Surprised, I look up. Lloyd Eade isn’t one of my clients, so I’m not expecting my name to be called.
“Come into my office,” Alan orders, turning abruptly on his heel.
“Be careful,” a female colleague mutters as I walk past.
“I’m sure it’s fine,” I reassure her with a small smile.
“Bee,” Alan says as I enter, “this is Lloyd Eade.”
Keeping my expression neutral, I hold out my hand in greeting as I would with any client. “Nice to meet you, Mr Eade.”
Lloyd looks at my hand for a minute before giving it a cursory shake.
“Was there something you needed me for?” I ask, returning my attention to Alan.
“Yes, the figures you give me. Which ledgers do you get them from?”
I purse my lips, pretending to think. “Um, I think they’re five, nine, twelve”—I pause — “thirteen and sixteen.”
“That’s a lot of ledgers to remember,” Lloyd remarks, his cool gaze on me.
“I’m good at my job,” I inform him briskly.Fucking dickhead. Anyone who traffics human beings has no right to an opinion.
Lloyd quirks an eyebrow. “I understand you’re the newest hire.”
“Am I?” I shrug and look at Alan, eyebrow raised in question. “I have no idea.”
“You are,” he confirms.
“Okay.” I raise my chin. “Is there a problem with my work?”
“No, of course not,” Alan blusters, sweat beading his brow.
Why is he nervous? I don’t work on any of Lloyd’s ledgers.
“Mr Eade wanted to know who worked on his company's ledgers as he’s had a few... issues. I’ve assured him it’s not you, but he expressed an interest in meeting our newest hire.”
“I see.” And I do—we need to get those who do work on Lloyd’s ledgers to safety.
Turning back to Lloyd, I give him a fake smile. “Well, I hope I’ve answered all your questions to your satisfaction. Was there anything more you needed to know?”
I don’t like the calculating look in Lloyd’s eyes as he studies me. “You’ve worked for many mutual acquaintances over the last few years. Somehow, they seem to have experienced the same problems I’m having. In fact, some have completely disappeared.”
I frown as if confused, even though sweat is beading at my lower back under the comforting weight of my handgun. I’m also wearing my boots with the hidden knives, with two more strapped to my arm and thigh. He suspects something, but he doesn’t have enough evidence to prove it. This guy is smart. He must be considering the speed at which he’s grown his business.
“I wasn’t aware that we had mutual acquaintances. I’d be surprised if we travelled in the same social circles,” I reply, perplexed.
“Mmm.” He continues to stare at me with cold eyes.
I consider myself brave, but I’m not stupid. His calculating gaze sends shivers down my spine and raises the hairs on my arms. This man is evil. Pure evil. Pretty to look at, but he has an ugly soul.
“If that’s all, we can let Bee get back to work,” Alan says, interrupting our stare-off.
“Of course. By all means,” Lloyd says with an oily smile, all white teeth.
“Mr Chivers,” I nod at Alan. “Mr Eade, it was good to meet you.”
“Indeed.” His narrowed gaze tracks me to the door. “I’ll be watching you, Bee.”
