Chapter Twenty-Two
Ishmael
Ishmael leaned back on the sofa, one arm thrown casually across the back, legs crossed at the knee, and his free hand balancing a whiskey and soda on his knee. He was listening to the woman sat to his left, laughing at her banter. To the casual observer, he appeared to be a man out enjoying a night on the town. They would be wrong.
“So, Melissa, you’re telling me that your new security system is so good, your house is more secure than my penthouse with all of my hotel security, including my men.”
Melissa nodded her head. “Yes, you really should call the rep. I mean, what if some guy really wanted to get at you? He could put on some of those sucker things on his hands and knees and Spiderman his way to the top, then cut through the glass and get in.”
The others in their small group laughed at the picture she painted. Ishmael pretended to consider this. “Okay. Let’s say someone hypothetically could do this. They cut through the glass, get in, then what? How are they going to get me out?”
Melissa looked flummoxed. “Oh, well, you’re not married, so, maybe they hold you hostage until your stockholders pay a ransom. Or they make you go online, log into your bank, and transfer them the money, then knock you out and go out the way they came in.”
“And your new security system won’t let that happen?”
“No. The circuits are embedded in the glass.No wires to, and it looks like nothing is there.”
“Bet that’ll be bloody expensive when it’s time to replace the windows,” muttered one of her companions, a man of around thirty.
“But worth it for peace of mind!” Melissa insisted.
“It sounds very interesting,” Ishmael reassured her, deciding to have Jamal look into it. Not for the penthouse, but the knowledge of the system and discovering any weaknesses might come in handy in the future. “Do you have his card?”
Melissa beamed. “I don’t have it here, but I have the details at home with the paperwork they gave me. I could call you tomorrow and give it to you.”
Ishmael smiled at her hopeful face. “That would be lovely.” He reached out his hand. “If you give me your phone, I’ll put in the direct number to reach me.”
“Oh!” she squeaked, smiling at her companions in triumph as Ishmael took the phone from her hand and began punching in the number to Ollie’s desk. He handed her back the phone.
“I’ll be working tomorrow,” he said, tingeing his tone with regret, so if I’m not available when you call, you can leave the information with my secretary. Along with your number so I can call you in case I have further questions.”
“I will, first thing!” she promised.
Ishmael took a sip of his whiskey, uncrossing his legs. He leaned forward, patting her leg. “I’m sorry, one of my staff is trying to get my attention. I’ll try to hurry back.” He stood and crossed the room, stopping to speak to the man behind the upstairs VIP area bar.
“Make sure someone keeps their drinks filled. Next round is on the house, make sure they know that. See the redhead with the group?” The bartender nodded. “That’s Melissa. Have the server call her by name and give her a wink when he tells them the next round is on me.”
“Got it, boss.”
“See that you do.”
Now to check in with Ezra.
Ishmael meandered casually over to the balcony railing where he found the large security man. Ezra glanced over at him.
“Everything’s in place. Jamal and his team are onsite.” His gaze grew distant as he listened to someone speaking through the discreet device in his ear. “Our guests have arrived,” he murmured.
“Then I should go greet them,” Ishmael replied, turning to go down the steps to the main floor.
“It seems his special guest is Marcus Laslow,” Ezra said as he fell into step with Ishmael.
Interesting. Now, why would MI 5 be meeting with a disavowed American private security firm owner? Especially one who only was just released from prison for war crimes in Afghanistan.
They skirted the dance floor filled with writhing bodies meeting the group just in front of the downstairs bar.
“Tiegan, you cheeky devil!” Ishmael called out, leaning in to clasp the agent in a hug, pounding on his back. “So great to see you. It’s about time you let off some steam.” He let the man go.
“Well, you know how it is. Finally had a night off and my man Marcus here was in town. I said to him, come on, I know just the place to party!”
