When he tried to shove a microphone in my face, Wes took exception to the intrusion, using his broad body to block Bob the reporter from getting any closer. My feet never stopped moving, although I did alter my path.
“What’s your relationship with Agent Mitchell? Friends? Lovers?”
Maybe I should’ve let Wes pull out his weapon.
“None of your business.”
He was tenacious, I’d give him that much. My new little friend trailed behind me as I rounded the SUV and reached out to open the driver’s side door. I had one leg inside the vehicle when he made the biggest mistake of his career.
“It’d be better for Agent Mitchell to give me a one-on-one interview before I start searching for the answers on my own. No one will believe she didn’t play a role in helping cover up her father’s illegal activity. If she agrees to talk to me, I swear I’ll leave the skeletons in her closet alone.”
“Bob?” Backing out slowly, I turned once both feet were back on the ground and rested my forearm along the top of the door. I shifted my sunglasses to the top of my head, hoping the man saw the fire blazing in my eyes. “It is Bob, right?”
His throat bobbed as he swallowed. “It’s Robert, actually.”
“All right,Bob. I just want to make sure I understand.” Wes slid in behind him, effectively trapping him between us. “So what you’re saying is that if Agent Mitchell doesn’t capitulate to your foolish demands, you’ll go digging around in her past to try to uncover something to use against her, is that correct?”
“N-not e-exactly,” he stuttered.
“Oh, then I misunderstood. Please, tell meexactlywhat you meant, then.”
Beads of sweat glistened over his forehead. He cleared his throat twice, shifting nervously before answering. “I just meant I’m like a dog with a bone, ya know?”
“You obviously know who I am, which means you also know the kind of power my wealth represents.”
He shrugged, letting out a little huff like this was some sort of game.Wrong feckin’ answer.I moved then. For every step I took forward, he countered with one backward. I kept going until there was only a breath between us. His pupils blew wide as I leaned in as far as I could without touching him. Finally, he understood the seriousness of the situation he’d put himself into.
“Listen closely because this is your only warning. Threaten my woman again, I’ll bury you with that bone, Bob.”
He flinched, then scurried away like a common street rat.
“By the end of the day, I want to know everything there is to know about our little friend, Wes. Leave no stone unturned.”
“With pleasure.”
Little in life scared me. Come after me all you want, but if you messed with someone I loved… game over.
“Don’t forget the banquet Friday night.” Noreen popped her head in my office.
“The what?”
My focus was pulled from the contract I was readingon the computer to my assistant. I had no idea what she was talking about.
“The annual celebration for your employees. You told me to keep with tradition.”
Feck.“I did?”
Every year, I threw a big party for all the different office locations of Lachlan Industries. It was a small token of my appreciation for all their hard work and loyalty. With the move, I hadn’t even thought about it. That’s why I had Noreen.
“Finnian!” She planted her hands on her hips. “I emailed you last week with the details.”
“I’m sorry, Noreen. It must’ve slipped my mind.”
“Lucky for you, I’ve handled everything, including the awards. You only need to show up and give a speech.”
“Black tie or business casual?”
“It’s like you don't know me at all.”
