Page 64 of The Councilor

“Where they bring the criminals in. Like in the movies.”

“Yes, something like that.” I headed around the curve of the building, stopping at a steel door guarded by a typical console you’d expect in any garage. When I opened my window, placing my palm on the surface, I couldn’t tell if she was impressed or merely laughing at all the gadgets.

But she sucked in her breath when the steel door rolled up, revealing the tunnel inside. There were lights encasing both sides, a generator attached to the electricity should it go off. I wouldn’t put it past my enemies to cut off the electricity, trapping me inside.

Not going to happen.

I drove like a bat out of hell through the tunnel, enjoying the twists and turns the positioning allowed me. I rarely used themethod of escape, too eager to get to my destination. This took me to an area of the city that wasn’t on anyone’s tourist map, but on a day like today, it was very useful.

“What is this place?” she asked. I couldn’t help but notice the firm grip she had on the dashboard.

“An old tunnel system built in the fifties. People within the city believed the shit they heard about every Russian, thinking we were all communists. If that didn’t scare them to death, aliens were becoming all the rage. They were certain they’d be scooped up for medical experiments.”

Instead of reacting in the way I thought she would, she laughed. “People are innately followers. Give them a certain color pill and they’ll follow along blindly. Cult leaders are amazing at doing that. They can make you believe the world is being invaded by several planets at one time.”

“Sounds like you know something about that.”

“Hardly. But I’m a damn good observer of people.”

“Which is what makes you good at what you do.”

She sighed beside me. “You know Mr. Tillman is guilty. Right?”

“Of course I do. I make it my business to know my clients inside and out.”

“But you’re still going to get him off.”

I’d never been challenged for my integrity this way. I couldn’t blame her, in truth. A better version of me would never defend a client like this. But I’d ceased being that man a long time ago.

As I came toward the opposite end of the tunnel, I could feel her stiffening. Not all women could tolerate the scrutiny ofreporters. They were nothing but nasty vermin as far as I was concerned, but unfortunately, they often produced evidence for the Feds.

I didn’t need any of that today. It was vital this case be finished.

I took a deep breath. We’d only been in the tunnel a few minutes, yet the weather had changed dramatically, the dark clouds matching my darker mood. One other thing I could add to my ‘not on my favorite list’ was that I hated having wool pulled over my eyes. And I had the distinct feeling someone was behind the sudden swarm of reporters.

After this was said and done, I’d hunt him or her down. Everyone should know by my reputation you didn’t back me into a corner. It would seem folks needed a strict reminder, much like my beautiful companion would continually need a reminder to behave.

I almost regretted having her with me today but it was just the beginning of a media frenzy. She might as well get used to it. The moment I pulled onto the side street, I expected to be bombarded, which was ridiculous. But after what Roman had told me, I had to expect almost anything.

“Sit tight,” I told her.

“Is there any other way?”

I half laughed and studied the rearview mirror as I yanked out my phone. I needed Vadim to be aware of the situation. He answered on the first ring.

“Vadim. I wanted to warn you my shit is getting out of hand.”

“Yeah, I know, my friend. I’m staring at the news. The reporters are acting as if you’re the one on trial. I have no idea where they got some of the bullshit they’re tossing out.”

“Given the bastards were outside of my office and I needed to make a quick getaway, I’ve yet to hear what they had to say.”

“They’re bringing up old cases, criminals who went on to perform other heinous acts. What I don’t get is how they obtained what seemed like some critical, private information.”

I laughed even though none of this was funny. “You know how tenacious they are.”

“Yeah, but this is different.”

“Something else different is that both the Irish and the smaller Italian mobs are aware of my plans.”

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