“Sir, we ask the questions here,” the one on the left replies nervously.
“Then ask and be quick about it. I am very annoyed right now, and that does not bode well for you. I am assuming you have around four minutes before my lawyer arrives and you lose your jobs,” I admit.
“Pretty cocky for someone being interviewed by the police. Obviously you aren’t scared of being here. Faced a lot of charges? Does money always get you off?” the one on the right taunts.
Ah, this one has issues with power and money. Good to know.
“Is that a question?” I ask, refusing to give him a reaction.
“Sir, we had anonymous reports that your employees were using the construction as a money laundering front. We have to investigate claims like this,” the one on the left says.
Interesting. Someone reported the project?
Who?
Faiz?
Another family?
Annoyed landowners?
The list is endless, but I will get to the bottom of it. You don’t fuck with my family and get away with it, and whoever is responsible will pay.
“You have nothing to say to that?” the one on the right snarls. Hatred burns in his eyes as he tries to intimidate me, but I relax back, a smirk dancing on my lips.
“It was not a question,” I drawl just as the door opens, and I glance at my watch. “Two minutes, impressive.”
Queenie Mitchel sweeps into the room, taking a seat. “I am Mr. Xander’s lawyer and representative. It is unorthodox to begin an interview without me here?—”
“He asked,” the one on the right interjects, looking sour.
“And I am telling you this interview is over. Any other meetings will go through me with the proper procedure, is that understood? You overstepped, officer. Mr. Xander is here as a willing guest, yet you are treating him like a criminal for what charges?” They share a look, and she pins them with a cruel glare that would make grown men cry. She’s highly intelligent, but it’s her ball busting personality I love. She knows how to handle herself, and she isn’t afraid of anything. “Exactly. Either file charges or we are leaving, but if you had any evidence, you would have booked him already. Are the police so bored that they must chase rumors about an upstanding businessman like Mr. Xander?”
I smirk as I let her talk.
“Does she do all the talking for you?” the one on the right retorts.
“When I pay her millions to? Absolutely.” I arch a brow. “I’m not an expert at the law like her, just well versed. Why wouldn’t I defer to those with knowledge in this area?”
“That’s enough. We have been more than accommodating of this waste of Mr. Xander’s precious time. I will not let this stand.”
The door bursts open, admitting a familiar ruddy face who glares at the officers. “What are you doing, you morons?” he roars before glancing at me. “Mr. Xander,” the commander gushes. “I am so sorry for this mess. I had no idea my officers were bringing you in. All I can do is apologize. Please tell your father I am very, very sorry. I will ensure this never happens again.”
“You better,” I inform him, my voice cold to show how serious I am. I might not have reacted, but I’m mad.
Very, very mad.
“You have wasted my and my employees’ time.” I stand, buttoning my jacket. “Next time, I will not let this go.”
“Of course, Mr. Xander,” the commander replies as he presses against the door to allow me by. “Allow my officers to escort you out?—”
“No need.” I hold my hand up. “But they will escort my employees back to work or home, wherever they wish to be, and will apologize to them.”
“Of course, Mr. Xander.” He nods, and as soon as I walk away, I hear him shouting at the officers who brought me in.
“I will deal with this, Mr. Xander. I apologize for being late,” Queenie says as we head to the front door.
“No problem. If you discover who put in the complaints, I would be interested.”
