Page 39 of Sweet Deception

Rafael's as good as any private investigator I could hire. I trust him to find this person. As soon as Gio and I left Rome's, I called in backup for Kylie so Rafael could meet us back at my home office. When Rafael got here, we wasted no time forming a plan. We met up again after work this morning to compile a list of names.

Once that's done, we'll comb over every individual to find any inconsistencies or any unexpected flush of money and looking for any ties leading to this newsyndicate. It's tedious but effective and I have no doubt we will find the mole. That's when Rome will step in.

I set Rafael's cup on the desk while Gio settles on the couch.

"Have you been able to eliminate anyone yet?" I ask.

Rafael sighs and runs a hand through his hair as he sits back. "Yes, but we may need to come back to them later. I've broken targets down into three lists we need to investigate first." He grabs the paper off the printer. "I think it's smart to first focus on the office staff. They have access to records and would be the obvious choice. We don't have any new employees, and it's a small list."

He hands it to me, but I already know who’s on the list. "And if it's not any of them?" I move to sit on the edge of the desk as I place the paper down.

Rafael hands me the second list. "These are employees at the club and the cleaning service we use. They may be under the wrong assumption you keep important files in the club office or have plans to break into the office next door. We have two new staff members I will focus on first and then the cleaning crew."

"Lisa, and who's the second?" I scan the list, but I'm afraid I don't know all the employees who work at the club. I set the paper down on top of the first one and look at Rafael.

"The guy's name is Robert Smith."

I snort at the generic name.

"He's a part-time bartender. He's only been on the job for a couple of weeks. Which happens to be the same amount of time as Lisa. They were hired the same week."

I cock my eyebrow. "Interesting timing."

He nods. "It is, but not highly unusual. The last part-time bartender stopped showing up and Lisa was hired as extra help to cover the increase in business pulling into the club." Handing me the third list, he continues, "This last group is anyone trying to get close to you, Gio, or myself. If we don't find our mole within these three lists, we'll go back to square one. But my gut says the person is here." Rafael taps the second list I laid on the desk. "It doesn't make sense if it's a sugar baby or one of the clients—they won't have access to any records."

"Unless they think the sugar babies have more access than they do." I suggest.

"Yes, but since the odds are unlikely, I'll focus on the ones who have access first."

I nod. "Good plan." Setting the third list down, I stand and pat Rafael's shoulder before turning to Gio. "Gio can help investigate Lisa since he's sleeping with her. We also need to proceed with business like normal while you investigate." I move to the couch and settle next to Gio. "Hire your usual guys for help. Explain it as some sort of employee audit."

Rafael nods. "I know you want this done quickly, so I'll do everything I can to speed up the process." He looks to Gio and then back to me. "Are you really going to let Rome handle it when we find the person?"

Leaning back on the couch, I sigh. "Yes. It's his fight. I don't like being used to get to him, but I understand it. It's what I'd do if I couldn't get a direct hit in." I look down at my cup. "Besides, he'll be brutal, and it'll send the right message to never fuck with us or him again."

"As much as I hate missing out on the fight, I agree," Gio says.

Rafael nods, then stands to gather the papers. "I'll keep in touch."

"Stay safe, Rafael."

Rafael lifts his hand in acknowledgment before disappearing through the door.

"Spend more time with Lisa. Get her all soft and talking. I don't like the timing of her start date, nor the fact she tried to grab my attention first."

"It won't be a hardship. The girl likes to give head, and she's good at it." He gives me a feral smile.

"Fucksake, I don't need to know that, Gio." I grimace and the fucker laughs. "Let's inspect the new investment properties tonight. Kylie's having dinner with her parents and once I pick her up, I want the next twenty-four hours with her uninterrupted."

"You got it, boss."

"Come on. The sooner we finish, the sooner I can see Kylie again."

Chapter seventeen

Kylie

As soon as the call disconnects, I groan. I can not believe I admitted to masturbating. Covering my face, I wallow in my self made misery.

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