Page 4 of Shadowed Obsession

That part I can actually relate to.

The oldest Hale, Dean, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a few times. He’s a levelheaded guy and a good businessman, but he resides back in London, overseeing their headquarters. Unfortunately, I am stuck withthisone and his very quiet sister, who’s nice but acts like she’s nervous around a big brown man.

I’d much rather do business with Dean than these two, but we don’t always get what we want, do we?

Straightening my spine and rubbing my hands together, I ask, “What’ve you got for me this time? The usual?”Following one of their execs around? Or a potential investor? Blackmailing a contractor?

He shares a look with Dara before focusing on me. “Uhh—sort of, but there’s a challenge with this one.”

“Okayyy…” I trail off with a raised brow.

Dara interjects, her tone uncharacteristically serious. “This job has the potential to be dangerous, and I’d like you to be aware of that before agreeing to anything,” she warns, glaring at her brother.

“They all have the potential to be dangerous when backed—” I start.

“Not like this one,” Dax interrupts with a shake of his head.

“Stop talking in circles and give it to me straight. I don’t have time for this,” I snap, my tone laced with irritation. I eye my watch. “You were late, and now you’re bullshitting me. Tell me now, or I’m out.”

“Of course, my apologies once more,” he replies.

Dara sets the envelope on the desk, pushing it toward me, but I don’t retrieve it.

Dax starts, “There’s a property we’re interested in, and this fellow bidder is making things difficult for us. We need you to look into their master distiller so we can get them to back out. Name is Klarke. This family is rather notorious for doinganythingto get their way. We want to avoid any bloodshed, soyou’d have to get in and out quickly. Make sure they never see your face.”

Bloodshed?Ay bendito.

“We’d like you to run surveillance and let us know what you find so we can blackmail them into backing out of the deal,” he summarizes.

“And if blackmail doesn’t work? What’s your plan B?” I ask, already curious about these Klarke people.

“Force,” Dara blurts out. “But it shouldn’t have to come to that. Not with our best PI on the case. I-if you still want it, that is.”

“Nobody is as skilled as you are. I’m sure we can avoid anything unsavory,” her brother adds, his words rushed.

They’ve warned me of dangers, possibly putting my career and life on the line, but still haven’t mentioned compensation. I don’t like this shit. My family relies on me financially, and I need to know if this payout will be worth the risks.

I shouldn’t even be considering a new assignment. Not now.Abuelahas stage four kidney failure and doesn’t have much time left.She wants to be back in Puerto Rico when she passes, and it wouldn’t be wise, especially if I get myself killed in the meantime. And Mariana will never forgive me if I die before she graduates college.

Yanking me from my thoughts, Dax states,“I understand your hesitation, so we’re offering half a million.“

An incredulous laugh escapes me. “Shouldn’t you be using that money to outbid them? What exactly are you asking me to do? And forthatmuch, it sounds like you expect more than blackmail.”

He shakes his head. “These aren’t the sort of people you outbid. Think about it and call me tomorrow with your decision.”

The fuck does that mean? And just a night to think it over?

“Alright. Expect a call from me soon,” I assure them as I stand to leave, tucking the envelope under my arm.

“Thank you for your time, César,” he says, coming around the desk to shake my hand once again.

“Appreciate the opportunity, Dax.” Meeting his handshake with the force of my own, I tilt my head to peer at his sister. “And Dara, it was nice seeing you.”

“Take care,” she croaks.

I see myself out and settle into my SUV to find some music to drown out my thoughts. I’m hoping to somehow release the energy of this meeting when an alarm blares from my phone, reminding me ofAbuela’supcoming dialysis appointment.

It also serves as a reminder that this assignment is a bad idea. She needs me. Taking a deep breath, I pull off the lot to head toward her house. Like second nature, I twist the knob to raise the volume, getting lost in the music.

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