Lenore nodded at him. “I have insider information about the assignment. It would be wise of me to forget I ever heard it, but it’s incumbent upon me to share this information despite the risk.”
Viktor leaned forward, his congenial expression now riddled with concern.
Lenore uncrossed her legs and fiddled with her slacks as if she weren’t used to wearing them. Normally she wore revealing dresses, but trousers somehow made her appear intelligent. “I must warn you that this mission is excessively dangerous, more so than I first thought.”
“As all missions are,” Viktor replied, assuring her that this wasn’t Keystone’s first time at bat.
She folded her hands on her lap. “While I know nothing about who might be behind this, a little bird told me that these fights aren’t just for the rich. Some powerful clients attend them. Possibly politicians. Nothing would please me more than finding out who. There’s a lot of corruption in this city that I’d love to flush out.”
Christian frowned. While the rich were often corrupt, and blatantly so, politicians had to be careful. Surely they’d never attend such a public event at the risk of someone recognizing them. “Why don’t you make your little bird sing? It would go a lot faster if we had names.”
Lenore tilted her neck and lightly traced her finger down her throat. “You have to be careful with birds that sing. Once caged, they’ll never fly free again. Where on earth do you think we get half our tips from?”
Viktor eased back in his chair and frowned. “Can your insider be certain that politicians are involved? Did they say if it was the higher authority, Mageri, or other council?”
She lifted her shoulders. “That I don’t know, but we have to assume the worst. It’s a dreadful predicament that makes this dangerous for everyone involved, including me. People in power will do whatever is necessary to protect themselves, and they have the connections to make it happen. I haven’t lived here in many years, and I’m vulnerable. This threat is something I can’t express to anyone else on the panel. Without knowing who’s involved in the crime ring, I can’t chance it getting back to the wrong people. If it weren’t for the Regulators who went to the club, I wouldn’t have told a single soul about this case. But as it stands, too many people inside our agency know there’s an open investigation on locating a fighting ring. I wanted to discuss this in a place where no outsiders could hear. Mr. Kazan—Viktor—do you feel it would be in our best interest to abort the mission?”
He shook his head. “It is too late. As you said, Regulators and Vampires were involved. This is no longer between you and your informant. While I am aware of the confidentiality agreements your employees must abide by, it may not stop this information from leaking to other representatives.”
“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of,” she said. “If the politicians panic, fearing exposure, they might take extreme measures to protect their identity. I’m certain they’ll do anything to shut this investigation down.”
Christian rose from his chair and circled behind it. “And this is why we have to finish what we’ve started. If you have a dirty politician, they won’t quit their fetish. And if we close the case, they’ll make sure that no one will reopen it. Better we expose this operation and shine a light on everyone involved. We’re in too deep to turn back now.”
Lenore’s heart didn’t quicken, but she clicked her teeth. “It was my decision to call in your group. Sometimes we work with HALO, but this particular case required a specific set of skills. I feel bad that I dragged you into this.”
“Christian is right,” Viktor said. “Let’s not hasten our decision because of fear. Our work comes with great risk, and forgive my bluntness, but so does yours. I believe this is your first time working with the higher authority. The panel makes life-and-death decisions. They put dangerous criminals behind bars and execute people in front of a crowd. It is not a job without controversy. Surely they briefed you on the risks.” Viktor bowed his head. “Forgive me if I speak out of place.”
“Honesty is what I value more than anything.” She steered her gaze to Christian. “I sincerely hate putting an old friend in danger.”
“Christian is not working this assignment,” Viktor assured her. “He is not permitted inside the club, so we’ve sent Raven instead.”
Christian searched her face for a reaction, but he didn’t get an inkling of what might be going through her mind. Lenore wasn’t as transparent as she wanted people to believe, and Christian had a difficult time getting a read on her.
Always had.
“You must feel no guilt for doing your job,” Viktor continued, giving her more reassurance than she deserved. “And no responsibility for what might befall us. Keystone does what others will not. I have chosen my people carefully, and they know the sacrifices they must make. They are as committed as you could hope for and eagerly await each new mission. There is nothing too dangerous for us, so do not restrict jobs because you feel responsible for our safety. Safety is an illusion.” He rose from his chair. “Do you have a bodyguard? It is commonplace among people of your status. Christian served as a guard for many years.”
She took his hand and stood up. “Think I could borrow him until we close this case? If he’s available, that is. I don’t have time to find a guard on short notice, and to be honest, I don’t trust anyone right now. It would give me peace of mind to know that someone as qualified as Christian was protecting me. I can allocate more money for his services. Unless he’s working on another project…”
Christian gripped the back of the chair so hard that something ripped.
Viktor squared his shoulders and nodded his head as if mulling the idea over. “I think this is good. Christian needs something to occupy his mind.”
For feck’s sake, Christian thought. This had to do with him seeing Raven last night. Viktor was probably afraid that Christian wouldn’t be able to stay away, but he also didn’t have all the facts. Not that it mattered. Once he heard the details, he’d probably find a way to point out all the mistakes and how they could have handled it better—without intervention.
“Splendid.” Lenore kissed Viktor on the cheek. “You’re an honorable man, and the debt will be repaid.”
A blush touched his cheek, and he averted his eyes. “Nonsense. I am only doing what is right.”
Christian backed up from the chair. “Viktor, you might need me here.”
Lenore touched her pearl ring. “I promise I won’t keep Christian all to myself. If there’s an emergency, please don’t hesitate to call. On that note, if you need anything, I’m available. I want this case to go as smoothly as you do. My life and reputation are on the line, and I think it’s in our best interest to work together. I’m sure Christian will agree on that.”
As much as he despised siding with Lenore, she was right. “I’ll serve as your guard, but no longer than the length of the mission. You’ll need at least one guard you can trust going forward. I’ll check if my contacts have any openings.”
“If I were human, I would say that I’ll sleep easier tonight because of you.” She turned her attention to Viktor. “I think I’ll take you up on that drink. Christian will need time to prepare his things and make any necessary arrangements. Since I’m without my driver, I’ll have him take me home.” She turned to Christian. “You do have a car, don’t you?”
“Will a motorbike do?”
