Page 91 of Silk Shadow

"No doubt about it," Viper said firmly.

She winced. "To think I made Robert CEO when my father died.” Her eyes widened. "Do you think Robert was responsible for his death too?"

"No," said Pat, immediately. “That was the cartel.”

Viper arched an eyebrow. "Did the suspects confess?"

He gave a curt nod. "One of the FBI agents flew down there this afternoon, and they struck a deal with one of the suspects for information on the cartel.”

Izzy leaned forward. “What did he say?”

“The leader of the cartel ordered the hit on Richard. Once the U.S. authorities recover his vehicle from the ravine, they expect to find evidence that he was forced off the road.”

Izzy bit her lip. “Oh, my God.” It was a lot to take in. “Then when I took over, they decided to kidnap me in exchange for the mining rights.”

“That’s about it,” Pat confirmed.

“What about now?”

“Sell the company and it’s no longer your problem,” Pat said.

Izzy nodded. “I still can’t believe they were willing to take me out." She wasn’t talking about the cartel anymore. “My father entrusted the company to Robert, and Raf was given the shares by his father. How could they do this?”

"Your uncle wasn't a very savory person," said Pat quietly.

Izzy stared at him. "You knew Uncle Pete?"

"Yeah, I met him once or twice at your folks' house. The first time, he was asking for money. Your father sent him packing. There was a nasty fight outside. Richard punched him and the neighbors called the cops. I managed to calm everyone down and no charges were filed."

Izzy was shocked. “I had no idea.”

"The second was a few years later. They'd reconciled and Peter asked that Raf be given a stake in the company. He'd just graduated with an MBA from Georgetown. Your father agreed, because it wasn't the kid's fault his father was a conman and a loser.”

"Raf never mentioned his parents."

"Understandable. Anyway, after that, Raf started working at the company and despite your father's misgivings, he did well."

"I remember when he started," Izzy said. "What happened to his father?"

"Peter had disappeared by then. I think he owed some dangerous people a great deal of money, and his wife refused to bail him out. They subsequently divorced."

"How do you know so much about my family?" Izzy asked Pat.

He shrugged. "I told you, your mother and I were close. We talked. She told me things."

Izzy felt the trauma of the last few hours start to catch up with her. "I'd love to hear more, but right now I just want to go upstairs and rest." She glanced at Viper. "Will you take me home?"

She saw Viper glance at Pat, who nodded. "You'll have to go down to the precinct tomorrow and give your statement. I'll stay here and clear up this mess."

"I will, and by the way, Viper is staying with me tonight, whether you like it or not."

Pat’s dark eyes sparkled. "Since he's no longer your personal protection officer, I don't have a problem with that."

Viper exhaled. Thank God for that, because he was about to tell Pat he could go to hell. Izzy needed him and he wasn't about to let her down.

Not after this. Not for anyone.

CHAPTER 38

---