"Do you think I'd misdirect a federal agent?"
"I don't think I have any idea what you'd do, Max Malone, if that's even your real name."
He simply smiled and waved to Mrs. Kim to bring the check.
Chapter Five
As Kara drove to the gym with Max in the passenger seat, she had a few more questions. "When you gave Samantha a ride and she was on her phone, could you tell who she was talking to, or what they were talking about?"
"I only heard her side of the conversation, but it sounded like work. She was asking about discovery, timelines, and whether someone was going to talk. She didn't mention names, and I didn't ask."
"How many other times were you alone with her?"
"Zero," he replied flatly. "I spoke to her a few times when she was with Dominic, but that was about nothing in particular. I really didn't know her, Kara."
"We found a file in her apartment with an itinerary for a groundbreaking event in Tajikistan. She or someone had scribbled words about safety and cost. Was she concerned about Dominic being in danger on that trip? Do you think that might be why she wanted to speak to you?"
"I suspected that might be why she wanted to speak to me, but I don't know."
"Why does Dominic want to go in person to such a dangerous place? Doesn't he have hundreds of employees who could do that for him?"
"I've asked that same question. It's difficult to protect a billionaire in that part of the world. But in case you don't know, billionaires can be stubborn about getting what they want."
"Oh, I'm aware," she said. "Sometimes to the point of reckless stupidity."
"Sometimes," he agreed. "Dominic feels it's important for his brand to be on the ground and in front of the cameras when it comes to big projects. Every time he does that, he gets attention and more investors."
"So, it's not completely selfless."
"Not even a little," he said with a laugh.
"Have you tried to talk him out of going?"
"That's not my job. He's aware of the risks. And it's up to me to minimize those risks. Anyway, none of this has anything to do with Samantha."
"I'm not entirely sure of that. Dominic is a wealthy public figure who probably has enemies. Hurting his girlfriend might give someone leverage over him. Are you concerned that he might also be in danger from this same bomber?"
"It has crossed my mind. I'm hoping you can find the bomber fast so we can put that worry away."
Max was being very agreeable, but she didn't completely trust his change in attitude. "Why you?" she asked abruptly, shooting him a quick look. "Why did Dominic hire you? What special skills do you bring to this job?"
"I have connections in that part of the world."
"From your CIA days?"
He shrugged. "I don't think that matters."
"You're a very frustrating man," she muttered.
"Getting back to Samantha, is there any update on her condition?"
"Still the same. They may try to wake her up later tomorrow, but it could also be Thursday. I would love to talk to her, to find out if she knows who might have tried to kill her."
"That would be a big help. I will say one thing about Samantha: she's not Dominic's usual type. He dates models, socialites, not women with serious, high-profile jobs. Not prosecutors who work seventy-hour weeks and probably don't have time for his charity galas."
"Maybe he was tired of shallow relationships."
"Maybe." Max didn't sound convinced.
