She found the neighborhood watering hole and watched from the safety of her rental car. When Vinny Ray showed up, she followed him inside. He bragged about getting away with murder and acted like a hometown hero. As he celebrated with a round of drinks, she snapped. There was no turning back.
Later that evening, a sloshed Ray invited her to his place. Before leaving the bar, he popped pills and offered her a ride. She’d wanted to kill him on the spot. Instead, she followed, stashed baggies of cocaine in his toilet tank, then tried to make a quick escape. But he demanded sex. In the ensuing struggle, he pulled off her wig and recognized her from the trial.
“I don’t know what you’re up to, but you won’t get away with it.” Ray stumbled and fell. “I’ll hunt you down and when I find you, I’ll slit your fucking throat.”
Police received an anonymous drug tip that resulted in a ten-year prison term for Vinny Ray.
Eve Francesco never returned home to Ohio or to graduate school in Pennsylvania. She just vanished, resurfacing several months later in Washington, D.C. as Brigit Farnay. Her new identity sported new looks and the promise of a new beginning. But somehow, she’d slipped up. Vinny Ray had found her.
Brigit felt sick to her stomach by the time she pulled up to the Mitus compound. A car sped by and she whipped around to see a mom in a minivan. Could someone be watching from behind a bush?Stop, I’m being paranoid.
After they drove through, the wrought iron clanged shut. She was hiding from one enemy by moving in with the other.I’m safe, for now.
She parked next to the Bentley at the fountain, got out and opened the hatch. Several staffers trotted out to carry Brigit’s clothing to the guest room. Yesterday, being at the compound reminded her of a prison cell. Today she couldn’t scurry inside fast enough.
“Brigit, do you golf?” Colton asked.
Vonn transferred Colton’s golf clubs into the trunk of his Mercedes-Maybach as Chad hoisted his from the Bentley.
“On occasion my club makes contact with the ball, but I’m not sure that counts as golf,” Brigit said.
Colton smiled. “Why don’t you join Chad and me? We’re heading out.”
“I’ve already impinged on your day. You two enjoy.”
Taylor returned from taking an armful of Brigit’s clothing upstairs and walked over. “Once you’ve unpacked, I can show you around the mansion and help you get settled in this weekend.”
“Thank you, Taylor,” Colton said.
Taylor smiled sweetly. “Of course. I’m happy Brigit changed her mind.”
Brigit’s heart swelled and her churning guts subsided. “Thank you both.”
He placed his hand on Brigit’s shoulder. “Welcome to your new home.”
Surprisingly, his touch further settled her nerves. Though her fear could easily overwhelm her, she needed to control herself until she was alone. Going forward, she was Mitus Conglomerate’s wealth manager. Just because she’d taken the position under duress didn’t mean she’d slack off. No, she’d roll up her sleeves and dive in.
To Colton’s finances, that is.
Colton removed his hand. “I do have one question. Do you think your new closet is big enough to hold all those shoes?”
Brigit cracked a smile. Maybe her self-imposed prison wasn’t going to be as bad as she thought.
20
NOTTAMBULO
Colton’s phone buzzed asCrockett slid out of the booth in the crowded McLean restaurant. “Order me a coffee and a slab of that chocolate cake if the waiter returns before I do.” Crockett headed toward the restrooms.
Colton’s longtime friend and former Harvard roommate Crockett Wilde was mired in work. Heavy bags hung under his eyes and his short brown hair looked unkempt. Not only was his wireless invention going to turn Francesco into a powerhouse, it was going to make Colton tens of millions. Colton knew to tread lightly. Crockett’s inability to balance work and play was nothing new.
After the server took Colton’s dessert order, he read Taylor’s text.Brigit settled in. Seems okay. A little quiet. Chad, Ryan, Red and I are with her.
Though he’d considered changing his Saturday night plans, he didn’t want to send Brigit mixed messages. His newest employee would receive the same respect and space he gave everyone at Mitus. Problem was, she wasn’t like anyone he’d ever hired. Even so, he had to back off.
Crockett slid into the booth. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Colton slipped his phone into his inside sport coat pocket.
