Page 24 of Crave Me

“This is just me expressing concern. Daria has also been trying to reach you regarding you making an appearance at King Tower to reassure your partners, investors, and employees during this tumultuous time, the kidnappings being all over the news, rumors of a missile being launched that’s attracting military and government attention.”

“It wasn’t a missile. I’m already putting out that fire.”

“You are?”

“Of course. King has contracts with the military that are most lucrative to them. They were more than willing to buy my explanation should our arrangement continue, along with me providing proof that the rumors had no merit.”

“No merit? How did you pull that off?”

“How do you think?”

“You falsified this proof?”

“I did what I had to do. As for the court of public opinion, that noise won’t cease until Caleb and Bastian are back here. And I’ve already organized a video meeting to reassure our own. Tomorrow afternoon.”

“Well… good.”

“I’m of sound mind, Luke. Don’t let Dante’s overreaction to my interaction with Ben Harvey get to you.”

“So what you did to Ben was just you not pulling any punches?”

“In essence.”

“What about pulling on these legitimate military contacts of yours?”

“We’re dealing with black ops and a whole lot of subterfuge. It would raise more concerns if they knew I was delving into that. They can’t be made aware. It will only backfire and serve to further complicate things. It could even slow us down with us being forced to adhere to protocols and specific rules of engagement.”

He gave a nod, then went to head out of my office.

But then he stopped and eyed me over his shoulder. “Be careful. It’s a dangerous line to walk. Some acts are incredibly difficult to live with in the aftermath, Caspian. Too much of it will weigh you down more than you can possibly imagine. I don’t want that for you. None of us do and the boys certainly don’t either. Just keep that in mind.”

With that, he smiled sadly, then closed the door.

Hell.

I shook it off and rounded my desk, taking a seat, and starting to look through Caleb’s phone for the information I would need to ensure his rehabilitation facilities wouldn’t suffer in his absence.

But then an unopened text caught my attention.

Ash: Got something. Call me.

I growled low in my throat.

And then I took in the rest of the text conversation.

One particular aspect stood out to me.

Ash: Working on it. Based on what you’ve told me, suspicion regarding Mancini is valid, my friend. Trust your instincts.

Caleb: Appreciate it, Ash.

“Oh, Caleb.”

He was still in direct contact with Asher Monroe.

And he hadn’t told me.

Now I could see why.

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