Page 58 of Reckless Chance
“If you don’t condone violence, why does the video show them threatening my guy?”
“Sometimes these lower-level associates get out of line and turn to old-school tactics to collect. While nonpayment of debts is unacceptable, violence isn’t the proper method of persuasion. I’ll deal with them. They won’t bother you again.”
“Good. I also want the name of my employee they were talking to.”
“You don’t know who is in the photo? How do you know it’s even one of your employees?”
“His blue badge showed up on the video. There’s no question it was one of my employees. The image doesn’t have enough resolution to read the name or ID number on the badge. I need to know which staff member it is and why he’s gotten on the wrong side of your guys. You owe me that.”
“Of course. Give me a few days. I’ll fix this. We’ve known each other for a long time. Trust me.”
“Okay. Can we meet here again in a few days?”
“I have a better idea. I heard you hired Evan’s future princess as a chef. I know you don’t want a Rossi on your property, but would you consider making an exception for my alter ego, Mr. Simon? I’d love to dine in the new restaurant that everyone’stalking about and have a chance to see Evan again. I’ll deliver the info you want then.”
“She wasn’t a future princess when the deal was made. Then our buddy, Evan, proposed. I’m shocked he’s giving up his bachelor status, much less this soon. He’s a lost cause now.”
“That’s what I’ve heard. What about you? Any chance of you tying the knot anytime soon?”
I choke on the coffee I’m sipping.
“You know I’ve always avoided relationships. What about you? Is there anyone special?” I ask, deflecting.
“No. There hasn’t been anyone special for a long time. My family and work are not conducive to relationships with the type of woman who interests me.”
“What do you mean?”
“The one woman I fell for walked out when she learned about my family. Let’s not talk about that. It’s in the past. Now what about dining with the princess?”
“We’re doing a private soft opening of Pinot & Pie in a few days. If you promise to have the information by then, you can attend disguised as Mr. Simon. But I don’t want my head of security identifying you as a Rossi, so make sure you’re not recognizable. I’ll explain to Daniel that you’re a wealthy friend of Evan’s. You can’t bring your security though. We’ll assign my guys to guard you during the event. If that doesn’t work for you, then we can meet here in three days. Your choice.”
“It’s a risk, but I’ve asked you to trust me. I’ll trust you to have my back at the Athena. Send me the details. You can give Evan a heads-up that I’ll be there. Don’t tell anyone else, not even your assistant or your security team who I really am. You can tell your security that Evan’s wealthy friend recently received various threats. That should be sufficient.”
“Done. What does Mr. Simon look like these days?” I never know what to expect when Paxton decides to disguise himselfas the mysterious Mr. Simon. In the past, he’s shown up as a red-headed rocker, a Hollywood producer, and an archaeologist back from a dig in Egypt. Regardless of the specific cover he picks, it gives him freedom to move around safely.
“It’ll be a surprise. Look for my college signet ring. I’ll be wearing it.”
We shake hands, and I check this off my list for now. Soon I’ll know which employee will no longer be working for me, and if he has a gambling problem, we’ll also offer him help to overcome the addiction. As for the debt to Paxton, they will have to work it out without my assistance.
33
LOWRI
Back at Sean’s apartment, Walter greets me. “Mr. Cartwright let me know you were on your way here to work. I set out snacks and sparkling water for you. Your new laptop arrived. I put it on the dining table, along with the instructions for logging into your new Athena account. It will allow you to access the security videos you requested. I’m told they’ll be available in an hour or so. Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Thanks, Walter. I can’t think of anything.”
“I’ll leave you to your work then,” he says, silently disappearing down the hall.
I quickly text Sean to thank him for the laptop as I drop into a chair at the dining table. While I wait for the security videos from the show rehearsals and performances, I have time to research Mr. Brentwood and his partner, Mr. Galanis.
First, I want to learn more about the attorney. That will help me in negotiations with him.
I Google:Taylor Williams Attorney Las Vegas.
The only Taylor Williams pops up at the Fishbourne Peabody firm. That’s consistent with what I previously found in the countrywide database of attorneys. Clicking on the link, the page for him appears. That’s strange. There’s no photo, bio, or phonenumber for Taylor Williams. He must have joined the firm recently. I’ll call the main number.
“Good afternoon. You’ve reached Fishbourne Peabody. How may I help you?”
