“Completely,”agreed Nori.
Scarlett glanced at Brayden, and at seeing he was amenable, she agreed. “Tyler coming along isn’t a problem. We have plenty of space, and I’d love for him to audit our security. When can you start, and when can you move in?”
Cass’s easy smile grew. “I can start tomorrow, and I’ll have to speak to Tyler about the move, but we should be able to move ina few days.”
“Excellent,” said Brayden.
“Tyler can sign an NDA as well so you can fill him in on what we’ve discussed today,” added Scarlett. “I don’t expect you to keep secrets where he’s concerned.”
“Thank you,” said Cass.
“And here’s our standard employment contract.” She pulled another document out of her handbag. “I believe the offer is above the market rate, but don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any needs that aren’t met here.”
Cass took the contract, glancing at it briefly before tucking it into her bag.
“One last thing,” said Scarlett. “Would you be willing to share how you made bribery payments to the police? Is there a bank account number? Do you have any names?”
Cass’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
“I’m looking for ways to link my dad’s death to the police,” said Scarlett quickly. “I don’t want to cause trouble for anyone involved in the matches.”
Cass’s face softened. “Ah, I see. Sadly, no. The drops were all cash left in a lockbox under the Elysian Street Dock. No paper trail that I know of. All the communication was faceless and established before my time, when the police did a raid years ago and made the offer to stay away for a price. We’d receive letters in the mail occasionally, usually when they were upping their rates, but that’s it.”
Another dead end. Scarlett’s shoulders slumped. She wasn’t getting anywhere.
“It was worth a try.”
Brayden’s hand covered hers where it rested on the table.
“Sorry I can’t be of more assistance.” Cass sounded like she meant it. “You know, my husband might be able to help you. If there’s an online footprint of that bribery chain, he’d find it. He’sa great hacker.”
“Sure,” said Scarlett, though she doubted most hackers could crack a government conspiracy. “Once you two are settled, I’d love to talk to him about it.”
After they’d sorted out the essential details, Brayden and Scarlett parted from Cass outside the coffee shop. Their walk to Parliament was hot and uneventful, but when they arrived at the peers’ entrance, a horde of people was crowding the security checkpoint.
Scarlett tensed, uncertain whether they should find another entrance. Before she could decide what to do, someone yelled her name.
“Scarlett! And Brayden! Congratulations on your marriage!”
Numerous voices exclaimed as people spotted them. Cameras clicked around them, but to Scarlett’s surprise, many of those gathered around the security entrance weren’t photographers. Well-wishers quickly surrounded the two of them, blocking their path.
Brayden’s arms formed a protective cage around Scarlett. “We need to get you inside.”
“Look at that.” Scarlett pointed to a handmade sign featuring sloppily drawn wedding rings and their wedding date surrounded by hearts. “They’re here to congratulate us!” She should probably be worried about danger lurking in the unruly little crowd, but she was too thrilled by their enthusiasm to worry. They werehappyshe’d married Brayden.
A middle-aged woman shoved a bouquet of roses into her arms. “Your mother would be overjoyed.”
“Thank you,” said Scarlett as the woman faded into the crowd.
Several people held out copies of theSoleil Times, hoping to get an autograph on their wedding issue. Scarlett and Brayden signed a couple before a determined teenage girl elbowed her way to them holding out an elaborate-looking decorative boxdisplaying two dolls.
“Scarlett, Brayden—I made this for you when I heard the news.”
Awestruck, Scarlett handed Brayden the flowers and took the box, looking at it as a security guard grabbed her by the elbow, ready to haul her away from the beaming teenager.
“Give her a second,” said Brayden gruffly.
The guard let go but hovered nearby, yelling at the bystanders to back up.
