Page 79 of Silk Shadow

The man turned around, surprised at being approached by a member of security. "Yes?"

"I'm Viper Morgan, Miss Beaumont's personal protection officer. Do you mind if I ask you some questions?"

He hesitated, but only for a moment. "I guess so."

They walked toward the marble lobby. "Do you think the cartel could have hired someone to kill Richard Beaumont?"

The manager hesitated. "It's possible. His death was suspicious. Richard drove that road every day. I was surprised to hear he’d gone off the cliff like that."

"These two men the police have in custody?—"

"As far as I know, they haven’t admitted to anything. Like I said, the local police are corrupt, and will probably let them go.”

More important than ever to get the FBI down there ASAP.

"Okay, thanks. If you hear of anything, will you let us know?" He handed the man one of the business cards that he'd gotten off Pat during their debrief. "That's my boss. You can reach me through him."

Jackson left, and Viper went back to the boardroom. He stood outside the door, not wanting to interrupt, and waited until the board meeting was finished. An hour later, the door opened, and everybody filed out.

"Let's go.” Izzy walked past him. She seemed to be in a hurry.

"Izzy, wait up!" Robert caught up, ignoring Viper who hung back. "Can we talk?"

"What about?" She turned to face him.

His voice dropped. "About us. You and me."

She sighed. "Robert, there is no us. I'm sorry, but I just don't see you in that way. You're my friend and business partner, that's all there is to it."

His face hardened and Viper didn't like the look in his eye. "I'd still like to talk. We haven't had a chance to catch up since you got back and there are things we need to discuss. What you said about potentially selling the company, for example. I think we should discuss it."

"I can't tonight, Robert. I’ve got plans."

“With him?” Robert shot an angry glance in Viper’s direction.

“No, Robert. He’s my bodyguard.” She sighed impatiently. “I’ve got to go.”

Robert didn't give up. "I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. The kidnapping, getting shot, it’s all been a strain. Let’s go somewhere quiet and talk. How about tomorrow night?”

Her gaze flickered to Viper, then back to Robert. "Okay, fine."

"Great, I'll pick you up at eight."

Viper kept quiet as they took the elevator to the underground parking garage. They'd come in her car, a sleek white Mercedes SLK convertible. Sure, it was a nice ride, but he wasn't a fan of the soft top. A bullet could easily tear through it, and a semi-automatic could cause some serious damage.

"It’s not a good idea to go out," he said, as he opened the back door for her.

"It’s only Robert,” she said, climbing in. “He’s not a threat.”

Viper shut the door and climbed in behind the wheel. "It’s not that. It’s just I can't guarantee your safety in a busy restaurant." And he sure as shit didn't want to sit and watch Robert wine and dine her. The guy was a jerk. He didn't care about Izzy, only about the company.

She leaned forward and put her hand on his shoulder. Just a brief touch, but it was enough to make him weak with longing. "I appreciate your concern, Viper, but it will be okay."

He put the vehicle into reverse, scanning the area. "It’s my job to advise you on your security."

She smiled gently. "Consider me duly advised."

They left the tower block and headed back to her place. Her voice broke the silence. "Can you stop at a store? I’ve got nothing in the fridge."

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