“Gorgeous, if you’re going to be in New York, I’ll make myself available there.”
Now she might just puke on his fancy suit. “I still have to see how true to your word you’ve been. All the kids here had better be in good shape.” How badly off were those poor children? Her legs trembled with the need to run out and find them. How could evil to this degree exist? “George?”
“Perfect condition, as agreed.” He straightened, his chest puffing out. “I think you should forget your plans for tonight and join me. We could create quite the business enterprise, considering our mutual interests in…art. Or rather, in the trading of paintings. You’re not a collector, are you?”
Her stomach rolled over.Nowhe remembered to use coded language? Too bad. It was too late. She had him on the pen recorder. “No. I don’t collect. You?”
“No.” He leaned even closer. “To be personal for a moment, I find you perfect. Definitely my type.”
So the asshole liked adults. Good to know. “I’m not certain I can truly trust you, and that’s important to me when beginning any sort of partnership.” Like she would ever date this jackass, even if she didn’t know he was a sick fuck. She cocked her head. “Perhaps you could ease my mind. I’d like to know about your partner.”
His thick eyebrows lifted. “What makes you think I have a partner?”
“There’s no way you squired that many kids across the ocean to Paris by yourself.” She scoffed. “I want an introduction to the man with whom you work.”
It had come to her attention during her last job that a Kurjan was working with different trafficking organizations, no doubt trying to line his coffers now that the main Kurjan nation had found peace. She wasn’t quite sure if she believed they’d keep the peace, but for now, she had to deal with this person. “I have several willing buyers, but I need to know all the players, including your partner.” She had to find that asshole to finish taking down the entire organization. Then maybe she’d take some time off on a beach somewhere away from evil. It was becoming too much, and she needed downtime to rid herself of the nightmares.
George shook his head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t have a partner.”
“We both know you do.”
He took a step back. “You’re crazy. I handle my own business.”
That could not be true. By tracing modes of transportation, her computer guru, also known as Ivy, Athan Maxwell’s mate, had unearthed names involved in trafficking women and children. One name—someone called Wallace—had always been mentioned along with George’s. But she’d never discovered if Wallace was a first or a last name. Leah also didn’t like thecoincidence of Jasper also looking for a Wallace, but she hadn’t had a chance to contact Ivy about it.
Ivy was safely tucked away at the Maxwell compound in Montana, but she worked via computer whenever Leah needed.
Years as a spy had taught Leah to never believe in coincidences. But that was something to worry aboutaftershe got the kids to safety.
She’d now crossed off every single name besides George and his buddy. Once she put them behind bars or in the ground, she was done. “Please stop lying to me.” She smiled flirtatiously. “I so want to trust you with everything.”
He looked her over. “Your everything is quite lovely.”
What a prick. “You’re too sweet. So, about your partner…”
His brows drew down. “Honey, I really don’t have a partner. Don’t work with anybody—definitely don’t trust anybody. Except you. Are you staying with me tonight? I’ll make it one you’ll never forget.”
Considering she’d probably stab him in the carotid, neither of them would forget it. “Not unless you level with me.”
He shrugged. “Fine. Contact me if you want to talk when you’re back on home soil.” With that, he turned and sauntered down the walkway toward the still-empty ballroom.
She reached into her purse and turned off the recorder camouflaged as a pen, her mind spinning. How frustrating. She didn’t know where to look for the kids. Was the recording enough for the inspector to take George in for questioning? What if George refused to talk in time and didn’t correspond with whoever was watching the children? What were their orders in that case?
This was too much. She didn’t know what to do.
Mallory hurried over, her eyes wide. “Did you get it?”
“Act natural,” Leah whispered.
Mallory reared back. “Sorry. I didn’t know you were going to take coats.” She said the last loudly enough that anybody could hear.
Leah unclenched her left hand. “I’ve got some evidence of the crime recorded but not the location where the kids are being held. He won’t send it until later tonight.”
“Did you get the name of his partner?” Mallory whispered.
Leah shook her head. “He lied and said he didn’t have one.” She shouldn’t be surprised. Hopefully, he would give up his partner once the police got him into an interrogation room. “Let me know the second Inspector Dupont arrives.” Leah had wanted the name of the Kurjan before giving information to the local inspector, but she should bring him in on the case. Perhaps he could put a tail on George while they waited for the address. She opened the half door and walked out.
Mallory walked alongside her, eyeing the fresh roses brightening the corridor set on antique pedestals every few feet.
