Page 34 of Hunt Me
“Yes, I do and they are an excellent team, but I’m not talking working for the firm representing me, but rather a special commission I’ve discussed forming with my people.” He satback, waiting to see if I’d gobble up the crumbs. I should have known my father had something up his sleeve.
“A special commission?” Uh-oh. I felt it coming on.
“Yes, to fight organized crime in the city and within several major corporations. Corruption has ruled this town for decades. You maybe had a small taste of what I’ve been forced to deal with in talking with Mark Jenkins.”
Now I understood his warning regarding the Dmitriyev family. If anyone learned I’d slept with one of them, his commission could be compromised. Another reason not to consider working with my father.
“You think he’s on the take.” It was also no wonder my father had chastised me for attending what had been hyped as the wedding of the year. He was placing the Dmitriyev family under investigation.
“I think there are a lot of people on the take, including high-ranking members of law enforcement and the judicial system. The newly built stadium is very important to this city, but as with all new ventures, criminal elements become attracted to the promise of wealth. There’s already been an uptake in illegal sports betting. Just last week, two men were arrested for match fixing, which sadly involved a highly respected boxer. In addition, more drugs are flowing into the city.”
“Once you’re in bed with thieves, you’ll always be fighting for the blanket.”
My father eyed me curiously.
“Something a professor once told me.”
He chuckled. “I’ll need to keep that in mind. A few major players own this town. Since you’ve been in college, business is booming, but many developments have been built on the blood of innocent victims.” He had the same faraway look in his eyes.
“That’s why you became mayor.” That’s also why he had such a strong dislike of the Dmitriyev family.
“Yes and that’s significant, Bristol. When I was a prosecutor in LA, I was forced to experience the kind of dirty business that would give you nightmares. The city was inundated with violent crimes, bodies littering the streets. I don’t want that for Las Vegas. I also don’t want my family threatened.”
Holy crap. I’d never seen my father so anxious. “You’re still being threatened?”
He tried to laugh it off. “Don’t take things so literally, Bristol. In my position, shouldn’t I expect my share of threats? I wouldn’t be doing my job if they weren’t at least a weekly occurrence, but there’s been nothing overt. Don’t worry.”
Not only were his words making me anxious, but the tension nearly consuming his body was as well.
There were about a dozen reasons my skin began to crawl. If my father learned I’d slept with Mikhail Dmitriyev, he’d personally go after the man like a bull in a china shop. While my night of passion wasn’t any of my father’s business, my dad had a funny way of maintaining his oppressive status just like he had when I was a child.
When I’d called him on being so strict, he’d told me he was protecting me from the evils of this world. No, I wasn’t going to be criticized for how I decided to live my life.
“But I won’t lie to you. What I’m considering undertaking is somewhat precarious, yet vital for the continued success of our city. I need people working with me who I can trust without question.”
I shook my head. My instincts were telling me my father had personal reasons for creating this commission on top of his love of the law. This just didn’t feel right.
“Let me stop you right there. You are so sweet to offer me such an incredible position; however, I want to make it on my own, Dad, not riding on your coattails. Certainly you can understand why I feel that way. I also don’t think I’m the most qualified to take on the significant corruption in the city. People might not take me seriously.” My father had his sights set on being governor, but I knew he wouldn’t stop there. I admired his aspirations, but that wasn’t me. I wanted to fight for justice. Maybe I should switch sides. Instead of defense, consider joining prosecution teams. But my way, not his.
My thoughts drifted to Mikhail once again, which was completely inappropriate. Maybe a tiny part of me didn’t want the amazing memory destroyed. Or maybe if given the chance I wouldn’t mind seeing him again. That couldn’t happen if I was on some commission determined to bring him to his knees.
The commonsense side of me was screaming something else. Maybe there was something to the rumors after all. Another reason to keep my distance from the powerful man and his sex appeal.
Even if a huge part of me didn’t want to.
“Bristol. You’re extremely talented. You graduated top of your class. Plus, you’re my daughter and there’s nothing wrong with having doors opened for you. Right now, they’re closed.”
“Because I’m a woman and because you’re my dad. And sorry, Daddy, but you’re creating enemies.”
“Partially, yes. But it’s also because you won’t play any games, which is often a requirement in town.”
“Meaning I won’t look the other way.”
“You do understand. You’re obviously having issues obtaining a job and your mother and I don’t want you moving out of state. You’re very talented and I could use you on my team. One thing you’ll need to learn is that money can buy everything, including loyalty. That’s very dangerous.”
I rose to my feet. “I love you, Daddy, but my decision stands. I will find the perfect job in Vegas. If I don’t, then I may reconsider trying to find a job in Boston. However, not everyone in this town has been bought off. I still believe in the greater good, which is why I studied criminal justice. Just have faith in me.”
He nodded, sighing as he stood.
