Page 59 of Vicious Deception
“What’s the plan here?” I ask once Axel has started driving again. “How are we going to capture Ludo?”And see Wren?
Elliot takes one of my hands and one of Rhett’s. “Here’s how this is going to go.”
Chapter eighteen
Ludo
Thesunisannoyinglybright as I step out of my vehicle and toss my keys to the valet. I hate this restaurant, but Raymond King owns it, and he likes to hold his meetings here. The only reason I put up with it is because I want him to think he has control over our dealings.
He’s an arrogant bastard. Most in this business are. Neither him nor Burbank have an inkling of the money I’ve kept from them. I’ve covered my tracks perfectly, and they think they’re powerful enough that I’d never even consider crossing them.
If I thought my hard drive was actually out there somewhere, I’d be worried, but I know it’s not. I may have underestimated Aubrey, but there’s no way she sold it. She wouldn’t know who to give it to. No, I think Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver are hiding it somewhere. So for now, since they don’t have access to it, it’s safe—and by extension, so am I.
Elliot will break soon enough. I’ve let them sit in their fear for days. The next time I drag Oliver into the basement for another session, Elliot will spill everything before we even get started.Especiallyafter last night.
I smile. Maybe I’ll do that this afternoon once I’m home.
Inside the restaurant, I’m led to the private room in the back. King and Burbank are already seated at our table with the usual paperwork in front of them.
“Morning,” I say, setting my briefcase on the table. “Ready to dive in?”
I’ve never been one for niceties or beating around the bush. We’re here for business, not to chat or catch up. King and Burbank are usually the same way, but today, things seem to be different.
Fredrick glances at Raymond, who leisurely stands.
“The two of us received something this morning,” King says. He’s made his way to the door, which he opens. “Something . . . concerning.”
Two men step inside. One I recognize as his right-hand man, and I assume the other is a low-level grunt.
Immediately, the hair stands up on the back of my neck. This isn’t how our meetings go. No one else is ever in here with us.
Am I wrong?DidAubrey sell the hard drive?
Leaning back in my chair, I maintain a relaxed composure. “Oh?”
“It came directly from Axel Holden,” Fredrick says, “which was a surprise, to say the least.”
Axel?Doubt fills my thoughts. Before the wedding, I was beginning to question his loyalties, but then he was right about Hayes and his partners.
But no. I purposefully kept him out of these dealings in case I was wrong about him. He doesn’t know. How could he? Unless . . .
Burbank slides a small stack of papers across the table. As I look them over, my stomach sinks.
“Axel sent you these?”
King nods, and I realize his men are standing on either side of me. For a brief second, I contemplate reaching for my weapon, but I’m outnumbered and alone. It’d be pointless.
“He did,” Burbank replies. “Honestly, Holloway, I thought you were smart enough not to share your secrets.”
I swallow audibly.
“You’ve cheated us out of hundreds of thousands of dollars each.” King is watching me with a hard, intense stare. “You owe us.”
I’ve always prided myself in being able to get out of any tough spot I’ve found myself in. Years ago, when I was still an enforcer, I was known for my ability to slip in and out of places without notice. Getting caught can lead to disaster. I was only ever seen once—by a little girl, no less—and I dealt with her easily.
This is no different. Just another complication to rectify. And King just gave me an out.
Spreading my hands, I put on an easy smile. “Well, what can I say? You caught me. Only one thing to do now. I can write you both a check, and then—”