Vote Then Read: Volume III

by Aleatha Romig

  Roberto jerked his head to the side, pinning him with his stare. “You think I’m buying that? Don’t think I don’t know you’re scoping out this place.” Then, as an afterthought, he jerked his hand up, and said, “But don’t tell me what the fuck you’re planning. Everything I get, I get through channels that’ll hold up in court.”

  “You know I won’t fuck that up. What I find, I’ll get to you, then you can do with it what you need. Your job is to find Charles’ killer. My job is to keep Sylvie and David safe. We both know those two things are tied together, but I’ll stay out of your way as long as I can keep them from harm.”

  Roberto nodded before climbing out of his official SUV. Together, they walked through the tall, glass, front doors and into a large lobby. The white tile floors gleamed and the modern, chrome and leather furniture gave off a cold impression to him. A counter was in front of them, with an attractive, well-dressed, young woman sitting behind it. Directly behind her, standing, was a burly security guard.

  “Good morning,” the perky woman chirped, her smile wide. “How may I help you?”

  Roberto pulled out his badge, making sure the security guard saw it as well, and stated, “I’m here to speak to Richard Atkins.”

  She blinked, her smile never leaving her face, and said, “I’ll check to see if he’s available—”

  “He’ll be available. This is an official inquiry.”

  The young woman remained seated as the security guard said, “Follow me.” He moved swiftly toward the elevator, not looking behind to see if they were with him. Entering through the open doors, the guard turned around and he and Roberto stepped in.

  Mace adopted a bland expression on his face, but his eyes were already categorizing everything he saw. There were two security cameras in the lobby and the door had basic security alarms. There was no code needed to enter the elevator and the guard had simply pressed for the fourth floor, the top floor of the building. Stepping out of the elevator, they followed the guard to the left and he noted several offices on either side of the hall. Again, no obvious security measures on this floor either.

  Stopping at the door on the end, the guard grunted, “Wait here,” then, stepped inside the room, closing the door behind him.

  Roberto looked up at him but neither one of them said anything, their gazes speaking volumes between them. The guard opened the door and grunted, “Come in.”

  Walking inside, Mace noted a large, expansive office, with the same modern feel as the lobby. The man sitting behind the desk stood with a smile spread across his face. His salt and pepper hair was slicked back, trimmed neatly. He recognized the expense of the man’s suit and at a swift glance noted impeccable grooming as well, from his shave, to buffed nails, to polished shoes.

  “Detectives, what a surprise. I’m Richard Atkins. Welcome to the National Supreme Endeavor Group. Please, please, have a seat.”

  He and Roberto sat in the two chairs facing the desk and he noted the security guard had once more shut the door, now standing on the inside. Roberto introduced the two of them and immediately began.

  “I’m sure you’ve heard of the murder of State Attorney Charles Jefferson. We’re investigating and, at this time, are looking for any information that we can gather.”

  “I understand,” Richard said, his voice smooth. “I’m not sure how I can help, though.”

  “One of the things Mr. Jefferson was working on was looking into your organization.”

  Unflappable, Richard said, “I can’t imagine why he was looking into us, although any group that attempts to limit governmental control is often feared by some and championed by others. I’m sure you must have many organizations you are looking at.”

  Nodding, Roberto said, “Our investigation is comprehensive, I assure you. I’d like to know who in your organization knew that the State Attorney had an open case on the NSEG?”

  “I wouldn’t have any records on that. I, myself, have had a conversation with Mr. Jefferson. I’m fairly certain at least one of our board members has also. But it is not something that would be common knowledge here at our group.”

  “When Mr. Jefferson and you had your conversation, did he inform you of the depth of his investigation?”

  Mace watched as Richard, seeming cool and collected, continued to answer Roberto’s questions, deftly deflecting each one. Discretely scanning the room while he listened, he noted a security camera in the corner and that the windows were covered in a reflective film, keeping out prying eyes. A bookcase lined the wall to the left and, analyzing the dimensions of the room, he realized it was narrower than the building. Curious, he wanted to know what was behind the wall.

  Bringing his attention back to Richard, he listened as the man gave a well-practiced speech.

  “I certainly understand that when any non-profit ventures into the political foray, it can make some nervous. But, I assure you, our political views and stance are well documented. We are also largely supported by many Americans who feel the same way we do. Our records are impeccable and were certainly shared with Mr. Jefferson. I had not heard any more from his office and assumed that we were no longer under investigation.”

  “Had you heard of his disappearance?”

  Shaking his head, a concerned expression etched onto his face, Richard said, “No, I had not. It was not until yesterday that I was made aware of the news of his death. I cannot imagine that his demise had anything to do with us.”

  Several minutes later, he and Roberto walked out of the building and into the sunshine. Sliding his sunglasses on his face, he turned back to stare at the building. Saying nothing, he climbed into Roberto’s SUV, then requested, “Need you to circle the building.”

  Roberto simply nodded, not questioning his reasons. Driving around the block, he confirmed what he already knew. Something was behind the bookcase wall in Richard’s office.

  Driving away, Roberto slid his eyes toward him, and asked, “Do I even want to know what you’re planning?”

  Grinning, he just shook his head. “Best, right now, if you just stick to your investigation and let me handle the dirty work.”

  Sighing heavily, Roberto nodded. “Don’t keep me in the dark whenever you find what you suspect.”

  “You know I won’t.”

  As they continued down the road, he found his mind not only on the upcoming nocturnal visit to the NSEG, but drifting more and more to the beautiful woman that was back at the house.

  Ever since Babs, Marge and Horace left, David incessantly talked about the history of the house, the nearby lighthouse, lighthouse keepers, and the rocks leading to the ocean. “Did you know there used to be pirates here, Mom?”

  Sylvie, torn between feeling happy that David had something to focus on besides the events of the last week and anxiously glancing out the window wondering if Mace was going to come by, tried to pay attention to what he was saying. “Is that right?” she replied.

  Tearing her eyes away from the window, she moved into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Marge had certainly done an exceptional job of supplying food. Not only had she filled the refrigerator with groceries, but she had several premade meals ready.

  Pulling out a macaroni and cheese casserole that she felt certain David would eat, she placed it in the microwave. Just as she was about to interrupt his constant monologue to tell him to wash up, she heard a vehicle on the gravel out front.

  David jumped up, racing to the door, but she halted him with a sharp order. “David! Do not open that door until I have a chance to see who’s there!”

  She peeped through the hole, her breath catching in her throat as she spied Mace standing just outside. Her heartbeat sped up and she threw open the door. Feeling foolish at her youthful excitement, she said, “I’m glad to see you. Come on in.”

  “Mom’s heating up some of Mrs. Tiddle’s macaroni and cheese,” David said excitedly. “You’re just in time!”

  Mace’s gaze dropped from Sylvie’s face down to David’s excite
d one, and he grinned. “Sounds good.” He lifted his gaze back up to Sylvie’s, and added, “If that’s a real invitation.”

  She met his smile, and replied, “Absolutely. We’d love to have you.” Looking down at David, she shooed him out of the room to wash up. As soon as he was gone, she turned back to him, and said, “This is truly a lovely place for us to stay and I don’t want you to think I’m ungrateful.” Seeing his brows lower in question, she hurried to continue, “It’s just that I wondered how long we might have to stay.”

  He walked over and gently placed his large hands on her shoulders, feeling tension underneath his fingers. Massaging them, he said, “I know this has all been such a mess for you, but I promise I’m working as hard as I can to neutralize the threat against David.”

  “I know and I’m so grateful. I know you have men working on this, and Marge and Horace came by today bringing so much food. There’s just no way I can pay everyone back—”

  He lifted her chin with his knuckle, staring deeply into her eyes. “I can’t explain what makes you and David different from other cases that we’ve had,” he admitted honestly. “But I can’t stand the thought of you not being here, close by, where I know you’re safe.”

  The ding of the microwave was met with David running back into the room, his clean hands held up for Sylvie to see. Laughing, she stepped back away from him and served up the casserole.

  The meal was short in duration but Sylvie felt the nervous tension that had filled her being for a week finally ebbing. David regaled Mace with all of the stories Horace had told him, even though she felt sure Mace knew them by heart. Stories of pirates, lighthouse keepers, and rescuers. She watched David soak up the male attention and prayed it was not something he would get used to and be devastated when it was gone.

  Mace cleaned his plate and leaned back in satisfaction. He looked over at Sylvie and David, recognizing how much he enjoyed the time with them. Knowing he needed to head back to LSI for their nighttime reconnaissance, he pushed his chair back and picked up his plate.

  David jumped up, saying, “No, let me.”

  Thanking him, he said, “I’ve got to go, now, but I’ll be back tomorrow. If there’s anything you need, you’ve got Marge and Horace’s numbers. Don’t be afraid to use them.”

  Sylvie walked Mace to the door, but he linked fingers with her and pulled her gently onto the porch. She lifted her face, staring at his square jaw with the dark stubble giving him a dangerous air.

  “My men and I have somewhere to be tonight,” he said, “but I’ll be back tomorrow. Stay here. Stay safe.”

  She nodded, concerns and questions swirling about her. Mace leaned down, his kiss light at first. She moaned softly into his mouth and he pulled her body flush against his, taking the kiss deeper. Electricity crackled between them as their tongues met and vied for dominance. He plundered her mouth, memorizing the taste and essence of her.

  With no space between their bodies, Sylvie pressed tighter, flattening her breasts against his hard chest. Her hands clutched his shoulders as her knees threatened to give out. Just as she was ready to beg him to take her to bed, she felt a rush of cold air between them.

  Pulling away from her, Mace regretted the loss of her lips on his. Damn, what is this woman doing to me? With his hands cupping her face, he kissed her lightly one more time before heaving a great sigh. “You make leaving so hard to do.”

  “And you make watching you go, just as hard,” she said, her hands still clinging. Swallowing deeply, she forced her fingers to relax, dropping them to his waist with a sigh.

  Tilting her head, he kissed her forehead before turning and jogging to his SUV, calling out, “Stay in and stay safe. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Driving the half-mile back to the lighthouse, he found it hard to think about the upcoming mission. Can I afford this kind of distraction? Is a relationship ever going to work with the job I have?

  No answers to those questions came to him as the sun finally sank into the horizon and night descended. Stalking into the lighthouse, he headed down to the compound, forcing thoughts of Sylvie to the recesses of his mind.

  “Bingo.”

  Mace, sitting in the van with Josh, grinned. Listening to Rank, he knew they had found something. When he had gotten back to the compound, he discovered that Rank had already pulled up the schematics for the building, both what was on file in City Hall and what Mace had called in. The two did not match, so they knew something interesting must lay behind the bookshelf in Richard’s office.

  Josh had been busy deciphering the NSEG’s computers and databases, while Drew looked into their security. Discovering they had more security than what it appeared, Drew grinned at him, saying, “Ain’t nothin’ we can’t bypass undetected.”

  Now, he and Josh were manning the equipment in the van, both security and computers, as Rank, Tate, and Walker moved into the building.

  “What have you got?”

  “The room back here is filled to the brim with computers and records. Looks like there are lists of donors and contacts. What’s fucking nuts, is that a lot of it’s in paper form, not electronic database.”

  “Easy to shred…not as easy to trace, as long as they keep it under wraps.”

  “And easier to use as blackmail, if needed, with their wet signatures on the papers.”

  Josh looked over, and said, “I’ll bet they’ve got the data stored in a server somewhere, just not here, connected to their organization. I’ll do more searching when we get back.”

  “While Walker and I search here, Tate’s in Richard’s office, looking around.”

  Clay, back at the compound, came across the radio. “No worries, the security is bypassed.”

  Another hour passed before the three slipped out as unnoticed as they went in. Once inside the van, they headed back to the lighthouse.

  Rank said, “I used the high-speed, digital scanner that Josh rigged and managed to copy what looked the most important.”

  From the driver’s seat, Josh replied, “Good. I’ll start work on their hidden server when we get back.”

  Mace looked at Tate, and asked, “Anything in his office?”

  “Fucker’s office is so clean it could be a surgical room in a hospital. Even his appointment book was boring as hell.” Chuckling, he added, “But, using an old-fashioned, completely non-technical method, I managed to grab a few notes that he had taken.”

  Walker barked out a laugh and shook his head. “No fucking way you used a pencil rubbing on a pad of paper.”

  Tate continued to grin as he looked down at the paper in his hand. “Josh may have all the fancy tricks but I learned a few things from my grandpa.”

  He took the paper and looked down at it, seeing a name scribbled near the top. “Jonathan Adams. 9 a.m. That’s not a name I recognize.”

  “As soon as we get back,” Josh said, “I’ll start running some of this through.”

  He nodded, knowing his men would easily work through the night. Shaking his head, he said, “Only do tonight what has to be done, then get home. Rest and come back, first thing in the morning, ready to tackle this.”

  His men nodded and he leaned back in his seat, allowing his mind to settle back on Sylvie. It’s their first night in the house. Maybe I should go by and just make sure everything’s okay. Even as the thought crossed his mind, he knew that it was just an excuse. What he really wanted to do, was see her again.

  17

  “Is he asleep?”

  Sylvie nodded, stepping back to allow Mace to enter. Closing the door behind him, she flipped the lock, then looked up at him and blushed. “I suppose I don’t need to be so cautious when you’re here with us…it’s just habit.”

  Mace looked at Sylvie, all soft and feminine in her robe, belted at her waist, with slippers on her feet. Her hair was down, waving about her shoulders, and the worry lines that had been evident on her face ever since he first saw her, appeared to have eased.

  He reached his hand up, t
ucking a lock of hair behind her ears, and said, “It’s a good habit to have.”

  As she led him into the living room, she said, “In answer to your question, yes. David actually went to sleep fairly easily. I was worried about him being in a new bed, in a new house, with everything going on.” Lifting her shoulders in a slight shrug, she smiled. “But, it seems this place agrees with him. Or, maybe it’s because Horace came back over and they played in the yard.”

  Settling on the couch, as close as he could with his body angled so that it was facing her, he nodded. “Horace is a good man.”

  “He said that he wanted to take David out in a boat.” Her eyes were wide as she looked at him for assurance that this was a good plan.

  Chuckling, he said, “He’ll be in good hands with Horace. He won’t let anything hurt David. When I was a child, my grandfather took me out in the boats, told me stories of pirates, lighthouse keepers and rescuers, and showed me the caves around here. Those are some of my best memories.”

  Sylvie leaned back into the cushions, observing the smile on Mace’s face. “That sounds lovely. I suppose you’ve already guessed that David is desperate for male attention. I’ve been both mom and dad for so long, that sometimes I forget how much he needs another male. I hope that Horace doesn’t get overused.” She also hoped that Mace did not feel overused either, but hated to mention it, in case he felt obligated.

  He placed his large hand on her leg, his thumb gently rubbing. “Sylvie, any man should feel honored to be around David.” She scoffed and he added, “His father’s an asshole and he’s the one who’s missing out.”

  She snorted softly and said, “I know. I happen to think you’re right. It’s Ed’s loss that he’s not in David’s life, but it was the best thing for me to have left him. In my opinion, no father is better than an abusive one.”

  Shifting forward Mace moved closer, smiling as Sylvie leaned toward him as well. Her face, only a few inches from his, filled his view.