“Oh, I did,” he said distractedly, laying out a series of contracts on the desk. “A bit. I couldn’t stop thinking about why Leevil - I mean, Mr. Lee Ville-”
“Let’s just go with Leevil, shall we? I’ve given up on correcting you all.”
“I like it,” he nodded. “But look here.” He pointed at a highlighted section of the contract. I recognized it as part of the construction partnership between me and Leevil. “I couldn’t stop thinking about why he would want you dead. It didn’t make any sense. Even though he’s a civilian and not from our side of the business, he wouldn’t hire a team so inept that they’d come in shooting without securing you first.”
“Agreed.” I scanned the codicil he highlighted. “Ah.”
“Do you see it?” he said eagerly. “In the event that Alec Davies, CEO of Davies International passes away, regardless of any decision by the Davies Board of Directors, Lee Ville Industries takes over full financial control and ownership of properties and ventures included in this partnership. There will be no financial restitution due to Davies International or the estate of Alec Davies. Leevil would have ended up with a two-billion-dollar business.”
“I’ll be damned,” I marveled. “I can’t believe our attorneys didn’t catch this.”
“It only took me… six hours or so to find it.” Charles shook his head grimly. “Why would anyone expect it? Lee Ville Industries is considered a legitimate business concern.”
We both snorted at that. In the crime world, a man’s word was absolute, if he intended to keep his mafia and his life. The sleaziest doings were in the domain of ‘legal’ corporate activity.
“He must have been thrilled when someone else kidnapped you. It would make your unfortunate demise in a botched rescue attempt understandable.”
“Leevil is about to discover what a tragic mistake he’s made,” I said, grinning so savagely that Charles flinched a little. “We’re going to dismantle his empire, brick by fucking brick.”
“It’s a bit harder to do when it’s a legal-” he caught my eye-roll, “-what the business world and law enforcement wouldconsidera legal corporation.”
“Oh, those are the dirtiest, as you know. Allow him to continue overseeing construction on the computer server farm while we decide how to proceed.”
“I must admit,” Charles said, “that I am really looking forward to this.”
“As you should,” I said graciously. “Now, go have Magda feed you, take a shower and a nap in one of the guest rooms. You are not your usual exquisitely sartorial self.”
I could have said nothing to upset him more.
I was re-reading the construction contract when I heard the knock on the door. “Enter.”
“Ah, how very magisterial of you, Godking.” Fee sauntered into the study.
“How is Martin? I assume he’s recovered from the knowledge that I’m shagging his daughter?”
“Ugh,” she shuddered. “Don’t. Just… don’t if you ever want to see me naked again.”
“Oh, and I do. Right now would be delightful.”
“Not just yet.” Still, the Irish witch draped herself over the chair in front of my desk, her shapely breasts showing to their best advantage. “First, let’s share recent updates. Shall I tell you that Kyle, your new head of security had to help me take Grandad’s rifleaway from him?”
I suppressed a grin. “Martin couldn’t keep his mouth shut, I’m guessing?”
“It wasn’t quite that bad, Da and I were discussing our… recent situation and he said that he quite liked you. You were the only man I’ve brought around who was ever nice to him.”
“Even a cold, heartless bastard like me feels a bit of a twinge at that statement,” I said.
“Unfortunately, Grandad was just behind the goat pen during this conversation and harsh words were spoken.”
“I see,” I nodded, trying to hide my smile. “Such as?”
“Kyle had to wrestle the rifle away from Grandad when he said, ‘What a feckin’ holy show, I’m going to fill that manky gobshite with two kilos of lead.’ It was a good idea to disarm him, but if your man hurt Grandad, I would have killed him.”
I shook my head. “And here I thought we’d developed an accord, Fintan and I.”
“You’re still a soulless corporate Godking intent on the destruction of planet Earth,” she reminded me. “Now. Tell me what you’ve learned this morning.”
She was so beautiful, with her clear hazel eyes and that lush mouth I’d devoured last night. Her long, pale neck that I wanted to cover with bites and bruises. There were a few left behind from our time together, and I wanted to add more. I wanted to mark her in every way to show who she belonged to. The wave of possessiveness surprised me.
