“And I will.”
“When?”
“I will find her, Edric. You just have to give me more time.”
Edric slammed the expensive tumbler down onto the serving table. “It’s been over a week, Achim. People like Gracelynn McDaniels do not just disappear. She is nothing. A nobody. She should not have the means to simply vanish like this.”
“You’re right. She will turn up. And when she does, I will be there.”
“Well, you’d better hope it happens soon. That treaty is to be signed in less than a month. If that file is found before then…”
“I will find the woman and the file, Edric. She couldn’t have gone far. Her purse and phone were still at the apartment when I was there.”
“And you’re certain Wyatt didn’t send the file to her in an email or text?”
“I already told you he didn’t. There were no emails and I went through each and every text he sent to her. It was all foolish pictures and worthless conversations.”
“Well, check it again.”
“That’s not possible.”
“Why not?”
“I already went back for it. Either the police or the people she works for must have taken it. It doesn’t matter. I crushed it before I left, just in case.”
Swallowing the warm liquid remaining in his glass, Edric poured himself another. “Tell me more about this company she works for.”
“It’s called R.I.S.C. They do private security. Bodyguards, shit like that. It’s owned by a man named Jake McQueen. He’s former Delta, and from what I’ve heard, his operatives are the best. All former military. The McDaniels woman recently took a job as McQueen’s office manager and public relations contact. Her soon-to-be brother-in-law is a security specialist for one of the two teams McQueen put together.”
At least the man found out something useful. “Is this going to be a problem?”
“On the contrary.”
Intrigued, Edric motioned for Achim to continue.
“With no ID and limited funds, the bitch will have to reach out for help soon. Given what they do for a living, I’m thinking she’ll go to someone with R.I.S.C., and I plan to be there when she does.”
“And the sister?”
“There’s been no sign of Gracelynn anywhere near her sister’s apartment. She’s smart. Much smarter than we gave her credit for. My guess is she knows someone’s after her and doesn’t want to put her sister in danger.”
“Maybe that’s where you should start. Get to her through her sister.”
“That’s one route we could take.”
Edric thought for a moment. “Is your friend who discovered the McDaniels woman close by? I don’t want to waste time having to wait for him to show.”
“I can have him here by morning,” Achim said with certainty.
“Make the call.”
“Yes, sir.” He turned and started to leave the room, but Edric stopped him.
“Achim?”
With his hand on the expensive doorknob, the killer-for-hire turned to face him.
“As always, do—”
