Page 54 of Captured

“I discovered some emails sent back and forth, various financial transactions that would indicate otherwise. It would seem the two men have been in business together for years.”

I wasn’t shocked. It was something I’d thought about more than once. However, going through the motions of having me kill Gideon’s daughter could mean Liam wanted the upper hand. Perhaps he had plans of making his daughter’s death appear as a murder, drawing attention to Gideon while Liam and his cohorts who were trying to remain in the shadows enacted some kind of a plan.

And they thought I’d been greedy enough to accept the millions of dollars they’d offered in exchange for doing the dirty deed. Then again, what if Liam had intentions of using me as a secondary scapegoat, which would certainly eliminate dangerous connections and a part of a very powerful family regime?

“Excellent detective skills, my friend,” I told him. Now he seemed surprised since I rarely gave out compliments.

“Wow. One day at your compound and the light and life of a beautiful girl has changed you. I think I like it.”

I threw him another harsh look, but he was right in that I was looking at things somewhat differently. “I will likely need to pay Gideon a little visit, especially since it would appear he’s swept the attack on his estate under the rug.”

“I was wondering about that. Do you think it’s possible he was the one behind the contract on his daughter?”

“It’s something to consider. What about the Arab prince?”

“That was tougher to determine any information other than Prince Aziz has purchased various oil rigs and invested in dozens of oil pipelines within the United States and other countries. All very legit but it’s too perfect if you know what I mean.”

“Yes, I do. That means he’s working with someone to garner even more power and wealth.”

“Maybe Emily Martin was a gift to the man, a gesture of appreciation on Gideon’s part.”

Those were the lines I was thinking more than the man wanting to kill his own daughter. Granted, she’d been the one to find her mother’s body but the story of a terrified eleven-year-old girl, especially after all these years, would be unbelievable. Challenged in court. If he’d wanted to do something to Emily, other than use her as a valuable commodity, then he had the perfect opportunity years before when she’d needed psychological counseling.

No, it was apparent the pieces of the intricate puzzle weren’t fitting together easily. That would take time, additional investigation and using the kind of tactics Gideon wasn’t used to.

“Did you make a list of Gideon’s friends?” I asked more in passing.

Rico nodded. “I did. I’m waiting for some additional information from a buddy of mine, but I’ll send everything to you within a couple hours.”

I sat back, easing my arms behind my head. “Good. I don’t have any desire to return to Boston at the moment, but I don’t like being played.”

“Understandable. Axe and I can look after your guest, the other soldiers as well.”

“I’m well aware. I simply have been enjoying her company.” I offered something he wasn’t used to. Another smile.

He pressed his hand against his heart, taking a fake stumbling step backwards. “Is the big man ready to settle down, raise a family?”

I chuckled darkly. “I don’t know about that, but I do enjoy her company and her piano playing.”

“Mmm… Then I’ll look forward to what the future brings. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Do a sweep of the grounds from the interior out. I need to make certain the traps are set and there’s no breach in the perimeter gates.”

“You’re thinking we’ve been breached?”

“Not necessarily but my gut is telling me that I stepped into some shit. I don’t want it rubbing off on my privacy. Do you understand?”

“I get it. I’ll instruct the men and if there are any issues, I’ll let you know.”

My phone rang and when I dropped my gaze, I instantly snarled. I hadn’t talked to my fucking brother in almost two years. Why the hell was he contacting me now?

“I’ll leave you to other business.” Rico could tell when something was wrong, backing away almost instantly. “Who is it?”

“Fucking Creed. What the hell does he want?”

Rico whistled. “Nothing good.”

“Tell me about it.”

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