Page 38 of Liberating Mia
“I’ve got you. You’ll be safe with me.”
“If you’re sure, then yes, I’d love to show you around.”
“One last unpleasant question. How was Mason Hunt tied to his brother’s business? My intel indicated they were brothers, but there’s no mention of him being involved in the business.”
“I found out that Mason worked for Dylan quite by accident. When I mentioned it at dinner that evening, Dylan got angry and said he didn’t want people to know about it. He didn’t want them to think that it was nepotism. I’m not sure if that was the case or not, and I didn’t push the issue since it made him so mad.”
“So he admitted that his brother worked for him but didn’t say in what capacity?”
“Yes. And, like I said, I didn’t push it since it seemed to piss him off so much. And Dylan in a snit was not a pleasant experience. Thankfully, it didn’t happen often in our time together.”
Finn noticed his partner enter the now almost-empty dining room. He lifted a hand to get the man’s attention.
He was grateful he’d been partnered with a member of the HAWKs, a task force set up by the South African government to combat corruption and organized crime. Having thrown himself into his work when his high school sweetheart had been murdered, Desai was definitely dedicated to his job. Finn had come to trust the man with his life.
“Hey. How’s it going this morning?” Desai said as he reached the table.
“Good, man. Grab a seat. You want coffee?”
“Yeah, please.”
Desai smiled at Mia. “We didn’t officially meet yesterday. I’m Sachin Desai. This grumpy old fart’s partner and the handsome one of our duo.”
Desai was a striking man. Though not quite as tall as Finn, he still commanded attention when he entered a room.
Finn lobbed a packet of sugar across the table, hitting Desai on the shoulder. The man chuckled.
“Don’t you have things to do, people to interrogate, places to be? Instead of here, ruining my breakfast?”
“Nah, none of those bring me as much satisfaction as driving you crazy.” Still grinning, he accepted a cup of coffee from the waitress. Checking his watch, he continued, “I’ve got to be in the briefing room in ten. Just wanted to check in with you.”
“Thanks, bud. I appreciate it. Listen, since you are here anyways, it saves me coming to you. There’s a couple of things I need you to follow up for me since Keon’s benched me. Also, Mia has agreed to give her statement tomorrow. What time suits you?”
“Shall we make it for nine? That way we can get it done and out of the way so you can get on with your day?”
They both looked over at Mia.
“Yes, that’s fine. Since it must be done, the earlier the better. And I still have to go shopping with Tahlia.”
Desai swallowed down the last of his coffee and got up to leave. “I’ll chat to you later,” he said to Finn. “And I’ll see the both of you at nine tomorrow.”
“You want anything else?” Finn asked Mia as his partner walked away.
“No, I’m done, thanks.”
“Well then, ma’am. Lead the way. Show me your world.”
He signed the bill and then followed her to the door. The gentle sway of her hips had him grinning at memories of how he’d woken up that morning. Yes, sir. It was going to be a good day.
Chapter Twenty-Five
“Isn’t it beautiful?”
Standing at the top of Table Mountain, looking out over Cape Town and the surrounds, it was easy to understand the pride in her question. The spectacular view was breathtaking. Yet Finn found himself far more taken with his current view than that of the city below.
The wind ruffled her hair, and her skin glowed. She seemed more at peace than he’d seen since the first time they’d met. It had been an incredible day, travelling around the peninsula, visiting spots she insisted he shouldn’t miss. One of his favorite stops had been their visit to a penguin rescue center where Mia had organized for them to get exclusive, behind-the-scenes interaction with an Ambassador penguin.
The highlight of his day, though, had been getting to spend it with her. Finn couldn’t remember a time he’d enjoyed anyone’s company as much. She was funny and sassy, quick-witted, and articulate. And he’d enjoyed the hell out her.
