Page 87 of Captured

It appeared as if he didn’t have a care in the world. That was truly disgusting.

Mickey followed my line of sight, half laughing. “Your families always did spar with each other.”

“Not by choice. Competing with the Martins was my father’s business, not mine.”

“Well, you are riding in your father’s footsteps from what I understand.”

I would rarely get angry when anyone brought up my talents or penchant for violence, but mentioning my father in the context he just had left more than a bad taste in my mouth. I shifted in front of him, doing what I could to keep my cool. “Be careful, Mickey. You and I have been friendly over the years, your reporting decent in a town full of hacks, but I don’t want any mention of my father. He is dead, long buried. There is no story there. I hope you understand that. I suggest you leave it that way and concentrate on a juicier story, such as finding out why the illustrious foundation leader has yet to be indicted on the murder of his wife.”

Mickey’s eyes opened wide, his mouth going slack. It had never been mentioned, the entire situation swept under the rug all those years ago. At that point, Mickey had just arrived in town from what I could remember, and had certainly not been given an opportunity to handle reporting the news on the horrific event. The reporter had tried to make sense of my father’s sudden disappearance when he’d still been rather wet behind the years. He’d simply wanted his fifteen minutes of fame. Without a body, he hadn’t been successful.

A cat seemed to have snagged his tongue. I guess that was better than me ripping it out of his head for his insinuations. I did wonder who had tipped him off about the moniker coined almost two years before. I noticed the prince had arrived, immediately heading toward Gideon with his entourage.

“You’re shittin’ me,” Mickey said under his breath.

“Do I look like a man who doesn’t provide the truth?” I adjusted the lapel of his jacket, picking off nonexistent fuzz.

I could smell his fear, but even more, his eagerness to be granted an exclusive. “No, sir. You look like an upstanding man who has the ability to control the world.”

“Then perhaps you’ll look into the case and why the current chief of police is keeping it under wraps. Or why Gideon is in the process of selling his daughter to an Arab prince. Now, if you’re a very good little boy, you might have a treat in your inbox in the morning.”

No, I wasn’t the kind of man to be fucked with, but it would seem I was viewed as a pawn to be shuffled around by at least two parties. That would end on this trip, of course. One way or the other.

Mickey seemed to take the advice with a grain of salt. “Holy shit. I will look for it.” Once again, he shifted his gaze around my muscular arm, eyeing the ongoing conversation Gideon was having with Prince Aziz. “What a fucking lunatic.”

“You have no idea what the man is capable of. However, you should do your job. I think you’ll find it very beneficial to your health.” I backed away, offering him a smirk.

He was scared of the entire situation he’d gotten himself in the middle of.

But he was petrified of what I was capable of.

“I’ll do that. I appreciate the tip. Don’t forget your promise. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Now, let me give you a piece of advice. If what I understand is in the works happens tonight, namely the good Gideon Martin announcing his run for president of these illustrious United States, I’d have a story carefully crafted about his bony, broken skeletons. You’ll have the proof you need when the district attorney grills you, which I’m certain he will after your series of reports settles. If you get my drift.”

“Yes, sir, I do. I assume I can’t quote you.” His grin had returned, as if he had the upper hand.

I did nothing more than lift my gaze and he paled. “There will be no need. I think it’s time Mr. Martin learns the American public prefers a more reputable man to land in the White House. And I think you’re the perfect man to handle that objective. Call it a mission from God. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I do have business to attend to. I hope I can count on you, Mickey. I have a long memory.” The truth was I found it fascinating that my attendance had been disclosed prior to my arrival.

I’d secured an invitation from one of my old buddies, a man who’d been on the hospital’s board of directors for years, but that had only been a few hours before. He was usually discreet, although given my former status as a money maker for the foundation, he might have mentioned it in passing to a couple of people, who in turn had told those involved with the festivities I was making an appearance. Gossip traveled fast.

Why did I think otherwise?

I held my anger and that thought, moving toward my prey. It was time to find out what Gideon had in mind for his daughter and why he was continuing the charade.

After that, I’d make it very clear to him that Emily was mine and mine alone.

And I’d hope he’d make an attempt on my life, providing a nice excuse to bring back a little gift for my prized sparrow.

A very special souvenir.

Chuckling, I tossed back the rest of my drink, slamming the empty crystal tumbler on the tray of a passing waiter.

If only I could take Gideon to visit my father’s former hunting grounds.

Maybe I really was like my father after all.

CHAPTER 23

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