Page 7 of Wicked Rush

Chapter Three

Lars watched from afar as Braelynn walked off with the older gentleman. Mogul Armand Giordano, well known for his ruthless business tactics, had recently relocated from the east coast after a congressional hearing on the environmental impacts of a new plastic technology he’d pioneered. Its use had resulted in higher levels of cancer in a rural town of Pennsylvania, and his ethics had been called into question. While he was never indicted, his company’s stock had plummeted.

Lars focused in on the powerhouse bodyguard, who towered above Braelynn. His burly hand brushed over her shoulder blade, and she glared at her unwanted suitor. Holding Giordano’s arm, Braelynn appeared to be close with him as he led her up to the podium. Lars’ gut clenched, his mind rolling through the possibilities of the nature of their relationship. Lovers? His mistress?

His fleeting concern dissipated after watching their interaction. As she released his arm, a flicker of relief shone in her eyes. It lasted but for a second, quickly replaced by irritation as she glanced to Shane. Giordano tapped the microphone, and she recovered, a too-perfect smile frozen on her face.

When they’d danced earlier, Lars had sensed her fear, and wondered about the source of it. He suspected her trepidation arose from fraternizing in front of her boss, Giordano, but she never once faltered as she played the role of the appreciative employee. An actress, he suspected, giving applause on cue as the greedy bastard bestowed accolades on donors in the crowd.

A familiar face caught his attention, and he made a beeline for Garrett, who glared at the stage. Both he and their friend and fellow skydiver, Chase, stood attentively watching Giordano’s speech.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Lars hadn’t meant to sound so aggressive, but failed to hide his surprise. Garrett had testified against Giordano, and he knew there was no way Emerson Industries was doing business with him.

“Enjoying the sea air at this fine San Diego fundraiser. You?” Garrett raised his glass and nodded. With a cold smile, he focused on Giordano.

“Looking for answers,” Lars replied, aware Garrett wouldn’t support his decision to go after Braelynn.

“I take it you didn’t find what you were looking for.” Garrett’s eyes flashed to Chase and back to Lars.

“Why are you here?” Lars pressed.

“Friends close. Ememies closer.” Garrett gestured to the path that led out to the parking lot. “Shall we?”

“Yeah.” Lars nodded in agreement.

“This isn’t the place for this discussion.” Garrett’s lips pursed and he raised an eyebrow at Lars.

“The car.” Lars gave the stage a parting glance as he exited the lavish event. On his way down the stairs, his eyes caught Braelynn’s, and he swore he detected a faint shade of pink in her cheeks. He gave her a small smile, and continued until he reached the landing.

A black stretch limo pulled up in front of the valet stand, and a bellman reached for the door. “Sir?” He gestured to the interior.

“Let’s talk,” Garrett stated, his voice serious as he and Chase slid into the car.

“Just a minute.” Lars reached for his cell phone and texted his driver, then quickly followed his friends’ lead. As the door slammed behind him, he blew out a breath.

“Okay, would either of the two of you like to tell me what the hell is going on?”

“How well do you know Armand Giordano?” Garrett asked, reaching for a bottle of cognac. Accepting a snifter from Chase, he poured two fingers, and offered it to Lars.

“Plastic magnate. Got in deep with the feds a few years ago. Has been doing penance out here on the west coast.” Lars accepted the drink, but didn’t move to bring it to his lips. “You testified against him. He got off.”

“Emerson Industries had a conflict with Armand.” Garrett’s eyes darted to Chase who shook his head, his eyebrows narrowing in anger.

“We incorporated his supposedly safe ultra-plastics in our scuba gear. We had plans to expand their use into other products as well.” Chase wrapped his fingers around the glass Garrett had poured, and took a long draw of the mellow liquid. With a loud exhale, he continued. “Cancer.”

“He’s an asshole.” Lars’ eyes darted to each of his friends.

“Employees working with the polymer were the first casualties. People living near the production site started showing signs as well. Whatever they’d used got into the water supply. You know how it is with rural towns. People are still using well water.” Garrett paused and sighed. “He’d skimped on testing. Fudged a few studies.”

“He’s an asshole,” Chase commented with disdain.

“Doesn’t surprise me he got off, though. These douchebags get in with a few members of congress, the truth is bent,” Lars commented.

“A strong reprimand.” Garrett shrugged. “That’s it.”

“A slap on the wrist,” Chase said.

“They couldn’t definitively prove it. It was a new technology. He rushed it through approval channels. They don’t really know what other long term effects exist as of yet.” Garrett set the bottle back into its cabinet and took care to make sure it was secure.