Page 86 of Captured

As I strolled through the lobby, I was almost at peace from thinking about sweet Emily. She was simply a magnificent woman, capable of soothing any beast in the wild. But again, she was all mine.

I’d stood inside her bedroom, watching her sleep as I’d done before. Then I’d curled up beside her, surprised she’d wanted me to hold her tightly against me. Even more shocking? I’d fallen into a restful sleep. The quiet time we’d shared in morning doing nothing more than watching the sun rise while having coffee was more powerful than making love to her. She’d seemed to relish our togetherness.

Or maybe she’d finally become resigned. I wasn’t entirely certain which.

However, there’d been no tears.

I closed my eyes as the elevator shot up to the top floor, the expansive conference rooms adorned with expensive crystal chandeliers and plush carpets. There was obviously no expense too significant for a man like Gideon Martin.

While this was nothing more than a fact-finding mission and laying out the score, providing Gideon with an opportunity to come face to face with his enemy, I was hoping to glean all the information I could for regarding the meeting with the prince.

Even thought I’d yet to determine what I would do with it once in my hands.

As the elevator pinged, I took a deep breath, running both hands through my hair just as the doors opened. I knew my way around any fundraiser, including for this particular charity. I found it interesting that Gideon was now touting it as his fundraising effort of choice only a couple of years after I’d been given an award for my humanitarian help.

I still cared about the medical profession, perhaps even having more respect than I had when I was a surgeon. As soon as I entered the main ballroom, I headed for the bar. I was recognized almost immediately, including by several members of the press. I had no issue giving a statement, actively supporting such a wonderful cause for the children’s hospital. A wing had even been named after me, which made me a celebrity in the hallowed walls.

The tragedy my little family had endured had been in the news, the gossip ensuing after I’d up and quit my profession, rumors flying from I’d lost my mind to I’d gone underground to try to learn who’d set the fires.

What had been kept from the press was the weapons had been used before the fire had been set. They’d suffered before dying.

Even now, as one of the few reporters I respected swaggered closer, I bristled inside, still keeping a smile on my face. I hadn’t been a recluse, but this was the first time I’d made an appearance with the foundation since losing my family.

I ordered a scotch as Mickey approached, the once eligible bachelor leaning against the bar.

“I’m surprised to see you,” he said.

“Why is that?”

“Because of the past.”

I chuckled, handing the bartender two twenties. “This is my old stomping ground, Mickey. I still find time to provide whatever assistance I can when I’m available as well as continue to be a true humanitarian.”

He choked on the drink he’d already half consumed. “You forget who you’re talking to, Styx. I’m one of the few people who have it under good authority you’re a man who now goes by the name of Talon. It sounds like a fucking sparrow if you ask me.”

As he tipped his head, searching my eyes, all I could do was laugh. “Do I look like a fucking sparrow to you, Mickey?”

Swirling the ice cubes in the glass, I could tell he was debating what to say to me. My entire family had a dark reputation in town and had for two generations, my foray into the medical field not removing the taint on our name.

Or the reverence.

My father had owned half the town when he was still alive. Now my brothers and I did, even though Gideon was attempting to grab what he could of our power and our influence. “No, you look like an assassin.”

The fact a reporter had learned my secret could mean someone had tipped him off. That didn’t bode well with me at all. I took a sip of my drink, scanning the festively decorated room, not appearing to have a care in the world. “I am curious what an assassin looks like, James Bond?”

He laughed, snorting after doing so. “Kinda. Sophisticated and icy cool, as if nothing would ruffle your feathers. I must say, if what they said about your wife’s death was the truth, I couldn’t blame you for turning into a cold-blooded killer.”

The man seemed to be a package of information today. Much like those I’d prepared in advance calling in favors and utilizing the various powerful connections I had. Sadly, I sensed Mickey had been told to try to ruffle my feathers. If I had additional time tonight, I’d break his legs in response, but I was here for an entirely different reason and refused to be sidetracked. So I quickly developed other plans. Why not use him? “Be careful, my friend, of ancient and false information. That will only prove to be detrimental to circumstances of your life. But the truth can set you free.”

I was no fool. He could certainly be wired, using whatever I had to say against me, but if I had to guess, I’d also think he had an envelope of cash stuffed inside his ill-fitting tuxedo jacket, promised a juicy story for his time and the level of danger.

“Do you have the truth?”

“Always, but only for those most deserving. After all, I am the controller of several destinies.” Allow him to chew on that for a little while.

“Oh, a warning from the great Styx Saint. I must admit I like this side of you better than your humanitarian one.”

I noticed Gideon across the room holding court. While tonight was more about the funding raised, the new addition to the children’s hospital, that didn’t mean he wasn’t the star of the show. He seemed to be in his element, mingling through the crowd, some of the most beautiful and wealthiest women in the city hanging onto his arm in hopes of being chosen for his bed.

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