Page 82 of Crude Heir

“I agree,” I reply solemnly.

“All of it, Derrick,” he insists.

“I agree to keep all details of our association confidential.” And once again, I’m thankful for Addler being the type of friend he is. And Ezequiel, who had no reason to take a chance for me.

“Very well.” Dante picks up a pen. “What do you know about Nicole’s history?”

“She was brought into the country with the assumed name as a child.” I shake my head. “The only memory she has is that they were likely left locked into a trailer.”

“Nasty business,” Dante says, ending with a grimace.

“Her education and work history are all in the Houston area. I didn’t find anything out of the ordinary, just her dealing with loss and finding out this happened to her.”

“What is Nicole to you?” he asks point-blank.

“She’s my fiancée,” I state, my chest feeling lighter because of it.

“I didn’t find any information on you and her other than working together,” he says, leaving the comment open ended.

“It’s fairly recent.” Which is an understatement.

“How recent?” he asks, needing a clearer picture.

“An hour or so,” I admit. “I just proposed this morning.”

Dante lets out a low whistle. “That’s very recent.”

“Yes, though the time frame doesn’t matter. This was going to happen,” I assure him. “This just moved up the timeline.”

“Well, congratulations,” he adds.

Warmth spreads across my chest. “Thank you.”

“Marrying her is actually the best way to keep her in the country, if anything were to happen.” His severe expression relaxes a bit. “A very wise choice,” he says with approval. “Is there any chance you could make it official, sooner rather than later?”

“You mean, a Vegas wedding?” I get it. While I’d love to give her a dream wedding, a situation like this calls for decisive action. Hopping on a plane to Las Vegas might be in her best interest.

“Vegas may not be discreet enough for you,” Dante says, bursting my bubble. “I could get you new identification cards. However, you may be recognized, considering your face was all over the media not too long ago.”

“Damn it,” I mutter under my breath.

“While I don’t expect it, there’s still a chance Simon initiated legal action. The authorities could track you down while you’re in town. And you do not want her in the system at this stage.”

“So, what do you suggest?” I ask, not sure how I’m expected to proceed.

“This is the digital age, Derrick.” He chuckles. “It’s as easy as having someone on-site submit an application to become ordained. They can preside over a matrimony before the end of the day.”

“Looks like we got ourselves a wedding.” Ezequiel grins.

The exorbitant amount of money I’m spending on this exclusive membership is already paying off. “Would you be up to doing the marrying?” I ask Ezequiel.

“I may not be your best bet in case this goes legal,” he says with regret.

“No problem,” I assure him. “I’ll talk to Addler when he gets back from the vendor meeting.”

“Once you’re married, you and Nicole need to disappear for a few days. Go camping, climb a mountain, go explore a national park in another state. Anything to keep you off the radar while we get things straightened out.”

“I invested in a cruise-line that just started running out to Alaska. I can make a call and see about getting you a cabin,” Ezequiel offers.

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