“The beard.”
Phoenix nods.
“I guess it all came to me while I was sleeping. I’m going out on a limb here.” I pause, unsure I should continue.
“I’m listening.”
“Given his position, Brock was most likely scoping out the hotel.”
“I wouldn’t put it past him.”
“Ripley had everything he needed to manipulate Daddy to sell the Villiers Grand for much less than its value. How did Ripley get all that private info?”
“Goddammit.” Phoenix’s eyes grow wide. “Ripley had leverage. He had Thana… who was probably in cahoots with Brock.”
Chapter 29
Phoenix
After the shocker Michaela dropped into my lap, I needed to make an urgent call. After a quick shower, breakfast, and coffee, we’re both seated side-by-side on the sofa, our eyes glued to my iPhone placed on the coffee table as it rings.
“Phoenix,” Bryce says when he picks up.
“I hope I’m not calling too early?”
“Not at all,” he says. “Are you calling to reschedule our dinner plans?”
I wouldn’t call Bryce Van Der Linden a close friend. He’s more of a secret weapon. He used to live in California. He now lives in the Big Apple. It just so happens we’re both in Paris at the same time. We were set to meet later this week for dinner with Michaela, but this can’t wait.
Bryce runs one of the most important internet security companies in the world. We’ve been using his services for years. On the tail of a fairly high-profile case surrounding his wife, he branched out, and now he also specializes in all sorts of white-collar crimes. He and his team of experts can track anyone, anywhere. He saves us several millions of dollars every single year with his cyber-intelligence.
“No, we’re still on.”
“Good. I’m looking forward to meeting Mrs. König.”
“Speaking of which, you’re on speaker phone. Michaela is here with me.”
“Ah, the new bride,” Bryce says. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. König.”
“So formal.” She laughs. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Bryce.”
“I can’t wait to meet you in person, Michaela.”
“Same here. Phoenix speaks highly of you.”
I wink at her.
She smiles.
“I’m honored,” he says. “Congratulations, Michaela, on snatching a certified bachelor.”
“Takes one to know one,” I say.
“I’m not even going to argue with you. No complaints on my part. I love my wife,” he says. “So, how can I help you?”
“I may have a situation on my hands,” I say. “In fact, I’m certain of it.”
“Words I love to hear,” he says. “I’m all ears.”
