Page 26 of All That We Keep
I let out a shaky breath and force my hands to release the steering wheel. The rage is still there, simmering just beneath the surface, but I can't take this energy into the house where my pack is waiting. They don't need to deal with my anger on top of everything else they're facing.
But there's more than just anger eating at me. The financial situation is worse than I initially thought. When I'd dug deeper into the company accounts after the meeting, I'd discovered that one of our main operating accounts had been completely cleaned out. Not just misappropriated funds or questionable transactions, but completely emptied. The other accounts were fine, which told me this was a targeted attack.
I had spent the rest of the afternoon moving money around, transferring funds from personal accounts to ensure we hadenough liquidity for the Starfalls launch. The irony wasn't lost on me that I was using my own money to keep Blake's company running while investors questioned his leadership.
With a deep breath, I shove down those overarching emotions and head inside. Maceo looks up as I enter, and I'm surprised to see two glasses of whiskey sitting on the table between us. He's not in the usual suit I tend to see him in, the comfortable clothing telling me that the domestic life suits him in some way, his expression carefully neutral as he watches me approach.
"I might not have always been one of your mates," he starts, "but you forget that I spent many nights staying up with you while your pack was sleeping to discuss legal matters or anything else that was going on."
I shrug out of my suit jacket and hang it over the back of the chair before settling beside him. The whiskey burns pleasantly as it goes down, some of the tension in my shoulders starting to ease.
"Grayson explained recently that we all have different roles in this pack," Maceo continues. "Where we fit, what we feel comfortable with, who we look to for different things. When I found out I was a Gamma, Grayson knew that I would need to hear certain words from you rather than from him. And there are times when Grayson needs me versus you."
He gestures toward the living room where our mates are nested together. "So, I'm offering this conversation, or we can go cuddle up with the rest of our pack in that really colorful nest."
I can't help but chuckle at his description, some of the darkness lifting from my mood. "No, I like this. Thank you." I take another sip of whiskey, savoring the burn. "Grayson was never much for the heavier topics, and I love that about him. I love the optimistic part of my Alpha mate. But knowing there's someone to discuss the deeper issues without judgment..." I trailoff, looking toward the couch, then back at Maceo. "How is Grayson?"
"He's a bit frazzled, but those records were definitely doctored," Maceo says. "The timestamps don't match, the transaction codes are wrong, and half the vendors listed don't even exist."
"I know," I say, taking another sip. "I absolutely know that. And I know one of our employees alerted the investor about the supposed irregularities. I'm not sure why they're in contact, but I have a meeting with her tomorrow."
Maceo's eyebrows rise slightly. "Who is it?"
"Addie."
"Isn't that one of Blake's closest people?"
"Yeah, absolutely." I run a hand through my hair, frustration building in my chest all over again. "Which is why I need to know what's going on. It doesn't make sense why she would be in contact with Gerald. Most of the employees don’t even know he exists." Maceo takes a sip of his drink, and something in his expression makes me study his face more carefully. "Why does it look like you have something to say?"
Instead of answering, he slides a folded piece of paper across the table. I pick it up, noting the messy, scrawled handwriting across the front. There's no envelope, no stamp, nothing to indicate how it was delivered.
"Who's this from?" I ask.
Maceo doesn't answer, just nods toward the letter in my hands. I unfold it carefully, and the words hit me all once.
I bought you. You are mine. Stop hiding from me.
There's no signature, no identifying marks, nothing but those terrifying words in handwriting that looks almost violent in its intensity.
"What the fuck?" I breathe, looking up at Maceo, instantly knowing that the letter is from the buyer. "How the fuck do they know we're here?"
"I think you're right that there really is a buyer," Maceo says quietly. "And he's been watching and waiting for Luca. The fact that Hudson hasn't been able to deliver means the buyer is stepping in, moving around the middleman." He slides a business card across the table, and I recognize the name immediately. Damien Cross, Private Investigator. It's been years since I've spoken to him, but I know his reputation. "I'm not trying to tell you what to do, Alpha," Maceo continues, "but I think it's time we try a different avenue."
I look down at the card, then back at the letter, then at Maceo's steady gaze. "Yeah, I think you're right." I dial the number without hesitation, and it rings several times before a familiar gravelly voice answers.
"Damien Cross."
"Damien, it's Luther Keller."
There's a pause, then a low chuckle."Well, I'll be damned. It's been a long time since you've called me."
"It's been a long time since things have been this dire." I lean back in my chair, crossing my legs at the ankle as I twirl his card around in my head.
"All right, what do you need?"His tone shifts to business immediately."I've been hearing a lot of things about your little pack and all the trouble you've been causing. This might cost you a pretty penny."
"We've been family and friends longer than that," I say, some heat entering my voice. "And you damn well know I would never do anything that goes against my morals."
"Yeah, yeah, I know,"Damien muses."What do you need?"
