House of Cards (Tech Billionaires)

by Ainsley St Claire

  “Perfect timing,” he says. “We’ve got a plane on approach.”

  My stomach knots with anticipation. “Do we know who’s on this flight?”

  “This is Stevie and Genevieve.” Frank glances at his watch and adds, “And Christopher and Bella have just touched down.”

  Suddenly I’m nervous. “May I go out to the runway with you, Frank?”

  “Sure, the planes aren’t on the ground long. They’re taking off and heading to Canada to throw things off.”

  I follow him to the foyer, grab my coat, and in minutes we’re in the van driving out to meet the planes.

  As both planes taxi in, my heart beats quickly. I’m anxious to see my brothers. I’ll feel better when we’re all together.

  Christopher and Bella deplane first, followed by Marci, and before Stevie’s plane even comes to a stop, their plane has taken off again. As quickly as the other plane was on the ground, Stevie’s plane is soon also on its way.

  Shortly thereafter, I’m enveloped in a massive Reinhardt hug.

  “We’re so glad you’re safe,” Stevie says.

  “What were you thinking, leaving without anyone knowing where you were?” Bella demands.

  “If you try that again, I will hunt you down myself,” Christopher warns.

  “Is there heat somewhere?” Genevieve asks.

  “I’m so glad you’re all here.” I jump up and down.

  “I’m pretty glad to see you too,” Marci giggles.

  “Let’s get you all back to the house and warmed up,” Frank suggests.

  We pile into the van and Frank heads back to the ranch.

  “You sure do have a surprising way of taking over the company,” Stevie says.

  “Trust me, this was not the plan. Have you been updated on what’s happening?” I ask.

  “I think so. I still don’t understand why Alex would go along with this,” Stevie says.

  “I have a few ideas, but it ultimately doesn’t matter. I’ll be fine if I never speak to him again.”

  When we return to the house, Molly has put out a huge spread for lunch. Christopher and Stevie spot Murphy across the room and freeze in place for a moment. Christopher looks at me with wide eyes, and I just nod, telling him he’s correct.

  He turns and bolts across the room. “Holy shit, man! I thought you were dead.” He opens his arms.

  “I can’t believe you’re here,” Stevie adds, right behind him. “How is this even possible?”

  “It’s a long story.” I sigh.

  “How did you know Murphy was alive?” Christopher asks me. “How did you know where to find him?”

  I shrug. “Dad mentioned it in code, just before he died.”

  “In code?” Christopher asks.

  “He used to talk about Murphy and the accident. In particular, he was all over the place one day while we walked around the lake. He gave me the address of a house outside of Aspen and said I should visit one day. Then when the will was read, it all came together.”

  “We have a lot of catching up to do,” Christopher says. He puts Murphy in a friendly headlock.

  If they’re going to wrestle or something, that’s my cue to leave. I look around the room and spot Marci talking to Nancy.

  “We’re so glad you’re safe,” Marci tells her.

  I excuse myself from my brothers, pick up a copy of the will, and walk over to join them. “Marci, Nancy told us that when she received information about my father’s will, it excluded her.”

  Marci flips through the pages. “Hmmm... We should get a copy of the will that was filed with the state. Let me call someone at the firm in Chicago to inquire about that.” She steps away.

  Nancy pats my arm. “It’s so wonderful to have all you together. That’s what your father and I always wanted.”

  “I’m truly sorry about my dad’s death, Nancy. You were always his greatest love.”

  She smiles. “No, you were his greatest love. I didn’t mind following you, though.”

  My eyes begin to water. “I miss him every day.”

  “Me, too.” Nancy bites her lip.

  “What has you two so upset?” Murphy asks, and suddenly we’re surrounded by everyone.

  “We were just reminiscing about Dad,” I tell him.

  “If everyone has had a chance to get something to eat, I’d like to continue our interviews,” Jim announces.

  The afternoon progresses as we listen to Nancy share about the Kryetar and how over the last two decades, they’ve become more embedded within the Reinhardt Corporation.

  When Nancy has told us everything she can think of, Jim turns to Marci. “What do you think?”

  “The Foundation is incorporated in California, isn’t it?” Marci asks me.

  “That’s correct. Why?”

  “What good news.” Marci turns back to Jim. “We need to talk to Walker Clifton in the San Francisco US Attorney’s office.”

  “I can fly him in tonight, if he’s up for it,” Jim says.

  “I’ll call him and find out.” Marci walks out of the room with Jim close behind.

  While we wait for her to return, Molly comes to show my brothers where they’re staying. “We put all you kids on the same floor in the west wing of the ranch,” she says. “Frank has put your luggage in the rooms. Hopefully, we got everyone put in the right rooms together.”

  “Don’t want to end up with strange bedfellows.” I snicker.

  “I know,” Molly exclaims.

  The remainder of the day is a blur. We have dinner a little while later, and as we’re finishing up, Walker Clifton and two members of the San Francisco FBI arrive.

  I can tell my nerves are shot because part of me remains convinced they’re here to arrest me.

  “Let’s all adjourn to the living room,” Jim suggests.

  The entire group gets up and changes rooms. Genevieve and Stevie sit on the love seat, and I can tell Genevieve is getting tired. Then I notice so are Anna and Bella. It hits me again that I’m going to be an aunt four times over. Despite everything, I have to smile.

  No matter what happens, the next generation of Reinhardts is going to be better than the one before.

  Chapter 34

  Jonathan

  “Jonathan? Have you heard anything I’ve said?” Gillian asks.

  “What?”

  It’s Monday morning. We’re recovering after last night’s colossal game, and we’re all a bit tired. But I was also thinking about Maggie, wondering where she is. Did she get on a plane? She could be anywhere in the world. Does she have a car? She could be in Los Angeles, or maybe she’s driving back to San Francisco. I have so many questions and no answers. Why would she not talk to me and tell me she was leaving?

  Okay, I would have tried to talk her out of it. But what is she going to do without someone to protect her? I’ve failed. This is tearing me up.

  I sigh, focusing my attention on Gillian. It’s amazing I managed to drag my sorry butt over to my office this morning. “I’m sorry. Can you repeat what you said?”

  “Cecelia Lancaster is missing.”

  “What do you mean she’s missing?”

  How is that possible? Where could she have gone? She has her own security team. Why aren’t they with her?

  “She was last seen with Maggie Reinhardt. We now know Maggie left the hotel through the back stairs by your apartment, and we have Cecelia a little later on video leaving the resort out to the Strip through The Boardwalk. But there’s no indication they were planning to meet up elsewhere.”

  Could she and Maggie have planned this? “What do you mean through The Boardwalk?”

  “She walked through the casino into The Boardwalk and went out the west entrance. She circled the property and disappeared.”

  No! This can’t be happening. I cover my face with my hand and try to get myself under control. “Where’s Nate?”

  “He’s in his suite. He’s a wreck. Can you go see him?” Gillian asks.

  It suddenly sin
ks in. Maggie left, and Cecelia left. Both are missing.

  I nod. “Of course. I’m on my way.”

  I walk through the hotel with four of our security guards. I tell them to not let anyone approach, as I need to get to the Paradise Suite immediately.

  I knock on the door and Nate’s body man, Kevin, answers.

  “Will he see me?” I ask.

  He nods and lets me step inside the door. “Can you wait here a moment?”

  “Of course.”

  This is one of our best suites—three bedrooms, a grand sitting room, and a table that seats twelve, all overlooking the fountains and Strip below. Truly a beautiful room.

  Nate walks out, and he’s a skeleton of a man. His eyes are sunken, with deep, dark circles.

  “Jonathan, do you know anything?” he asks.

  “I just heard. Maggie disappeared at the same time, and I don’t know where she is either. What is the FBI telling you? Do you think they’re together?”

  His eyes grow wide, and he stands up straight. “I don’t know, and I don’t know why she would have left the hotel without her bodyguard. Have you told the FBI Maggie is missing?”

  “They know.” I pat him on the back and guide him to the couch. “Tell me what you know.”

  “Cecelia went for a walk outside the hotel, and they lost her on the cameras at the southeast corner.” He is visibly upset. “What am I going to do? Where did she go?”

  “Have we asked the neighboring hotel for their footage?”

  “Yes, but I guess there’s a blind spot, and she disappeared there. I wish I knew where she went—or at least why. We had a good marriage. We had rough times, but we’ve never strayed and always made our way back to each other.”

  I thought Maggie’s situation was killing me. This is worse. “Does she have any friends who live here in Vegas?”

  “Not that I know of,” he says.

  We sit watching the afternoon sky for a while.

  “What am I going to tell my kids?” Nate cries out suddenly.

  I don’t have an answer to that, and my heart aches for him. At least I know where Maggie is.

  I take off my jacket, walk over to the drink cart, and pour us both a glass of his favorite scotch. Then we sit on the couch and wait. Neither of us drinks, and we don’t talk. The sun moves through the sky, and we sit.

  “We met in middle school,” he finally says. “She had this long, beautiful black hair, and every day she had a big braid to keep it out of her face. I couldn’t help myself, I would pull it. It was my excuse to touch her.” He shrugs. “What can I say? I was thirteen and such a nerd.” He begins to weep.

  I wish I could tell him something—anything—that might give him some comfort.

  “What am I going to do without her?” he cries.

  We watch the sun set. My cell phone pings.

  Christopher: Maggie is in Montana. She’s safe.

  Me: Is she alone?

  Christopher: Don’t worry, I don’t think she picked up any strange men.

  Me: Cecelia Lancaster is missing, and Maggie was the last to see her.

  Christopher: Shit.

  How do I respond to that? He doesn’t say anything else.

  Me: Can you ask?

  He’s quiet, and I don’t see any rotating bubbles. I say a silent prayer that they’re together.

  Christopher: I checked with Jim. No sign of Cecelia with Maggie.

  My heart sinks. That would have been too convenient.

  Me: Thanks. We’ve got nothing, then.

  I show Nate my phone and the texts. “Christopher says she isn’t with Maggie.”

  He shakes his head. “She really liked Maggie,” he murmurs.

  Time passes and the sun sinks below the horizon. After we’ve watched the fountains play through their sequence numerous times, there’s a knock at the door. After a moment, Kevin comes in to report. “Emily Nicols and David Carson with the FBI are here to see Mr. Lancaster.”

  Nate nods, and we stand, anxious to hear what they have to say.

  The agents walk in behind Kevin and shake our hands. They run through a series of questions about where we both were when Cecelia disappeared. They exchange a look when they learn she was last seen with Maggie.

  “Were you harboring a fugitive?” they ask me.

  “No. She left shortly before Cecelia disappeared when she learned there was a warrant out for her arrest. My understanding is she was heading to see her lawyers in San Francisco.” That’s not the truth, but it’s what I want them to believe, and at least that drives them to Maggie’s attorney.

  “Driving?”

  “Yes.” I decide I should leave it at that.

  Agent Carson nods. “Well, one thing at a time. We honestly don’t have much right now on Cecelia. She was last seen at a corner where your cameras lose her—”

  “We could be in violation of federal laws if we go too far into our neighbors’ property and their security,” I explain. “But we have a good relationship with all of them, if you’d like me to make any introductions.”

  Agent Nicols holds up her hand. “No need. We’re already reviewing what they have. Unfortunately, some of their cameras seem to have been shut off at the time she went missing.”

  Nate crumples to the floor. “Where is Cecelia?”

  I don’t know what to do.

  Chapter 35

  Maggie

  The next few days are a whirlwind of interviews. I meet with the US Attorneys for the District of Northern California and the Central District of Minnesota. I meet with multiple FBI agents. I’ve been asked and answered the same questions over fifty times in fifty ways. By the time I’m done, I feel like they’ve done a body cavity search. It’s overwhelming and exhausting. But slowly but surely, with Jim’s help, they shore up their case and come to understand the truth.

  Apart from that, it’s great having all of my siblings here. I can’t remember ever being this happy as a family. There’s only one person missing, and it pains me constantly that I can’t call him or talk to him. The attorney has recommended that—for everyone’s safety—I keep a low profile, which means I don’t contact my mother, Alex, or Jonnie. No big sacrifice on the first two, but I miss Jonnie terribly. The time we had together—even though I was in hiding—was truly wonderful. I’ve never had friendship or companionship or support or anything like that. I need to apologize to him for leaving without explaining my plan. I know now that’s not what people who trust each other do. And I do trust him. I fall asleep thinking about Jonnie, and when I wake up, he’s right there again. I wonder what he’s doing. Did he figure out who was stealing from Queen Diva? Does he miss me?

  In my free time—which I actually do have a bit of once the initial onslaught slows—I go horseback riding. And one afternoon I have a spa day with my sisters in law. As I’m getting a pedicure, I finally drop the bomb. “Okay, ladies. When are your due dates?”

  The girls look at me like a bunch of gophers peeking out of the ground.

  “You all have certain things in common,” I tell them. “You’re exhausted, and no one is drinking except me. ‘Fess up!”

  Anna laughs. “I’m pregnant with twin boys, but you already knew that.” She elbows me. “We’re due in the spring.”

  I look over at Bella, and she’s grinning. “We’re also due in the spring, but we don’t know the sex yet. I’m thinking we may wait.”

  “It’s a surprise no matter when you find out, but I’m thrilled,” I tell her.

  We all look over at Genevieve. “I can’t believe you figured it out!” she says. “We didn’t want to overshadow or stress anyone out. But we’re also due in the late spring.”

  I do a happy dance, but the nail tech isn’t very happy because I get nail polish all over my foot. I shrug. “Sorry. Anyway, I’ll be a great aunt, and I promise to be a good babysitter—that is, if I’m not in jail.”

  After a few more days of planning with our attorneys and preparing what we’ll bring to our PR fi
rm so they can help Reinhardt handle the shitstorm we’re about to be facing, I realize we’ve been holed up here for two weeks, and we leave in the morning to go back to real life—Minneapolis.

  I’m nervous. But the FBI is preparing for several arrests, including my mother and Herbert Walker, and things are falling into place. Thankfully, it looks like arrest is no longer a risk for me since they’ve figured out my signature was a forgery, and I had nothing to do with Alex’s finances.

  ******

  Bright and early Monday morning, my three brothers and I board a private plane with Marci, our Chicago attorney, both the Northern California and Minnesota US Attorneys, and a swath of FBI agents. Today is the day I face the music and break free from my mother’s talons, but I hope we’re not jumping into the fire. Just in case, we’re leaving the pregnant ladies behind for now.

  Once settled in my seat, I put my head back, shut my eyes, and roll my head from side to side, trying to relieve some of the tension in my neck. This is the big day. We’re coming out of the shadows.

  When we land at the Minneapolis airport, there’s a podium set up, and the press is easily six people deep. How are six people even interested in this, let alone the papers these people represent? I stand between Christopher and Murphy. The humidity and the heat do nothing to stop the sweat from pooling between my shoulder blades.

  “Stop biting your lip,” Murphy tells me. He squeezes my hand. “This is the easy part.”

  “Says you. I hate this.”

  “At least you look beautiful doing it,” Christopher says.

  I turn to him and grin. Bella has trained him well.

  A woman approaches the podium, and the press calms down. “Ladies and gentlemen, Walker Clifton, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of California; Diane Carlson, the United States Attorney for the Central District of Minnesota; William Sweeney, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the Minneapolis Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Carl E. Dubois, Sheriff of Hennepin County, today announce the arrest of Catherine Hudson Reinhardt and Herbert Michael Walker, along with forty-seven others in eight jurisdictions, in connection with a multimillion-dollar scheme of selling, importing/exporting, and trafficking illegal controlled substances across state boundaries and national borders. Additional federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act—RICO—charges have also been levied. The defendants are scheduled to appear before a U.S. Magistrate in federal court later today in Minneapolis.”