Numbered signs above each aisle pointed to the client numbers stored in that row. Lila located the aisle which contained client files numbered 7000 through 7050. Running her hand along the boxes, she spotted the block letters spelling out FoxSt7011. She pulled out the box and opened the files.
The first document verified Jack Struthers had been the attorney of record for Fox Street Christian Church. She discovered that the church purchased a few abandoned houses on either side of their property to make way for the parking lot expansion six years ago. Jack helped them with the transaction, performed on a pro-bono basis.
Returning to the file, she continued reading. When she reached the end of the file, she’d learned nothing other than the church had made a land purchase. If the number Jack had given her corresponded to this client number, how would the church’s simple land acquisition figure into his death? Could the number 7011 Jack mentioned, and the church client number simply be a coincidence? Since she didn’t believe in coincidences, she figured there had to be another angle.
On the last page of the file, she came across a memo. The note to file included information regarding the church leadership. She read through the three-page document. When she got to the last page, her heart dropped.
See documents (re LS) located in storage closet 3B inside Fox Street Church.
She stared at the initials. Could LS be Lance Sinclair?
The firm’s copier would record a duplicate of any document she copied and the last thing she needed was to create a paper trial. Instead, she used her phone and snapped photos of each page, just in case there were more clues.
The door clicked, and Lila jumped. Someone was coming. She replaced the files and shoved the box back on the shelf. With nowhere to hide, she scurried off to an aisle containing files for an old client she’d represented with Jack. Pulling down a box, she whipped open a file.
Seconds later, Steve Dorman rounded the corner. “Lila, what are you doing?”
She turned and smiled. “Research. I wanted to check something in relation to the Veridian case.” She returned the folder to its original spot and stuffed the box back on the shelf. “Dead end.”
“Now you know my secret.”
Her blood stilled. Steve’s usual upbeat demeanor turned serious, almost creepy.
He leaned in closer. “Sometimes, I come in here to work in quiet. There are so many distractions when I work in my office with the phone ringing or people popping in. The file room is like a sealing yourself off from the world. Like a tomb.”
Lila nodded. “I can see how you’d find solitude here.” She had no idea where this conversation was going.
“You know Jack had it right—buying a condo near the office where he could get away.” Steve glanced around the file room. “Did he show you around his penthouse?”
Her mouth went dry. “No. He wasn’t able. I’d never been there. The day I found him was my first time.” Lila studied Steve. He’d worked with her, Jack, and a few other associates on big cases, but she’d never had an opportunity to have a non-work-related conversation. Did he know something about the documents? Since she’d received Jack’s warning example after example had popped up emphasizing her need to heed that advice.
Steve’s expression clouded then he flattened his lips and nodded. “Right. Jack had been pumped with lead by the time you arrived.” He moved behind her and stared up at the box she’d just re-shelved. “Dead end. What an appropriate word for Jack.”
The room vents swooshed in cool air tickling the back of Lila’s hot neck. Perspiration trickled down her back. What had gotten into Steve? Even though she didn’t know him well, she found his behavior unusual. She stood wide-legged, ready to use her martial arts training if necessary. Stepping out of Steve’s reach, she readied to run or fight. “I need to get going. You know, the Veridian event this evening.”
He nodded. “Lila.”
She turned before reaching the end of the aisle.
“Be careful.”
She cocked her head sideways.
“Since they felt it necessary to put Hilary as my overseer, I felt I should warn you. She’s a task master. Jack’s dead and I’d hate to lose a second attorney. Working for her can be a real killer.”
Chapter 11
When Lila emerged from the building and climbed into the SUV, Cody expelled a sigh. Setting eyes on her relieved some of the worry about her safety, but as he shot a glance over his shoulder, he knew danger still lurked.
She snapped closed her seatbelt. “Thanks for picking me up.”
“Everything okay?” He shot a quick glance her way. Judging by her furrowed eyebrows and crossed arms, Cody suspected something didn’t go well.
“Just another day at the office.” The warble in her voice belied her words but he didn’t push.
Cody pulled into traffic. “Jeb and I went back to safe house. We found a tracker on your car.”
“Damn. In my haste to away I didn’t check.” Her face reddened. “We could have been killed.”
“Don’t beat yourself up. We survived.” Cody shot her a concerned gaze. “The shooters searched the house, but they didn’t find the data room. I’m certain they didn’t find anything.”
“Did you get the surveillance tapes?”
Cody explained what he and Jeb found on the tapes.
“This has Lance written all over it.” Lila rubbed her forehead.
“I also discovered that someone had been snooping around my house. They didn’t take anything or trash the place but two guys were inside.” Cody shifted his gaze to the rearview mirror. He almost expected to see black-clothed men following them.
“Are you sure nothing was taken?”
“No, but they were looking for something.” He caught her worried expression. “I’m glad you decided not to stay in your house the other night.”
Lila rubbed her forehead. “I have a work event this evening that I can’t get out of. I need to go home.”
Cody headed toward her house. “I’m going inside with you then I’ll take you to your work thing. It’s too dangerous for you to go alone.”
“I appreciate your help, but I can manage.” Lila said, irritation laced her voice.
“That’s not a good idea right now,” Cody said.
“I’ll call a car service. I’m not going to let you Uber me around town.” Her voice rose with anger.
“Something happened to make two guys try to kill you. An attorney has already been killed and your background suggests this all could be related to your family. Don’t take foolish chances.”
With a defeated sigh, Lila nodded. “You’re right. Take the next right.”
“I know the way.” Cody winced. Any hope she didn’t catch that he knew the way to her house was dashed when a curious glare met him.
When Cody pulled up to her house, he placed a hand on her arm. “Let me go in and check it out.”
When she bristled, he shot her an exasperated look.
She nodded but then pulled out her weapon. “You’re not going in without me.” Jumping out of the SUV, she simply gazed at him.
Sighing, he joined her.
They entered her house and with guns drawn, checked every room. After determining there was no danger inside, Lila rushed to her bedroom pack her things.
Cody stood in the living room, taking in his surroundings. Everything screamed Lila. Pale blue walls juxtaposed with dark wood floors graced every room. A tan rug with streaks of blue and light yellow covered the center of the living room floor. Bookshelves holding novels, candles, and various knickknacks graced two sides of the room. What she didn’t have on her shelves or walls were photos of her family. Cody understood. If someone should break in, she didn’t want to highlight her family or friends as another way to get to her. Even though that information could be obtained, Lila wouldn’t want to make it easy. It was a sad consequence of being an enemy of powerful people.
“I’m ready,” Lila said as she rounded the corner. She stoppe
d as their gazes met.
“I like your house.” The compliment sounded stupid, and Cody wanted to flinch.
“Thanks.” She breezed past him with small piece of luggage and a blue garment bag.
When they were back in the car, Lila folded her hands in her lap. “I appreciate you doing this for me. I spoke to Reid earlier and he’s working on getting everyone here. If I need any more help, there will be someone else available.”
“Sounds like I’m getting fired.” Cody raised his eyebrows and shot her a glance.
“I meant you no longer have to endure this awkwardness.” She chewed her lip.
“It has been awkward as hell. I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” Cody cranked up the engine and shifted into reverse.
“You’ve already told me that.”
“I meant it. I won’t let anything happen to you.” The air thickened and sweat erupted along Cody’s shirt collar.
Lila nodded. “Jeb will drive me to the event tonight so you’re off the hook.”
“Damn,” Cody said softly under his breath.
Chapter 12
Lila smoothed her sapphire colored dress and stepped into the Veridian Technology headquarters. The sounds of a jazz band belting out tunes suitable for a James Bond movie, wafted throughout the massive lobby. She had the urge to ask for a martini—shaken not stirred.
“Come on Cinderella, time to get our asses in gear.” Gia looped her arm through hers.
“Do I have to?” Lila groaned as she trotted along with Gia farther into the room. Her irritation dissipated when she glimpsed the surroundings. The main hall had been decked out in green, blue, and white decorations. Tall palm trees twinkled with white lights. Brilliant blue water flowed from a five-story waterfall, splashing into a pond filled with koi fish and surrounded by tropical plants. Waitstaff circulated throughout the room with silver trays of stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta, and mini quiches. Long dessert tables, filled with cakes, pies, and cookies, sat on both side walls of the room while several portable bars had been wheeled out and placed throughout. How ironic they were in a room filled with decadent, expensive food all under the guise of raising money for starving kids. Lila loved her work as a corporate attorney but the occasional required attendance at these types of events weren’t high on her list.
“I think we’ve landed in a Hawaiian paradise.” Gia swiped a stuffed mushroom off the tray of a passing waiter. “And I thought the HTP offices were nice.”
“It’s clear why Hilary wants to ensure we handle the Veridian account well. They are paying us big bucks.” Lila eyed a waitress circulating with some type of alcoholic beverage. As the woman approached, Lila opted for water instead. Probably best not to indulge on such an important night. Hilary and Steve had made a point to emphasize the team needed to make a good impression.
“There’s Brandon.” Gia knocked Lila’s elbow.
Lila turned to see Brandon Pfluger, a third-year associate on the corporate team. For months, Gia had been trying to set her up with Brandon. She and Brandon had gone to lunch a couple of times, but she’d made it clear she wasn’t interested in getting involved with anyone from work. “Not going to happen. He’s nice and cute, but not for me.”
“You need to get out there.” Gia’s voice held a note of concern. “I’m worried about you.”
“I’ll be fine. I just can’t concentrate on a relationship right now.” Lila turned to Gia. “Where’s Jimmy?”
Gia leaned in closer and pointed. “There. He was parking the car. Isn’t he handsome in his tux?” She smiled as she watched her longtime boyfriend, Jimmy Kenison, saunter toward them.
Lila smiled at her friends. Gia and Jimmy had an enviable relationship, and they never made her feel like a third wheel when they all hung out together.
Jimmy planted a kiss on Gia’s cheek. “Ladies, you both look beautiful.” He wrapped an arm around Gia. “Want to dance?”
Gia nodded. “Let’s go.”
Lila’s thoughts drifted back to the note in the file pointing her to a closet inside Fox Street Church. What would she find there? How was the church connected to Jack’s death? Although she wanted to ditch this party, Lila would have to wait.
“Beautiful,” Brandon said as he approached.
The voice shook her from her thoughts. “Hi, Brandon. Yes, it is. I’ve never been to Veridian, but their offices are nice.”
“Yes, this place is great, but I was referring to you.” Brandon stepped closer.
Lila tamped down an urge to retreat. “Thank you.” She smoothed her floor-length dress. The feel of his eyes combing over her, didn’t set well.
“Should be a great evening. Our team has a table down front. I saved a seat for you next to me.” He smiled.
Brandon had dark hair and eyes. He had a penchant for dressing as if he were a runway model for Ralph Lauren. Tonight, in his tuxedo, Lila could see why so many women around the firm had crushes on him.
“Oh, well that’s great.” She wanted to get away. “I’ll meet you at the table. I need to head to the ladies’ room.” She weaved her way through groups of people, spotting a sign pointing to her destination. Lila entered an area off the lobby set up for the silent auction. After escaping to the ladies' room, she let out a breath. Somehow all this pageantry seemed disrespectful to Jack. His body hadn’t even been put to rest and all of his team members were at a party. While she understood this was business and that life continued, she hated the apparent collective shrug Jack received from HTP.
After pretending to check her makeup, she emerged and ran straight into Steve.
“Lila, you look very nice.” Steve, holding an empty glass in his hand, gave her a quick hug.
The gesture seemed appropriate for the setting but would have been taboo at the HTP offices. Nevertheless, the move sent warning signals through her. “This is an amazing event,” she said, moving a step away from him as she inhaled the scent of alcohol on his breath.
“There are some great items at the auction. I’ve already put bids in for the Dallas Cowboy tickets. Even though the firm has box seats, I figured a couple extra stadium tickets would be nice for our less important clients.”
Lila plastered on a smile. “Good thinking.”
Steve grabbed a glass of white wine off the tray of a passing waiter, tossing his empty glass on the tray. “Let me show you a few more items. We have a few minutes before we need to be back at our table.”
Lila wanted to flee but instead nodded and matched pace with him. They perused the tables scattered with Cowboys memorabilia, quilts, trips, concert tickets, and more.
A tall man facing an adjacent table, stepped back and collided with her. “Excuse me,” he said, turning.
Lila glanced up and her heart slammed against her chest. “Cody?” She swallowed. “What are you doing here?”
“Lila. I-I didn’t expect to see you.” Cody placed both hands on his hips.
Swallowing hard, Lila’s gaze traveled over him. Within twenty-four hours, she’d found herself close enough to touch Cody again and once again she marveled at the change in his body. His dark tuxedo jacket molded to his frame. She clamped her hands together, resting them in front of her. Although his body wasn’t as she remembered, his scent transported her back to their college days. Cody wore the same cologne he’d always used for special occasions. The hint of citrus and musk always lingered after he left her dorm, and Lila felt comforted as if he’d remained with her. She shook away the memory. Inexperience and naïveté had caused her to make many mistakes back then and she wouldn’t make them again. “I’m here on business. This is the work event I mentioned.”
“You work for Veridian?” Cody asked, his gaze locked on her. His voice contained a deeper tone. Everything about him seemed, more defined, more masculine.
“Uh, no. I work for Hirst, Talcott, and Painter, a law firm.” She swallowed then remembered Steve beside her. “This is Steve Dorman. He’s a partner at my law firm.”
Steve s
hook Cody’s hand.
“Cody Green. Lila and I knew each other in high school and college.”
She wanted to say they were more than casual acquaintances until one night when it all crashed down but instead, she bit her lower lip. Her gaze traveled to Cody’s ear where she could still spot the small scar from a skate-boarding accident one snowy Virginia day when he’d decided to try his luck on an icy sidewalk. After spending almost twenty-four hours with him this was the most she’d actually looked at him.
Steve downed the remainder of his drink and handed her the empty glass. “Wonderful! I’ll give you two time to catch up.” Steve waved at someone in the distance. “Lila, I’ll meet you back at the HTP table. Make sure to get back soon. You want to be seated for the special video announcement.” As he strolled off, he said, “Nice meeting you, Cody.”
“Likewise,” Cody said before he turned back to her. “I never expected to run into you. I mean, I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“I’m just as shocked. I had no idea this was where you worked.”
“I guess we didn’t take time to talk about the specifics of what we’ve been up to.” Cody shifted his gaze. “The company I worked for in San Francisco was bought out. I got an amazing offer from Veridian so here I am.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “My intent had been to stay away from you. Clearly that didn’t happen.”
Her insides flip-flopped, and her heart stalled for a second. Isn’t that what she wanted? In this moment, she had no idea. Despite happy memories swirling in her mind, she urged them away like pulling rubber glue from paper. “You haven’t been around, so I didn’t know you’d moved.”
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