Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
I returned to my place and called Damien. It was late on his side of the world, but I knew he would be awake.
He answered fast and worried. “Egan? What’s up?”
“My blood pressure,” I muttered. “But not for the reason you think.”
“What’s going on?” he asked.
I sat back and told him what had occurred today. About the way the vibe and instincts had increased every moment I spent in the company of “Ivan Jones.” I also told him my hunch that Ivan had confirmed and the fact that the oddly behaved Alex was his nephew.
“You checked this Ivan out?” he inquired.
“Yeah—briefly. The business is registered and looks legal. It’s owned by a numbered company, which is owned by yet another one. Lots of layers to peel back. I need to concentrate on him. Something isn’t sitting right with me. And when I called Barry, he told me he’d had an inquiry but never gave my name specifically. He said he’d told the caller he had a top-notch crew and could handle any job.” I sighed. “Leo and I did some digging, but the software isn’t the same as what HJ had. I hacked into what I could with my resources, but aside from his card and name, I don’t have much to go on. There isn’t a website or place I can start from. I need access.”
“You can’t get to the HJ software without the system code and log-in. You know how deeply I encrypted it. And there is nowhere I can send you to get access.”
I missed the hidden office in the building where Elite Security was located. The system and incredible machines were all gone to another secret location. There were new leaders, new teams. The rare occasion I was called in, I had a contact, a meeting place, and directions. Need-to-know basis only. I never thought I would need access to the powerful system Damien had run again.
“But you can get access,” I said quietly. “I need your help.”
“And you will get it. Do you have a sketch?”
“Even better. I have a picture I can send.”
“You’re sure he’s Russian?”
“He covered the accent well, but I heard it. And his demeanor was telling. His approach was way off. He was too forceful, too direct. He is used to issuing orders.”
Damien was quiet. “I don’t like the sound of this, Egan. What does he want blown up?”
“No idea. But he’s decided that I must be a demolition expert for hire.”
Damien chuckled. “Wonder where he got that idea?”
“That was a long time ago, and I got out of it. Way before HJ. And all the jobs I did after HJ were legal.”
“Sometimes the past catches up with us when we least expect it. Julian can tell you all about that.”
“I know.”
“You need to watch your back.”
“I’m aware.”
“Okay, send me the picture. I’ll do some digging. I’ll chat with the others. Maybe now you’ve said no, he’ll look elsewhere.”
“I have a feeling he won’t. His veiled threat said it all. But if he tries, I know how to fight back. I’m not being dragged into that world again.”
“I know.” He paused. “Have you told Sofia?”
“No. She’s asleep, and I’m not sure if I should tell her.”
“You have to. She needs to be aware. On alert. You can’t hide this from her.”
I groaned. “She might use it as a reason not to let this relationship go forward.”
“I think that ship has sailed, Egan. She has admitted to me she has feelings for you.”
“Will she still think so if she gets worried about my safety? It’s such a trigger for her.” I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. “Or her own safety. If she gets worried she might be in danger because of me, she will pull back.”
“Have you been out on the town much?”
“No. Not at all. We’re pretty much homebodies.”
“Then there’s nothing connecting you except living in the same building. But other people live there as well, so it’s not obvious. But you should be careful—stick to the homebody thing.”
“I will. I’ve been careful since Alex’s unusual visit. I haven’t noticed anything. No tails, nobody watching. Nothing. We swept Elite for bugs, and I did the same with my car, this place, and the gym. Nothing. I’m being cautious.”
“Still, you should tell her. She hates being lied to, and she would see an omission as the same as a lie.”
“I will.”
I rubbed my aching temples, not wanting to discuss it any further, but knowing that he was right. “Look into Ivan Jones for me.”
“I will.”
We talked a few moments more. Everyone on the island was well. I was pleased to hear it, but after I hung up, I sat forward, resting my head in my hands.
I knew I had to tell Sofia. She needed to know the truth. But how she would react troubled me. I cursed Ivan Jones and whatever had brought him into my life. I had finally broken down Sofia’s walls, and now, because of him, I might find them re-erected.