Addressing things with HR was only one piece. They weren’t going to have the answers to all of Drake’s questions. The knowledge of her lack of experience was like a red flag and should’ve put her in the hell-no pile. But that didn’t explain why she took it.
Although lunch tomorrow wasn’t part of his plan, he was glad she declined coffee. He wanted to see her out of costume. He’d seen other women dressed exactly as Isa was, but there still was something different about her. How was it that, even across the room, she stood out?
Drake didn’t want to imagine what she looked like beneath the makeup. It shouldn’t matter. He was only meeting with her for one damn reason. To find out what the hell she’s doing here. He wanted to read her eyes, her body language, while they spoke, and it was too easy for her to hide behind all the makeup. Tomorrow there wouldn’t be any place to hide.
He was thankful to have learned one thing: she’d provided proof of citizenship when she was hired. Drake knew Alex wanted to hire her and take her back to Tabiq, but if she were here illegally, he’d send her packing whether she wanted to or not. He had too much to lose, and he wasn’t about to do so over a woman.
Picking up his cell phone, he called Dean Henderson.
“Hello.” Dean sounded groggy.
“When do you want to start?”
Dean mumbled something sounding pretty much like cussing.
“Papers are signed and were sent overnight to you. You should receive them by morning.” By the clock, daybreak was only a few hours away.
“You sound more eager than I expected. Alex is a lot of things, but sales and negotiations aren’t any of them. What changed your mind?”
Drake could come up with a shitload of reasons, but the truth was, he didn’t know. He originally thought he would only show up for the grand opening. Now after speaking with Alex and seeing his expression when he spoke of Tabiq, he really wanted hands on.
“I see no reason to drag our feet on this. Unless your brother misled me on the situation.”
“Alex is one hell of a storyteller, but he’s not exaggerating about Tabiq. If anything he’s left out some . . . vital information. You might not want to be there when we break ground.”
“What exactly does that mean?” The papers were signed and sent, but he wasn’t about to be kept in the dark about anything. “Thought you had the situation under control there?” He’d heard things had gotten violent for a while. Were the rebels still an issue? If so, building a resort casino wasn’t going to stop that. If anything, it would be setting the resort up for failure from the get-go.
“For the most part, yes. There will always be some level of . . . conflict. At least for a few more years. That’s why what we’re doing is so important. We need to give them a way of supporting themselves. Hungry and desperate people sometimes do things they normally wouldn’t.”
Including killing. He was glad Isa had declined Alex’s offer even more. Drake shouldn’t be concerned about her. She was nothing to him, and for all he knew, her reason for being at High View Falls might not be a good one.
“So you agree, time is of the essence.”
Dean cleared his throat and said, “This is as enthusiastic as I get in the middle of the night. I’ll let everyone know, and I can fly out to go over the final plan in a few days. Unless you’re thinking about breaking ground tomorrow?”
Drake wasn’t fond of sarcasm. Unless it’s mine. “The sooner, the better. I’ll see you in a few days. We can firm up a date then.”
He ended the call, and closing his eyes he tried to sleep. Between the thefts, the new endeavor, and now Isa, he knew it was futile to keep trying. Not much was happening at this time of night/morning at the casino either. They were open 24/7, and the only thing to deal with at this time of night were the drunks. That would only piss him off. The last thing he needed was another reason to be angry.
Picking up Isa’s file and his laptop, he figured he’d do his own search on her. Google might not provide any valuable answers, but learning more about her was the only thing that appealed to him at the moment.
Although people tried to stay out of the limelight, there always was something out there. Sure enough, he found a picture of her standing with an older couple. He read the caption. Isa Grzyb celebrates becoming a US citizen.
Grzyb. It was such an odd last name. It meant nothing to him, but he felt as though it should. He was tempted to call Dean back and ask, but the Hendersons weren’t from Tabiq. Drake was going to need to find a way to talk to Ziva, Alex’s wife. Maybe the name means something to her.
Drake spent another hour doing what he could, but there were no other photos, or at least none she was tagged in. Why did she stay off the grid? There was no social media page or anything else someone would normally have. Not even a bank account.
He was a businessman, not a computer genius. Drake was going to need assistance. He remembered Alex mentioning the Turchettas. He had his own team, but he wanted information that might, unfortunately, point to someone who worked for him.
He’d already disturbed one brother; what the hell, he might as well go for two. Picking up his phone, he sent a text to Alex.
NEED NUMBER FOR TURCHETTA
Alex was supposed to leave last night, and he knew they could still be in flight. Surprisingly he got a response.
DETAILS NEEDED. WHICH ONE?
How the hell do I know?
RESEARCH NEEDED.
Drake wasn’t about to tell Alex a damn thing about Isa or anything else. Just give me the fucking number.
GABE.
Alex sent over the number and Drake saved it. He needed to do a bit of research on Gabe as well. Hopefully with more results than he found on Isa.
The next few hours were spent reading all the articles on the Turchetta family. The only reason he hadn’t come across them before was because until now, he hadn’t needed anyone’s help. I see why the Hendersons hire them. They’re damn good. He also needed them to be discrete. If Gabe could do both, he was exactly who Drake needed.
First thing in the morning he’d reach out and make his request. Might as well introduce myself. I have a feeling we’ll be working together in Tabiq anyway.
Chapter 5
Isa changed clothes about six times. Nothing seemed right for having lunch with Drake. She’d call and cancel, but she didn’t have his number. If he worked for High View Falls, surely HR would have his number. Totally unethical for me to ask and illegal for them to give it to me.
She was stuck, and it really was her own fault. When Drake asked, or told her, she could’ve yelled down the hall, no. But she didn’t. Why? He piqued her interest but raised a warning sign. The man was dangerous. She didn’t need to get to know him better to confirm that. Whatever his interest was in her, it couldn’t be good. She wasn’t a woman men found . . . interesting. At least not men like Drake. She wasn’t a fun party girl. She didn’t like nightclubs or large crowds. The fast life wasn’t for her.
Isa looked at herself in the mirror one last time. She didn’t have any fancy dresses to wear. Her investments in clothing were practical. Since she was job hunting for an office job, that’s what was in her closet. The only difference was color, but they all were conservative. Looking in the mirror, she couldn’t help but smirk. She was wearing the same outfit she had on the day he’d knocked her on her backside.
It really was fitting to have it on now. Isa was about to tell him he was arrogant and bossy, two unappealing traits. Before doing that, she figured it was best to find out exactly who he was. If given more time, she could touch base with Janet and get her take on Drake, or Mr. Fletcher, as she called him. That was a clue because Janet didn’t normally address people so formally. Whatever his job, it was high enough that she was on her best behavior. That wasn’t saying much. Janet is a free spirit.
She couldn’t let her nerves get the best of her. This was lunch, not a date. For some odd reason, Drake wanted to get to know her. What harm was in that? She’
d gone to lunch with a bunch of people from the Pussy Cat Lounge, and that was all about team building and getting to know each other. Drake was no different than she was, just in a different position. Maybe their meeting today will be as enjoyable as her luncheon yesterday.
She grabbed her purse and headed to the casino. Her mind was made up. It was all about attitude, and so far she’d had a negative one. That needed to change and it was about to, starting with Mr. Drake Fletcher. I didn’t let Alex Henderson bring me down, and Drake isn’t going to either.
Isa entered the hotel and was approached by one of the security guards. “Excuse me, this area is for staff only.”
She reached into her bag to pull out her badge and realized that, in the battle of wardrobe chaos, she’d forgotten it on one of the many outfits. This wasn’t good because she needed to swipe it for work. It wasn’t a major problem. All she would need to do was have a very quick lunch with Drake, so she had time to return home and grab her badge before her shift started.
“I’m here to meet Drake Fletcher.”
The security guard looked her over before asking, “By taking the service elevator?”
It really was foolish because she wasn’t working right now. It was a habit. “My mistake. I’ll go . . . go to the other one.” When she tried to leave, the guard put his hand on her arm and prevented her from going. She looked down then back at him. “Is there another problem?” Isa knew lunch with Drake was a bad idea, but this wasn’t how she’d wanted to avoid it.
Isa panicked slightly as the security guard reached into his pocket. She was hoping he was not going to pull out a Taser. All she had done was try to get into the wrong elevator. Instead, he pulled out a cell phone and snapped a picture of her face.
She knew security was tight, but did he really believe she was a security risk? If the situation wasn’t serious, she would be laughing right now. She looked at the clock on the wall and realized it was already one. Even if the security guard let her go now, she would be late. Something told her Drake wasn’t going to be pleased either way. At this point, she might as well stand him up. It was the lesser of two evils.
“Sir, if you let me go, I promise to leave now.” Isa could feel the tension in her body but was relieved when he released his hold.
The security guard looked at his phone again and then back at her. “I’m sorry, Ms. Bowen. We just needed to make sure you belong here before letting you go up.”
There was no way they checked each and every employee to this extent. If they did, no one would want to come to High View Falls. She was even questioning if she wanted to remain an employee of such an establishment. It was like she was being watched all the time. If it wasn’t for how much she’d made in three days, more than she had in an entire week in an office, she might decide to head to HR and give her notice instead of meeting Drake.
At least the security guards expression wasn’t so harsh and his tone softened as he spoke. “If you come with me, I’ll be happy to escort you to Mr. Fletcher.”
Did they still not trust her? “Thank you, but I believe I can find my way to Forever Fresh on my own.”
“Mr. Fletcher asked for you to meet him in his office.”
Is that who you have been communicating with? Did you send him the photo? At least it confirmed that Drake did work there. But there were very strict rules, actually an entire handbook of them she had been given the day she was hired. There was a code of conduct manual as well as reasons for termination. Most of them would never apply to her. She did not steal, fight, do drugs, or use profanity. Since she was not dating or interested in dating anyone, fraternizing while on duty wasn’t going to be an issue either. However, if Drake was still working, she really did not want to disturb him. He might be able to afford to risk his employment status, but she could not risk losing this job.
“I have actually changed my mind.”
The guard cocked a brow and replied, “I don’t believe that’s wise. Mr. Fletcher is expecting you.”
Isn’t that too bad for him? “I’m sure he’s capable of having lunch on his own.”
Isa wasn’t going to stand around waiting for permission to leave. She was not on the clock, which meant she was free to come and go as she pleased. Turning, she headed out the main door and walked back to the bus stop. Without the stress of being short on time, she could go back to her apartment and change into something more relaxed. Although she was comfortable in a business suit, it’s not what she wanted to wear on the bus when she got off work close to midnight. It was scary enough riding a bus so late. Being a young female made her stand out and risk becoming a target for a mugger. I have enough problems already without adding that to my list.
After she boarded the bus, it drove by the front of the casino one more time before pulling onto the main road. Although she was telling herself she was glad lunch was off, part of her wished she had the opportunity to address Drake. She did have questions, but they probably were best not asked. Why start something that can’t go anywhere?
Isa found Drake attractive the first time they’d met. Even from the compromising position of being sprawled out on a floor. But he kept appearing out of nowhere. It was as though it was fate that they met. But for what reason? Drake didn’t appear to be interested in her, at least not that she could tell. If anything, her presence around him seemed to have an adverse effect. Maybe that’s why he’s piqued my interest. Whatever it was, it was over. She was sure the security guard would deliver the message. A man like Drake was not going to tolerate being ignored. But she did not work for Drake. High View Falls signed her paycheck, and only they could dictate how she spent her time. And even then only when they’re paying me.
* * *
When his phone buzzed with a photo from security his jaw dropped. Drake knew he had been physically attracted to both women. What he hadn’t anticipated was they were one in the same. Drake was pissed at himself for not putting the two together. He knew Isa was familiar to him. Even with all the makeup, he should’ve realized she was the same woman he’d picked up off the floor a few days ago.
Leaning back in his chair, it was crystal clear. Her voice. Her perfume. Those dark eyes. He usually didn’t make such mistakes. But he didn’t normally notice much about a woman. They threw themselves at him all the time for one reason only, a quick way to get rich. He had worked too fucking hard to get where he was to throw it all away for something he didn’t believe in. Love was no different than rolling the dice or spinning the wheel at the roulette table. Some win. Most lose.
He should be elated she backed out. She was a complication, a distraction he didn’t need. But there was something about her that drew him to her. His gut told him not to let her go. Alex had made her a sweet offer to leave, yet she turned him down. Drake needed to know why. She had just gotten the job here, so it had nothing to do with her loyalty to High View Falls. And it definitely isn’t because of me.
He knew he needed Gabe Turchetta more than ever. Drake wanted to know every single detail about Isa. Every dirty little secret you’re hiding. And every little guilty pleasure you hold.
What Isa didn’t know was he had her phone number from her application. She may have canceled their luncheon, but she would be back in a few hours and on his time. He was not about to show up at the lounge. That didn’t mean he wasn’t going to use his authority and position to get what he wanted.
Dialing the number Alex gave him for Gabe, he prepared to initiate his plan.
“Turchetta here.”
“Is this Gabe Turchetta?” The last thing Drake wanted to do was divulge information to the wrong party.
“The one and only.”
Gabe sounded way too happy for his liking. He wasn’t sure about this. He knew the Hendersons would not hire anyone who wasn’t extremely qualified. And discreet. Drake was willing to give him a shot, but he hoped Gabe’s cheery disposition was only for a fleeting moment.
“I’m in need of your skills.” Alex had informed Drake
of Gabe’s ability to uncover what no one else could. He had a feeling it was going to take Gabe’s talent to find what he was looking for. Isa. But this was bigger than just her. He was going to utilize Gabe to do a more in-depth background check of all three men who had been caught stealing.
“And you got my number from?”
“Alex Henderson. He explained how valuable you were in Tabiq.” That should be enough to convince Gabe. The Hendersons had been able to keep their name out of the news when everything had gone down in Tabiq. He had no doubt, between Gabe Turchetta and Bennett Stone, they had intentionally distanced the Henderson name.
“Surprising, but accurate. What exactly are you looking for? I don’t take on work just because someone can afford to pay me.”
Don’t get all ethical with me. I already know most of what you do must be illegal. “I will be doing a joint venture with the Hendersons. There are a few employees I need information on.”
“I suggest doing a BCI check on them. You should have an HR department who handles these things for you.”
He could hear the sarcasm in Gabe’s voice. “I prefer to keep this quiet. The announcement has not been made to my executives or my HR department. I need this taken care of before the groundbreaking takes place in Tabiq.”
“I know they’re talking about bringing in business. I did not realize it was going to be a casino.”
“An all-inclusive resort, which also has a casino.” Drake could understand why Gabe or anyone else may have concerns. It wouldn’t have been his first choice, or even made the list of locations to build on, but if it worked, the profit might outweigh the risk.
“Send me the names of the employees and I will get you the information.”
Seven Guilty Pleasures Page 6