Page 131 of Scars Run Deep

“I can’t work off just pieces of the big picture.”

“Information isn’t always power. It’s pain.”

Pain? Interesting way of putting it. “So, the head is somebody I know? Somebody I’ve crossed in the past? There’s a personal aspect to it?”

“I need that auction location. You’re going to need my help.”

“You know I was kept out of that aspect of the business.”

“Liv believes Valerie may know.”

“Only if they use a gala-esque event to conceal what lies beneath. That’s the only way she would be involved.”

“Can you feel it out?”

Before I could answer, a text came in. I started when I saw who it was from.

Jesus.

“Hold on. Message from Carson.”

Carson: Pop-up gala two days from now. Need you there showing support for Monroe Enterprises. Reed and Sam will be ordering Jonah and Killian’s attendance too.

Asher: All hands on deck in the wake of these devastating blows?

Carson: I knew you’d understand the gravity of the situation. Ensure your charges are made aware and on their best behavior, ready to serve.

Asher: Where?

Carson: Everyone gets the location two hours before the event.

Asher: So long as that’s enough time for me to drive there.

Carson: I can’t have you being tardy, that would reflect badly on me.

That didn’t narrow it down enough.

Asher: I’ll be there.

Carson: Good boy.

I gritted my teeth, then took a harsh drag of my smoke and got back to Lance.

“That was Carson. There’s a pop-up gala happening in two days. He wants me and the boys there representing.”

“That’s the cover for the auction then. Where?”

“He’ll reveal the location two hours beforehand.”

“Even only last-minute to you?”

“Yeah.”

“That doesn’t bode well. He might very well suspect you.”

“Then I guess we’d better pool our resources, because if I fall, we’re all in trouble. And I’m not looking to check out until I know he already has.”

“What does that mean?”

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