“Does she know you’re meeting with me?”
“No.”
Even though I’d already suspected that answer, an uneasy sensation crept up my spine.
“Then what can I help you with?”
“Davis is being investigated for colluding with the Volkovs.”
“By the department?” I asked, surprised.
“No.”
A chill settled deep in my bones.
“She’s had several large payments deposited into her accounts over the last three years, and as we all know, the department isn’t known for awarding bonuses.”
I pushed out a sharp exhale and waited for more.
“We think she’s using you to throw off the department, making it look like she’s actively working for the department instead of with the Volkovs.”
A shiver ran up my spine.
“Why isn’t the Internal Affairs Bureau handling this?” I questioned. “Isn’t that what they do, investigate these kinds of issues?”
“Our goal isn’t to take Davis down. It’s to bypass her. IAB can have at her when we’re through. We want the Volkov brothers.”
The reality was that many cases turned over for review to the IAB, Internal Affairs Bureau, trudged through the system without proper resolution, if any resolution.
“How do you think I can help?”
Ellis tightened his fists together and leaned over the table.
“Effective immediately, we want you reporting to us.”
“She’s got the entire apartment wired up, and I’m probably being followed everywhere I go. How do you expect me to get you any information?”
Not to mention, why would I trust you?
“We have our ways. They’re unexpected and surprising, but we will get what we need from you.”
I swallowed down my worry and stayed focused on Ellis.
“It’s true that shipments have slipped by authorities, but that’s the least of what we are after. We’ve got cybercrime, counterfeiting, price fixing, money laundering, forgery, arms trafficking, military equipment smuggling, and murder, to name a few.” Ellis lifted his brow.
Most of which I already knew from Davis.
“Right, and from what I understand, most of these endeavors have been going on for years, if not decades. I find it highly suspicious that the Volkovs have escaped justice time and again.” I took a sip of coffee. “Don’t you?”
“Absolutely, but the world isn’t black and white. We’ve needed them and they’ve needed us.”
“So, why now? Who’d they piss off?” I sat back in the booth. “Did someone at the bureau get fooled by one of the Volkovs’ schemes? That’s usually what it takes, hitting someone personally before they decide the run is over.”
“Does it matter?”
I shrugged.
“So, what do you want me to find out?”
“We’ll let you know once you’re settled into your new position.” He drew in a deep breath. “Does that mean we can trust you?”
“I want proof Davis is what you say she is.” I shifted in the booth, knowing this move would isolate me even more from the department.
He nodded. “We can get that to you. . . and then you’ll agree?”
The idea that Lieutenant Davis was a dirty cop seemed almost unbelievable, except that she was always in the center of everything. She was the one who managed to break the big cases and be at the right place at the right time more times than I could count.
For someone who didn’t believe in luck, she certainly seemed to have a lot of it.
“Absolutely. I want to bring these men down.”
The moment the words left my lips, unease settled all around as I thought back to Devin.
“Great. We’ll be in touch.”
“How will I know?” I asked.
“There’ll be no missing it.” He paused and his gaze moved to mine. “But the best piece of advice I can give you about these men is to make yourself vulnerable. They value loyalty, and while they may not seem like it, they tend to trust those who share with them. A bond is formed when they think they have information about you that very few do. They know they can leverage it when they need to. The more vulnerable you make yourself, the more they tend to respond and open up because they know you won’t go anywhere. But don’t lie to them. Make it real. Use your past.”
My heart dropped to my toes and I nodded.
“Buy yourself dinner.” Ellis stood, left two twenty-dollar bills on the table, and walked out of the diner.
I decided to follow his advice and ordered a patty melt. After all, it wasn’t like I’d be bumping into anyone on the way home who mattered. I took out my phone and waited for my food. What kind of things would I share?
I had told them I wouldn’t be available to work until Monday, but Greta convinced me to start tomorrow. It was hard to wrap my head around Davis being a dirty cop. I knew they existed or men like the Volkovs wouldn’t walk the streets of New York City.
I thought back to my hometown and how few cops actually patrolled the streets. Even the smallest borough here had more policemen than our entire city and county combined. I could probably throw in the state police and still not touch the number.
That might be exaggerating.
I took a bite of the patty melt and let the cheese do its job. This place made me miss my old apartment. Right below where I lived was the best sandwich shop in the city, and the people running it were incredible. My little block felt like home, and I had no idea how long it would be until I could return, especially in light of what Ellis had conveyed.
I glanced around the diner as the empty seats filled and felt less alone. Prior to this assignment, I hadn’t felt that way. Now, the isolation I felt sank deep into my bones, and after the talk with Ellis, the sensation swam through me at a violent pace.
I took the last bite of the sandwich and enjoyed the deliciousness. I never wallowed and I wasn’t going to start now. In fact, I’d leave here and go to the newsstand on the corner and grab a couple of new releases to scarf down, or maybe I’d splurge and watch a couple of movies. Either way, tonight was going to be relaxing as I geared up for tomorrow.
As the waitress took away the plates, my phone buzzed. So few people had this new number that I was surprised it made any noise whatsoever. I pulled my phone out of my purse and saw the text on my screen.
I know you don’t officially start until tomorrow, but I was hoping I could use your assistance with something tonight. It shouldn’t take long.
I stared at the text and my pulse accelerated. My natural response was why not Greta, but I couldn’t very well say that to whoever was texting.
I texted a quick note back.
Who, in particular, is this?
A text returned.
Devin
My heart did something it shouldn’t have.
It fluttered.
I sent a text back.
I would be more than happy to help. I just finished dinner, but I’ll need to grab a cab. I’m not at my apartment.
He replied quickly.
Don’t bother. I’ll send a car to pick you up. Where are you?
I texted the address to Devin. It wasn’t like I could try to beat the traffic and give him a different location and hope I made it there in time. I drew in a slow breath, grabbed a few fries to eat, and waited.
No more than fifteen minutes went by before I got a text from Devin.
Driver is outside
The waitress brought over the check and I gave her the forty dollars. I didn’t feel like waiting for cash back. I just wanted to get inside the car and find out where I was headed. I glanced down at my recent change of clothes and groaned. Who knew I’d already be on call?
I stepped outside into the chilly night air and spotted a black Porsche Cayenne parked out front. As I walked to the vehicle, the back door flung open and my breath caught when Devin stepped out of the SUV. I hadn’t expected him to be in the car, and now the patty melt with
extra onions I’d eaten made me cringe.
“Avery, it’s good to see you. I appreciate your letting me ruin your evening.” He smiled and motioned toward the open door of the vehicle and my chest tightened.
“Absolutely.” I nodded, climbing into the car. “I apologize for my outfit. I wasn’t expecting to see anyone.”
Devin smiled and shook his head. “You look lovely.”
A few seconds of strained silence sat between us.
“So, what brought you to this part of the city?” His brow arched and the driver moved into traffic.
“Patty melt.”
“Must be some patty melt.”
“Extra greasy.” I nodded, noticing the amused expression slide over his face. “Another thing I wouldn’t have done had I known.”
“I never want to deprive a woman of what she wants.” He flashed a pointed stare in my direction and I felt a charge.
“I’ll keep that in mind in case I need to order an extra box of paperclips.”
His laughter filled the car.
“So where are we headed?” I questioned.
“To one of the projects our family is most proud of, and we need your help to make it a success on its grand opening.”
Chapter Eight
Devin
Apprehension rolled over Avery. I could sense the worry that threaded through her when she refused to hold my gaze or answer my questions with much depth. I wasn’t sure of the reason for the sudden change, but it certainly concerned me. Perhaps it was the unexpected request to meet with me.
Viktor was driving us to the latest residential building we would be unveiling next week, and I was excited to show it off to her. We needed Avery’s help to ensure the opening went off without a hitch, and Greta had very little interest any longer with event planning.
Viktor pulled up to the latest skyscraper crowding the Manhattan sky, and Avery craned her neck to get a better glimpse.
“It’s gorgeous,” she whispered.
“Thank you. We’re really proud of this project.”
Viktor opened my door, and I stepped into the cool night air, buttoned my jacket, and made my way to Avery’s door. I opened it and she stepped out looking surprisingly self-conscious. This wasn’t the Avery I’d come to know in the short time I’d met her.
“Next Friday, we’re having an event to celebrate the opening, and we’ll need your help.”
“Absolutely.” She nodded, following me into the lobby.
I turned around and caught a glimmer of astonishment as she scanned the grand lobby.
“This is unlike anything I’ve seen.” She turned around, slowly taking in the white marble floor stretching in every direction, Schonbek chandeliers dripping with Swarovski crystals, an ebony front desk, a large seating area centered with a polished stainless steel couch—more for décor than comfort—and a glass atrium to bring in light.
“You had me until that thing.” She pointed at the couch. “It’s really pretty, but I don’t see how that’s practical.”
“People this rich don’t care about practical. They want excess and avant-garde.”
She turned to face me. “Then you hit the mark.”
I noticed her body stiffen as she crossed her arms in front of her and stared at the chandeliers above.
“It’s absolutely stunning. I wouldn’t have thought combining traditional elements like the chandeliers with the starkness of the marble and metal couch would be so pretty, but it really is something.”
“Glad you approve.” I hid a smile at how quickly she was coming out of her shell again.
“How many units are in this building?”
“There are forty floors with a total of three hundred and eighty-five units available for sale and lease. Our focus is on resident well-being. There are several outdoor spaces featuring cafes and shops. It’s a full-service building.” I walked toward the elevators and motioned for Avery to follow. “What we’re most proud of is that we’re offering fifty-eight units to low-income families.”
“Really?” Her tone was full of surprise.
“Yes, and we’ll put in place several resources like free childcare.”
“What else?” she asked, stepping into the elevator.
For some reason, I liked that she didn’t feel it was enough because neither did I.
“The maintenance fees are waived, and we have loan programs for those families who hope to own their apartment someday.”
She walked onto the elevator and stood in the corner. Once the elevator doors shut, her eyes leveled on mine.
“Why would you bother when you can make so much more selling those fifty-eight units?” Her brow arched as she waited for my reply.
“Life isn’t always about money. Giving back feels better than most things.” I studied her as the carriage carried us to the top of the building. “When we have a lucrative project like this, there’s no harm in making the world a better place.”
“A regular Robin Hood,” she said wryly. “Steal from the rich to help the poor.”
“We’re not stealing from the rich. They’re paying what market rates allow and we happened to be lucky. Why not help where we can?”
She slid her hand along her messy bun and her gaze fell to the floor of the elevator. I sensed she wanted to say something else, but she stayed silent. The more I watched her, the more intrigued I became. She was mysterious and somewhat aloof, which was the complete opposite of anyone I usually spent any time with. The women I gravitated toward or vice versa seemed to be loud and attention-seeking, at least after Cynthia.
It didn’t matter anyhow. Avery was an employee, not a love interest.
“Where did this thread of generosity come from?”
“I attribute most of our success to my parents. They always impressed upon us how important it is to replace bad things with good and to give when and how we can.”
Her eyes flashed to mine, and I saw a hidden fire behind her gaze.
“Really?” She pressed her lips together, willing herself not to speak.
“Really.”
The elevator doors opened, and I couldn’t have asked for better timing. We were let off at the level where the function would be held. Avery followed me off the elevator, and I pointed at the wall of glass doors leading to an outside patio.
“The view is gorgeous, especially at night.”
“I can imagine,” she said almost coldly.
I didn’t understand what made her demeanor change so suddenly. Most people wouldn’t look down on a corporation that gave back to the community where they could, and that was about all we’d covered.
“Greta wanted nothing to do with the event planner so I worked with her on the number of expected guests, catering, flowers, lighting, and security. I have the details and will email everything over tonight.”
“Why didn’t Greta want to work with the event planner?” she asked, following me toward the wall of glass.
“A sordid history.”
“How so? Greta seems pretty easy to please.” She stopped walking behind me, and I turned around to see her watching me.
“Greta is extremely easy to work with.” I drew in a breath and narrowed my eyes on Avery.
“Then what gives?” She flashed a curious smile in my direction as her eyes swept up and down my body. It was like I was being questioned in a court of law, and it about undid me. It didn’t matter what she was wearing. She was out of this world. Everything about her was curvy and feminine, and her fiery attitude only made me imagine what she’d be like in bed. I needed to put an end to that thought right away.
“I slept with her, but we’d already signed the contract.”
She shifted her weight and crossed her arms. “What in the world does that have to do with Greta?”
“Greta didn’t like her from the moment she came into the office, and when she found out I dated her, that only made Greta more infuriated.”
“Why would she care?” Her arms loosened up in front of
her, pushing her breasts out more. I turned around to see the view of the city.
“Over the years, she’s taken on a bit of a motherly role. It doesn’t help that she’s friends with my mom, so she hears things and becomes protective and easily disappointed.” I slid my hands on my hips, lifting the suit jacket slightly. “I disappoint her frequently when it comes to my dating life.”
“It doesn’t sound like you dated the event planner.”
“I use the term loosely.”
“That’s enough explanation for me.” I heard her coming up behind me and my entire body lit up. The terrace was beautiful and the view of the city was something very few would ever experience. I imagined myself bringing Avery in to me, pressing her up against the glass, and kissing every square inch of her body. I let out a deep sigh.
“Will you be making use of the outdoor area?” she asked. “We could put heaters out there so guests can imagine what it’s like on a summer night.”
“I hadn’t thought about that. I like that idea.” I nodded and turned to face her.
Her expression had softened as she looked over the gold and white lights of the city.
“Did you grow up in New York?” I asked.
She shook her head and went back to looking uncomfortable.
“Idaho.”
“Wow. This is quite the change then.”
“It is.” She nodded and slid a look in my direction before turning her attention back to the city. “I needed to get as far away from where I grew up as possible, and this city seemed to offer the most opportunity to blend in.”
Her words pricked their way into my bones.
“Do you have any family out here?”
“No,” she answered curtly. “Mind if I go outside to check out the patio?”
“Be my guest.”
She opened the door, and the chill bit into me as I watched her wander toward the garden area. I came up behind her as she took in the outdoor space.
“I think we should set up ten or twenty tables so people have the option to enjoy the views. I’ll get in touch with the planner. What’s her name?”
Devin: A Romantic Suspense (V Mafia Series Book 2) Page 7