit. “Is it the hot blonde who took me to your office? I can totally understand why you’d want a piece of that.”
Luke practically spit out his drink. “Cali? No. Hell no. She’s like a sister.”
“Interesting. Does that mean I can get to know her better the next time I’m at your place?”
That’s it. Luke was going to kill him. “Last I heard, she was seeing someone. But feel free to take your shot,” he managed to squeeze out. Trust. Building trust.
“I’ll have to keep that in mind.” Longineu took another drink. “What about the other hot one? The Mexican chick?”
His hands balled into fists under the table. He knew from the file he had on Evelyn that her grandfather was Puerto Rican, but he didn’t say anything. “Mexican?”
“She has the office across from yours.”
Oh...that Mexican. Luke shrugged, feigning ignorance. “Oh, her. She’s some intern who got the position by winning some essay contest. I forgot to tell Cali about it and that office was the only thing open. Don’t really know anything about her.”
“That’s funny,” said Longineu.
“What’s funny?”
He slammed his glass down. “Because she’s an FBI agent.”
Luke met his gaze over the table. “She’s a what?”
Longineu leaned forward. “She’s. An. FBI. Agent. And I think you knew that.”
“I have no idea what the fuck you’re talking about. Why would the FBI be in my building? Everything I’ve done is legit.”
“The hundred mil you gave to me wasn’t legit. You knew that. I know that. And I can think of a few reasons why you’d be working with the FBI. Ken might’ve thought you were the best thing to ever happen to our little organization, but I never agreed with him.
“See, I know your family. I know your crazy ass cousin, and I know the cousin who wouldn’t touch people like us with a ten-foot pole. So I never, not for one second, thought you were honestly trying to increase your portfolio by joining up with us.”
Luke leaned forward, setting his arms on the table, refusing to be cowed by Longineu’s accusations. “That didn’t stop you from taking my money, did it?”
He shrugged. “Not my choice. The higher-ups gave you approval.”
“And who are these higher-ups who are on my side?”
Longineu’s smile twisted into a grin. “You’d like to know, wouldn’t you? Probably transmitting every little word I’m saying right to the government.”
“You think I’m wearing a wire? This isn’t a made-for-TV movie, Longineu. It’s an honest fucking question.”
He shrugged, not seeming convinced at all. “I don’t care if you’re wearing a wire or not. This entire level has a signal blocker, so no matter what you’re trying to transmit, nothing is getting out.”
For the first time since he sat down, Luke started to get worried. “That seems a little paranoid.”
“Oh no,” said Longineu. “Paranoid would be sending my best man to pay your little FBI agent a visit. Now that would be paranoid.”
CHAPTER NINE
Evelyn banged on her computer for the tenth time but still didn’t get anything from the open line she was supposed to have on Luke’s phone transmitter. “God damn it!” she screamed at the good-for-nothing machine.
She pulled out her phone and dialed Gail’s disposable line. The agent answered on the third ring. “I lost transmission,” she said before Gail could get more than a “hi” in.
“I saw them go into a building,” said Gail. “But I can’t get in. It’s a men’s only place. I’d need a male escort to get past the bouncers. A rich male escort from the looks of it.”
“Mother fuc—” Evelyn stood and paced around the room. They could just be in a place that was built to protect against all transmissions, or they could’ve destroyed his phone. “That’s it. I’m coming out there.” Evelyn snatched her jacket off the back of a chair and pulled open her nightstand drawer for her loaded gun.
“They might recognize you,” warned Gail. “Just lay low and let me look into this.”
“I don’t care. It’s my job to keep Luke safe and I can’t do that with no eyes or ears on him. I need to do something.” She knew Luke had never been all that concerned for his own safety, but she wasn’t about to let him pay for her being unprepared.
Damn it. She’d felt fishy about this entire thing ever since Longineu had come into her office. This was why she needed to trust her instincts and not let Luke tell her how to do her job.
“Evelyn!” shouted Gail through the line.
She brought the phone back to her ear. “I’m about to leave now. Just hold tight and I’ll message you when I get closer. My ETA is twenty minutes.”
“Evelyn, I got this. There’s nothing you could do if you got here. You wouldn’t be able to get in. And unless we get a sign of distress, we can’t go barging in the front door without a warrant.”
Sign of distress? What the fuck was Gail waiting for? It wasn’t as though she’d be able to hear Luke’s screams from the street. They needed to move fast. Right now.
“I promised Luke I’d keep him safe. I’m not going to wait for Longineu to light up some massive sign saying he’s up to no good. I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” she repeated before she hung up the phone.
She dropped the phone in her jacket pocket and arranged it carefully so her shoulder holster wasn’t visible. Then she undid her chain lock and deadbolt in a quick motion and opened the door.
Only to look straight into the barrel of a gun.
~~~~~
“What do you mean you’re sending someone to pay her a visit?” bit out Luke between clenched teeth.
Longineu took another drink, emptying his g
lass, and smiled. “Well, you know how protective I am of my secrets. I’m not going to let some outsider threaten everything we’ve worked to build. You should be just as upset as me. Some agent sneaking her way into your company. That’s a major invasion of privacy. But if it makes you feel better, I’ve ordered my man to make sure she suffers.”
Hell no. Luke stood up fast, bumping the table and knocking over Longineu’s empty glass. Without a word, he turned to leave, but two muscle-bound men immediately blocked his path. His hands balled into fists as he stared them down, not about to let anyone stop him from getting to Evelyn.
“If you want to go, you’re allowed,” said Longineu from behind him. “But if you walk out this door, it will be war between us from now on. Know that.”
Luke didn’t need to think of a good answer. He simply pushed through the two men in front of him and made a beeline for the front. He’d deal with Longineu later, but if there were men on their way to Evelyn’s place right now, that was his foremost concern.
Damn it. He’d been the one who convinced Evelyn that Longineu wasn’t suspicious. He’d been convinced that even if Longineu was onto something that the only one in danger would be him. How the fuck had Longineu gotten Evelyn’s real name? Her address to send his man to?
Unless the whole thing was a bluff. What if this had been a test that he failed? Now they knew for certain that she was an agent just because he couldn’t keep his cool. Mother fucker!
As soon as he got outside, he paused. If he went to her apartment right now, he’d lead Longineu right to Evelyn.
Fuck it. He’d move her to one of his places then. As long as he knew she was safe for now. He held up his hand to hail a cab. If he had his own car service, he’d be able to make it to Evelyn a hell of a lot faster, but he had to rely on a stranger to get him to Evelyn in time. Damn it.
As soon as he was in the backseat and on his way, he took out his phone and dialed Evelyn’s number. She should be right next to her phone considering she had been listening in on him.
But there was no answer.
CHAPTER TEN
Evelyn held up her hands and took a step back.
“Keep moving,” said the man at the other end of the gun.
She took a nervous gulp and continued to back up until she was in the middle of the room. The gun in her shoulder holster pressed into her side, but she knew she couldn't go for it while this guy had his gun drawn and ready. The man stepped inside and kicked the door shut.
He didn’t look familiar to Evelyn, but she had to assume he was one of Longineu’s men. Which meant Luke was probably screwed right now. This guy definitely seemed formidable. He was well over six feet tall and had a muscular build that showed exactly how much time he spent in the gym.
His dark brown hair was slicked back and his clean-shaven face clearly showed his handsome features. Which meant he wasn’t worried about Evelyn identifying him later. Not the best sign.
But he came alone. Which was his mistake. He also hadn’t shot her right away, which probably meant he wanted to kill her in a quieter way. She could handle that. All she needed was one chance to get to her gun.
“I have money,” she said, looking for a way to distract or stall him. Even if he lowered his gun, would she have time to draw? Guns were horrible for close quarter fighting anyway. Maybe it would be easier to disarm him...
He glanced around the tiny apartment with a scowl. “I doubt it.”
“There’s a laptop on the table,” she pointed out. “And I have savings. I’m sure we can make a deal.” All he had to do was lower the gun just long enough for her to rush him. She inched closer to the table.
“Don’t move!” he ordered.
“No, it’s a really nice laptop! Top of the line, brand new! I’m sure you can get a few hundred for it!”
He let out a laugh even as she kept inching to the table. “I’m getting a lot more than a few hundred for this.”
He took a step closer, and Evelyn forced herself to let out a fearful squeak as she jumped closer to the table. As much as she wanted her fear to be completely an act, every second that passed, her heart beat faster and faster. All it would take was one flash of impatience and he’d pull that trigger and she’d be done.
She just needed time for one distraction and she could get him. And the distraction was just a few...more...inches...away...there! Evelyn hooked her foot under the chair and gave a quick yank.
The wooden chair clattered to the ground, and the man’s gaze jerked to follow the noise.
Evelyn jumped on her chance and ducked low as she rushed him. He must’ve seen her as he started to reposition the gun, but he wasn’t fast enough. Her shoulder slammed into his stomach and she kept going, pushing him back until she rammed his back into the door. As he tried to catch his breath, she grabbed his gun hand with both of hers and pushed up and back, jamming his wrist into the wooden doorframe with all her strength.
He grunted but didn’t let go. Shit. She brought her knee up hard into his groin. That got his attention. He moaned in pain, and his grip finally released on the gun enough for her to pry it out of his hands. She tried to turn it on him, but he retained his composure enough to push the gun down and on the floor.
Fine. They’d do this the old-fashioned way. Evelyn brought her elbow up and rammed it into the man’s throat. Take that, jackass...
Then she fisted her fingers in his hair, slamming his head into the door before she kneed him in the gut and tossed him farther into the kitchen.
While he was sprawled on the floor in front of her, Evelyn dove for his gun, but this guy was one step ahead of her. The second she brought it up to aim, a stream of burning liquid hit her eyes, blinding her and clouding her mind with pain. Evelyn screamed and fired off a shot in the direction he’d been in. She heard a grunt of pain and then the clash of breaking glass. She forced her burning eyes open for the briefest moment but didn’t see anyone.
“Fuck!” she screamed as she closed her eyes again. Her lids felt like sandpaper rubbing against her sensitive eyes. Her scream caused the spray that she’d inhaled to get in her lungs, and she coughed at the whole new irritation. “Ahh!” She’d had him!
At first, she’d had a horrifying thought that he’d thrown acid at her, but she’d been around enough pepper spray to know that she wasn’t in danger of losing her eyesight. But that didn’t take the pain away. Or the anger. Damn it, she’d had him outmatched and outgunned and he’d still gotten away. She had a feeling she hit him with the one shot, but she couldn’t be sure. And she wasn’t about to chase him down, waving a gun around when she could barely see two feet in front of her.
Luke... If they were at her place, they for sure knew about Luke. Evelyn dug out her phone but couldn’t keep her eyes open long enough to dial anything. She cursed under her breath as she pocketed the phone and pushed herself up, feeling her way to the sink.
As soon as she was there, she flipped on the cold water and splashed it in her face. She managed to get just enough washed out that she could keep her eyes open long enough to dial Luke’s number. She turned it on speaker as she splashed more water in her sore eyes and drank big gulps from her cupped hands. Ugh, even drinking hurt.
Luke answered midway through the second ring. “Evelyn, you need to get out of your apartment.”
Well, at least he was alive. That was a good sign. “I’m fine,” she said over the sound of the faucet. “Are you out of there? Longineu is dangerous. You need to get somewhere safe. I’m coming to you.”
“I’m going to be at your place any minute. What happened? Longineu said he was sending guys over there. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Just stay away from here and don’t go back to your apartment. I’m going to get some backup and we’ll reevaluate then.” And try to pick up the pieces of her investigation. Damn it.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
Evelyn took another drink of the water that simultaneously burned and soothed. “Nothing’s wrong.
My place has been compromised.”
“Well, my entire life has been compromised. I’m coming over.”
“Son of a— Don’t come over here!” But he’d already hung up. She spit out more curse words as she dialed 911, her boss, and then Gail, who didn’t answer.
By the time she put the phone down, someone was pounding on the door. From the intensity, she could tell it wasn’t the local police she was expecting. Which meant it was Luke. “Hold on!” She pulled some paper towels free and dabbed gently at her eyes. Before she could move, the door was pushed open and Luke was in the kitchen. Great, she’d forgotten to bolt or chain the door.
“Shit,” he muttered as he crossed to her. “What the hell did they do to you?”
She kept her eyes closed, which was probably a good thing so she didn’t have to come face-to-face with his look of pity. “It’s fine. Don’t touch anything. Police are on their way. They’re going to try to get some prints. There might be some blood by the window and I have his gun.”
“Come here.” He hooked his arm around her waist and pulled her out of the kitchen.
“What are you doing?”
She could tell from the number of steps that he was leading her to the small bathroom off the kitchen. “Was he in here?” asked Luke.
“I don’t think so. There was so little time...” Before she could finish, the shower was turned on and running.
“You need to flush your eyes,” he said. “This will work best.”
She frowned, but still didn’t open her eyes. “I know that. I’m too busy to shower.”
“Well, now you’re not.” With that, he started to push her into the warm stream of water.
Evelyn’s hands went up and gripped his biceps. “Hold on!” she shouted. He paused as she pulled off her jacket and shoulder holster. He took the jacket from her and gently set it on the sink as she kicked off her tennis shoes and set her gun on the windowsill. She still wore jeans and a white t-shirt, but she wasn’t going to wait any longer.
The police would be here any moment, so Luke was safe enough for now. She ducked under the water and threw her head back, letting the stream hit her closed eyes.
Testing The Boss (Billionaires In The City, #5) Page 7
