Corporate Ties (Silken Ties Book 1)

by E. L. Loraine

  Olivia gave him another wink and pulled several napkins from the holder on the counter. She handed him some and took her ice cream cone.

  "And you know I'm messy," he said holding them up.

  "I just know I am.” She looked down. “Of course nothing I drop makes it past my boobs."

  Brian chuckled. "At least your pants and skirts are always clean."

  "True."

  A man in a jogging suit and baseball cap watched from a safe distance, not following, but keeping an eye on them as they continued on. They seemed to be a very popular couple. He wasn't the only one watching them.

  By twelve it was time to head back.

  "I really enjoyed our morning together. Thank you, Brian," she said as the cab poked along.

  "It's been my pleasure. I wish I didn't have to go to work, but it is for you, after all."

  "Sorry to be such a slave driver. I wish you'd find some good news about Paul."

  "I do too. Hey, like I said. There's always a chance. I'll talk to you when I get back. Bye Olivia."

  "Okay, and Brian, I told you to call me Liv, all my friends do."

  He grinned. At least he had ‘friend’ status. "Okay, bye Liv." He watched her go inside as the cab pulled away from the curb. He had the cab drop him a block away from the office. He walked casually, but sensing he was being followed, ducked into the alley. He kept to the shadows along the exposed brick wall and tucked himself into a recessed doorway. Over the honking horns and the constant chatter of the city, he heard the distinct sound of approaching footsteps. In the half-light, Brian saw a ball-capped man in a long wrinkled jacket walk down alley. Just past Brian’s doorway, the man stopped and peered up the alley. Brian lunged from the shadows. Wrapping one arm around his quarry’s neck and simultaneously, pulling the other arm up sharply behind his back, Brian shoved him against the wall and held him there. The man choked and jerked in pain.

  Brian growled, "Who are you? Why are you following me?"

  "I came to warn you. My name's Paul White."

  Brian released his chokehold and yanked off his cap. The face matched Paul’s file picture. Brian let go of his arm.

  "Come on, we need to get out of here." He handed Paul his cap and they both moved purposely up the alley. Turning to the right, Brian could see the back of his building. "Stay close, and keep your head down."

  Brian pulled his keys from his pocket, quickly unlocked and opened the door. He motioned to Paul and continued to scan the area as Paul left the shadows and slipped inside.

  "This building is mine and it’s more secure than any in the city. I'm Brian, by the way."

  Paul shook Brian’s hand. "Thanks. It’s good to get off the street; I've been living in the subway. I didn't dare go anywhere I was known."

  "This way. I have small quarters in the building. You can stay there as long as you need to. Olivia is going to be really happy that you're safe. Unfortunately, we can't tell her yet."

  They got into the elevator, and Paul seemed to relax a little bit. He looked pretty rough. He hadn't shaved, and by the look of him, he hadn't slept or eaten much for the days he'd been missing.

  They elevator stopped on the third floor and Paul followed Brian down the hall to the first door on the left. Once inside, Brian showed Paul to the kitchen.

  "Fridge is always stocked. You’ll find clean clothes in the closet that should fit, since we seem to be the close to the same size. How did you know you could trust me anyway?"

  "Olivia. Once I saw the two of you together, I knew you were okay. My contact at the bureau checked out your company. Did she get the files I sent?"

  "Yes, and I’ve looked through them. Tell me what happened when you went to the FBI."

  "Mind if I clean up and eat something first? I haven't showered for a few days."

  "No, of course. I'll make you something to eat."

  Paul came back, rubbing his thinning blond hair with a towel, he had dressed in clean jeans and navy t-shirt. "I can't tell you how good that felt and how nice it is to have clean clothes. Thanks."

  “No problem. I’m glad I don’t have to tell Olivia you’re dead.” Brian pushed a plate with a couple of turkey sandwiches on it toward him and poured some coffee. He smiled as Paul began devouring the meal.

  He’d finished a whole sandwich and had taken a couple of bites out of the next, when he finally slowed down enough to talk.

  "When Olivia asked for my help, I called an old friend at the FBI. He’s the one who got me in. Once we’d had a chance to renew our friendship and reminisce a little, he designated a remote computer that gave me a virtually unlimited access to their data base, and left me alone to complete my search. Later, after I left, he would make sure all evidence of my visit was cleaned. Although I was able to make copies of the files using a miniature a thumb drive, of course I was not able to print anything.” He took a couple more bites and sipped his coffee.

  “Once I left the building, I noticed a sedan coming toward me and before I could get to my car, a large Asian man got out the car and the driver pulled the vehicle between me and the building and stopped. The action effectively blocked me from going back inside and left me to face the menacing hulk now between myself and my car. I seriously gave thought to making a dash for it, but I'd parked at the back edge of the lot, which in hindsight was a mistake. How would I know someone would care what I was doing? ‘My office had been bugged’ ran through my mind, which meant Olivia was in danger.” Brian nodded in agreement.

  “When some agents came out of the building, I inserted myself in their group as they walked, staying with them until I could get around the side of the building. Then I bolted to the subway and lost them. I've been trying to figure out what to do ever since. My options were pretty limited. Going to the police was out; I didn't want to involve those I trusted, for fear of putting them in danger. Once you were in the picture, I felt it was safe to send Olivia the files."

  "Where were you when you sent the files?"

  Paul swallowed another big bite of the second sandwich. "From the public library."

  "Good. If you're right, and if your office is bugged, who would you think did that and why?"

  Paul shrugged. "I have no idea, but someone didn't want Olivia to have those files."

  "Olivia said you were in on the FBI investigation initiated a couple of years ago. She also said the investigation ended with no charges being filed.”

  Paul nodded, used his napkin to wipe his chin clean of a stray glob of mayo. “We’d learned from victim interviews what happened if a company resisted Matasuki’s purchase or merger proposals. Their agents used corporate espionage, blackmail, extortion, coercion and continued with these tactics until the principles capitulated to their demands. While this was going on underground, Matasuki continued to do business as usual. Although we were able to talk to witnesses and victims, after a full year’s investigation, all we had was anecdotal hearsay. We were never able to get any one of them to make an actual formal, under-oath statement or press charges. Although we had enough to bring Matasuki to a grand jury, we knew we didn’t have enough to actually win in court. Finally, the case lost steam and was shelved. It’s not officially closed, but no longer actively being worked.”

  ”What about Matasuki bothered you the most when you were investigating him?"

  Paul finished off the last of the sandwich, drank down the remnants of his coffee. “Do you mind, if I get comfortable?” Paul motioned with his head to the sitting area of the apartment. They moved into the living room. He took a seat on the left side of the sofa. Brian relaxed into the other end.

  "While Matasuki's main business is said to be technology. He makes much more in pharmaceuticals. His intent seems to buy out the competition, while merely absorbing others for simply no clear reason."

  "Isn't the reason always power and money?"

  Paul shrugged again. "He seems to target not just companies, but people. It's like a game to him. A ruthless and often deadly game."
<
br />   "What are you saying?"

  "He likes the pursuit, but resistance can come with a very high price."

  Brian frowned. "So, what are you suggesting?"

  "I'm telling you, and Olivia, to leave Matasuki alone."

  Brian studied Paul for a minute. He wanted to press him harder but could see Paul’s eyes were starting to droop. The shower and food had relaxed him and he needed sleep now more than anything.

  "You rest. I have a meeting to go to. I'll be back in a little while."

  "Thanks, Brian. I really appreciate it. I know you'll protect Olivia, and that's all I really care about."

  Brian nodded. The emotion on Paul's face showed he cared about Olivia, but Brian wondered what kind of caring it was.

  One flight up from the small living space, his office staff waited impatiently for him.

  "Sorry, I know you have other things to do but wait for me. Show me what you've got. Jimmie?"

  "I have something, but maybe I should go last. Brice, why don't you go first?"

  Brice, knowing what Jimmie had, stepped up. "You told us to search for deaths associated with Matasuki takeovers. I found four in the past two years. All supposedly from natural causes. But when we contacted the surviving families, all expressed their suspicions that their relative had somehow been killed, not one family believed the coroner’s report. On further questioning it appears all of the companies later absorbed by Matasuki had several things in common. The first being each had one strong man at the helm; second, each company when approached by Matasuki, refused to sell or negotiate. Third, all companies had experienced the death of their main stockholder, their president, founder or Chairman of the board. Since the viability of a company is often directly tied to the person that made it successful, the death of that person can affect the long-term financial health of the company. This brings us to the last point. After the deaths, each company’s stock dropped and Matasuki picked the companies up for at least twenty percent less than they would have had to pay. I've brought the scenario forward and there has been another death. Just three days ago. The stock purchase has gone forward, and again Matasuki has sought a company in flux. Of course the sale still needs approval from the board of directors and in this case the SEC."

  Brian had been pacing while he listened to Brice. "Okay, we need to look deeper. Look at all those on the committees that would give such an approval. Not just them, their business connections, spouses, kids, parents and siblings....everyone. I can smell how dirty this guy is. And another thing, what did we find out about Paul White? How about the 'shadow'?"

  Brice nodded at Jon and he started. “Paul White. He was nominated to the Air Force Academy by a family friend and Senator, Edwin James of Massachusetts, who served three terms before he was killed in a car crash two years ago. After he left the Academy, he was commissioned and the Air Force sent him to law school. He got his law degree and stayed in the service until he transferred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation where he served fifteen years, all honorable. He married and divorced, one son, Charles. He went to work for Dolby six years ago. Model employee."

  Brian frowned. "Wait, there’s a three year gap there. He's fifty. I counted forty seven in my head. Check again. How about the 'shadow' what's her story?"

  Jimmie glanced up. Brian noted how nervous he seemed, and waited for him to take the floor. All of this was annoying him. Nothing made sense.

  "Kimiko Sura, thirty six. Orphan, siblings unknown, as is her parentage. She's Chinese, not Japanese. Dropped as an infant at a Jesuit ministry. She stayed there until she finished her early schooling and then there are several years where nothing is known. Sources tell us that time was spent with the Matasuki’s, first father and now son. Three years ago she started to work as an assistant to Matasuki's second in command Tikara Laru. Her official title now is, Foreign Liaison. She answers only to Matasuki and there's surveillance from the hotel you should see."

  "Okay, pull it up."

  Jimmie glanced at Brice and then pressed the button. Silence filled the room as the scene played out. Not even Jimmie and Brice had viewed the entire tape. Brian's eyes narrowed and then widened... “holy crap...and what the hell”... ran through his mind. What he'd thought and relayed to Olivia when she’d accused the ‘shadow’ of lurking and he’d suggested was instead subservience, was just the tip of what was showing on this recording. He watched as a true Dominant/submissive relationship played out on the screen before them.

  "Okay, I think we've seen enough. She's supposedly his employee. Keep watching him, there's more to this guy, and none of it's good. Check out all of his companies and any he may have an interest in. We need to protect our client. Got it?"

  They all nodded in agreement.

  "Okay, take your shifts. Get any extra help you need, and unless something happens, I'll see you tomorrow." He pulled Jimmie aside. "No word back from Lin?"

  "No, we pulled her back. We need it to be casual, so tomorrow night we should have something from her."

  "Good, my cell is on. Paul White is downstairs in my quarters. You're the only one who knows. Turn on my apartment’s cameras and set a guy at the both entrances to the building."

  "You don't trust him?"

  "I don't trust anyone."

  Olivia turned on the shower and slipped off her clothes, tossing them in the direction of the hamper. Stepping into the steaming water, she sighed, feeling the pulsating shower begin to relax her tired muscles, washing the stress from her body and down the drain. She dipped her head back and washed her hair. She smiled, even with everything that was going on at work and with Paul, she felt better than she had for a really long time. Brian had a lot to do with it, and it scared her, but not enough for her to shut him out. Not yet anyway. Finally she turned off the water and reached for a towel, running it over her body, then bending so she could twist it around her long hair. For her, Sundays were for relaxing and planning out the week. She wrapped herself in a soft fluffy robe and headed to the kitchen. She heard a knock just as she had begun making a shopping list for the market. A big grin lit up her face as she unlocked the door.

  "I was just thinking about you. Other than butter pecan ice cream, I have no idea what you like to eat."

  Brian chuckled. "I could say you," he teased as he kissed her cheek.

  "Mmm, I really do like the way you think." He walked into the living room and stared out the window. Olivia closed the door, leaning on it for a second as she watched him. "Something is up, what is it?"

  He turned. "Oh, just this whole Matasuki thing. It keeps getting more and more complicated. Every time we look into someone, or something involved with him it gets darker, Liv."

  She smiled, he'd called her Liv. He seemed relaxed around her, it felt nice.

  Walking to him she ran her hand over his back. "Maybe we should just stop." He turned, circled his hands around her and pulled her tightly to him.

  "Maybe that's a good idea for you. For me, though, I believe this guy is dangerous, and someone needs to get enough on him to take him down."

  Olivia pushed back, her eyes riveted to his. "Then we do this together. And to me, together means I need to know everything. You don't try to protect me, you trust me enough to let me help both you, and your team."

  "Olivia..."

  Her eyebrow raised and she pulled her chin back, while tilting her head to one side. Brian had to chuckle, he looked away and shook his head, raising his hands in surrender.

  "Okay. I'm only agreeing because, for some reason, I know you'll go ahead on your own anyway."

  "I'm not sure I like that you can read me so well already." She kissed him and curled her arms around his waist.

  Brian kissed her back, pulling her close again.

  "Now, do you have time to spend with me this afternoon or not?"

  "I do," he assured her.

  "Good, I'm making a list for the market, it's a Sunday ritual of mine to shop for the week, want to go with me? We could have a late lunch, ma
ybe take in a movie?"

  Brian watched her saunter to the kitchen. The sway of her hips, even in the thick robe, was enticing. God she was the sexiest thing he'd ever seen. The fact that she wasn't trying, made her even sexier. Yes, he wanted her, but it was more than that, he needed her.

  "I have to tell you something. Several things actually."

  Concern washed over Olivia and her stomach twisted with the impending doom she felt was coming. Of course, she was moving things along too fast. He wasn't ready, and she braced for the bad news, was it about Paul, or about them? Her face heated and her mouth suddenly felt dry.

  He walked over and sat down at the bar. "I found Paul. Actually he found me."

  Dread turned to shock. "What? Are you saying he's alive?" She was puzzled by the look on his face. What was going on?

  "Yes, he's alive. I was going to keep it from you, only because I don't want to give away the fact that we know. It happened just after I left you. He followed me. He said he had to warn me about Matasuki. That he was confronted at the Bureau, by who he thought were Matasuki security and has been running since, afraid to contact anyone he knew. He's staying in my building."

  "I'm shocked, and relieved......and confused. You don't seem happy."

  "I'm sorry; of course I'm glad he's not dead. I don't know him, but Liv, something about his story...I don't know, maybe it's just all the years on the job."

  "You don't think he's telling the truth?"

  Brian shrugged. "Something just doesn't feel right, and if I've learned one thing, it's to trust my gut. When you found Paul hadn't come to work, what did you do?"

  "I called his cell, several times. I called his friend and mine, my lawyer Clay, and met him for lunch. Oh and I went down to Paul's office and talked to his secretary."

  "Had anyone else been asking about him?"

  "Yes, Jerrod; my division boss. He asked that any deliveries made to Paul be sent directly to him. Which I thought odd, and so did Paul’s secretary. I'll talk with her again tomorrow if you want me to."