Page 64 of Savage Ruin
Her lips taste of sorrow and joy. I kiss her deeper, using the heat between us to burn away the ashes of the past. Since our kiss at the ball, I knew this thing between us had power, and I’d been fooling myself by calling it an infatuation. Drawing her in tighter, I kiss her until I can’t feel anything but hope and her.
CHAPTER31
MATEO
The lobby is filled with whispers and the sound of feet shuffling impatiently. Employees are crammed into every available space, waiting to hear the press conference. The emotions on their faces range from curiosity to fear, which is why we invited them to attend—to hear the words of assurance delivered with confidence from the man they look up to—Thiago.
The outside courtyard is packed as well. Members of the press rush to air opening remarks to audiences watching from home. Our PR team gives the five-minute warning, and reporters make their way to the seats we’ve assigned them. We learned long ago that it’s better for us to control the press environment versus letting them push and shove their way into our faces.
Thiago strides out a side door with Jameson beside him. Security is thicker than usual with the extra men we brought in to control the crowds and keep us safe. I glance over at Henley. The big guy, Mitch, stands slightly in front of her, alert and ready. He’d better do his job well.
When Grayson and Henley returned from the beach last night, I knew he’d finally given up the battle he’d been waging with himself. A miracle. I’d been hoping he would cave, but the odds were stacked against me. Until I saw it, I wouldn’t let myself believe it.
It took him years to recover from the number Kira did on him. He did it, but it changed him. To shake off the shackles of control, his motto became indulgence. Work hard, play even harder.
Until Henley. I chuckle softly.
Thiago pulls us together with a wave of his hand. Determination and confidence are the name of the game today. Adopting the casual confidence I project to the world, I stroll out SEI’s front doors by his side, with Henley and Grayson following behind us. Along with a ton of security.
The press quiets the second Thiago stands at the podium. “Thank you all for coming today. We want to be as transparent as possible with the families, our employees, and the public. The bombing of our satellite office is a tragedy. Eight people lost their life that night. We lost two employees, Jason Peters, and Luis Hernandez, who worked security for SEI.” The press starts murmuring to each other. “The remaining six people worked for other offices in the building. I’d like to take a moment of silence to recognize their loss and to pray for their families.”
The sound dies for a few seconds while we take a moment to remember them. Memories of Marcos fill my mind. Some days, his absence hits harder than others.
“Thank you,” he states solemnly. “We, the Santos family—not SEI—donated a million dollars to each family the day after the incident to help with their immediate needs. In addition, we started a fund for the victims and their families. Monies received from friends, colleagues, and other businesses have been collected in the fund and it’s at their disposal. If you would like to contribute, the information can be found on our website. This tragedy occurred at our building, and while we’re not responsible, we’re absolutely accountable. We embrace the role given to us because we have the power to help find the answers.”
Hands shoot up in the air, but Thiago ignores them. “I know some of you are wondering why we’re only counting eight instead of the nine victims first reported. Marcos Santos was our uncle and friend. We initially thought his death was caused by the explosion. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The ATF has a video of his murder a few days before the incident.”
The air explodes with shouts from the reporters.
Thiago holds up a hand. “Please direct all questions regarding the investigation to the ATF and the FBI. The ATF will join us shortly. They will only answer questions pertaining to the explosion. The FBI will be taking over the murder investigation of Marcos Santos.”
“I’ll take questions now,” he informs them.
“If Marcos was murdered before the bombing, it seems to indicate this was a personal hit. Is that accurate? Can we use it as an official statement?” the reporter from the Miami Herald asks from the front row.
Thiago nods. “Based on the information given to us by the ATF, we believe this tragedy was a targeted hit against the Santos family, not SEI.”
“Several employees have contacted our offices with concerns of safety. What are you doing to prevent further incidents?” she asks as a follow up.
“The safety of our employees is our number one priority, and if we believed for one minute they were in jeopardy, we’d shut down this office. As a precaution, we’ve brought in additional security and increased video surveillance of the entire office,” Thiago informs them.
“What did Marcos Santos do for SEI?” a voice calls out in the back row.
Thiago turns his neck, but he can’t see the person speaking. “Marcos led a lot of our technological advancements, from invention to execution.”
A young man in the second row stands up. “The ATF is reporting Diego Gutierrez, the former head of SEI’s security, as the primary suspect. Are any of you under investigation for the death of Marcos Santos?”
Thiago dips his chin to stare at him. “No, we’re not.”
The guy follows with another. “My source claims the video shows Diego Gutierrez murdering Marcos Santos. Have you seen the video? Is that correct?”
Thiago jerks his chin. “We have viewed the video, but until the ATF or FBI closes the investigation, we’re not allowed to share any of the details.”
A young woman stands up. “The Gutierrez family is denying any wrongdoing. They claim you are setting up Diego to take the fall. Is there any truth to that allegation?”
Thiago stills. “None. Diego Gutierrez was my friend and a trusted member of our executive team. We were devastated to learn of his involvement in the death of Marcos Santos.”
A reporter from a local gossip rag stands. “Who is the young woman with you?” He winks at Henley, and I stiffen.
