God, I love this part.
“Furthermore,” I say, “this recording will be submitted to both the foundation’s board of directors and local authorities, as well as broadcast on island radio this evening for the community’s awareness.”
“This is entrapment!” Xavier stands so abruptly his chair scrapes against the floor.
Marisol leans forward. “No. This is transparency.”
I swear I could kiss her.
Xavier looks around the room like a trapped animal. At me, at Marisol, at Joseph with his investigator’s notepad, at Corin in the back.
“You can’t do this,” he sputters. “I have lawyers. I have connections. I’ll destroy all of you!”
“You’re welcome to try,” I say calmly. “But I’d recommend reviewing the consent form you signed first. The one that specifically waives any expectation of privacy for statements made during this proceeding.”
“Proceeding?You said it was aninformaldiscussion!” He stares at me with pure hatred.
Yep.
There it is.
The look of a man who just realized he’s been outplayed by someone he underestimated.
“We’re done here,” Xavier snaps. He grabs his jacket and storms toward the door.
I catch movement near the entrance. Two plainclothes officers materializing from nowhere, escorting him off the property.
Thorne’s work, I assume.
The door slams behind Xavier.
For a moment, nobody moves.
Then Marisol lets out a breath. “Holy shit.”
“Language,” I say automatically, then immediately laugh. “Sorry. I have no idea why I said that.”
“You were incredible.” Joseph is already packing up his notes. “I’ve been an investigator for fifteen years. That was one of the cleanest takedowns I’ve ever witnessed.”
I suddenly realize I’m shaking. Like, literally.
Adrenaline crash.
Classic post-deposition symptoms.
You’d think I’d be used to it by now.
Corin crosses the room and his hand finds the small of my back again.
“I need to make a call,” he says quietly. “Manhattan.”
Noemi.
“Do it,” I say. “She needs to be gone before she can cover her tracks.”
He nods, pulls out his phone, and steps into the back office. I hear fragments of the conversation.
“Immediately.”
