He knew what she was doing. Pushing down all her emotions and focusing on the mission. He was an expert at that. But he didn’t kid himself about it being healthy.
He exhaled a long breath. “We need to go back and question Drakos, but I don’t want to torture you with this. You’ve been through a lot today. If you want me to take you back to Leland—”
“No. No, I’m okay. He won’t want to talk. And he needs to attend to . . . those guys. Besides, I feel safe with you. Not that I don’t feel safe with Leland, I just . . . nevermind. Let’s go back to Mr. Drakos.”
‘I feel safe withyou,‘echoed in his mind all the way back to Alec Drakos’ office.
Chapter 5
Tayla crossed her arms and settled her gaze on Alec Drakos. Jason’s irritation with him was palpable. Tayla didn’t know why, yet, but if Jason was angry, there must be a good reason.
Really? How did she know that?Did she really know him that well?
Her aunt used to say, “You learn a lot about a person during life’s storms.”
They’d certainly experienced a storm of violence and loss today. And she’d watched Jason Bridger march straight through it. He didn’t seem as battered as she felt. He was strong and competent—and, she sensed, concerned for her. A quiet voice inside suggested she get to know him better. A louder voice commanded to keep her distance—and reminded her why.
“I didn’t know Gus went to the orphanage,” Drakos insisted. “I have no idea why he would go there.”
Jason didn’t look convinced. “What’s in the basement?”
Drakos pursed his lips. “Do you think I had something to do with Mr. Branch’s death? That’s senseless! I hired WhiteRock to protect me! Why would I kill the man they sent?”
Jason’s measured tone spoke to his self-control, but Tayla could feel the tension rolling off him.
“I didn’t say you had him killed. What I suspect is that whatever is in that basement is attracting some nefarious people, possibly the people trying to kill you. Gus tried to identify them. And they killed him.”
Drakos’ eyes bulged and his fingers returned to fidgeting with his mustache.
“So, I’m going to ask you one more time,what is in the basement?”
Drakos’ fingers stilled. He smoothed his mustache, as if he thought it would help him look innocent. “It’s nothing illegal. It’s not drugs, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m not a drug dealer.”
“Tayla, let’s go,” Jason said.
She didn’t know what was happening, but she heard the seriousness in his voice. She stood and walked to the door, Jason right behind her.
“Wait. Wait, wait, wait,” Drakos called out, halting Jason’s steps.
Jason turned but said nothing.
“I’ll answer your question,” Drakos said.
“Good. That’s the only thing keeping us from walking out this door and heading straight to the airport. WhiteRock cannot protect you if you’re keeping information from us.”
“Alright.”
Jason’s eyes met Tayla’s. He gave a nod, and she retook her seat in front of Drakos’ desk.
He sat in the chair next to her and narrowed his gaze at Drakos.
The resort owner cleared his throat. “Like I said, it’s nothing illegal. I use the basement to store an assortment of valuables. Mainly, a sizeable art collection. An assortment of rare stamps and coins. That sort of thing. No drugs or weapons.” He raised a finger. “That’s not entirely true. There are a few antique guns. And swords. But they don’t work anymore. The guns, I mean. At least I don’t think they do.” He waved the thought away with his hand. “My point is, there are some valuable collections there. And that’s all.”
The tension in the room remained.
Jason leaned forward. “Then why all the secrecy? And why do you look guilty?”
Drakos rubbed a non-existent spot off his desk before he locked eyes with Jason. “Because there is an individual whoincorrectlybelieves he owns the valuables in that basement.”
