Page 80 of Only the Wicked
“We want you to find a way.”
“Thank you for sharing your position.”
We’re approaching Embassy Row, and up ahead I spot my security detail. Brandon, my head of security, insisted his on-call staff, men who work as needed for those visiting D.C., cover my visit.
It’s overkill, but I trust Brandon. Plus, what’s the point of hiring an expert if you’re not going to heed their recommendations?
“I’m afraid you might not understand,” she says.
“What’s that?” I check my watch. I’ve got about twenty minutes before I’m due to meet Evie.
“If you don’t buy it, there are parties that will be forced to expose an unsanctioned deal.”
Saudi Arabia.
Goddamn it.
Those greedy fuckers probably hand-delivered evidence to Russia.
“We trust you will choose wisely. It would not be wise to lose the trust you’ve built with your clients.”
And look at that. Now she’s chosen the correct term.
Click. Click. Click.
The rapid fire of her heels proceeds down the sidewalk in the direction of her embassy. Walk and meeting concluded.
Fuck. This is all Miles’ fault. He wanted the Saudi deal to help fund our expansion. Growth. Profit. I told him it was a bad idea. He argued sanctions would be lifted, and they have been, but it doesn’t change the fact they were in place when the deal closed.
The security detail approaches at a fast pace. I glance behind me, halfway expecting to find someone charging.
The detail reaches me and says, “Mr. MacMillan, your car will be here in two.”
“Thank you.”
“Sir, I have an update.”
Excellent. “Let me have it.”
“The FBI approached Ms. Sydney Parker at the hotel.”
“What?”
I spin so I can see his lips when he speaks.
“Yes, sir. We don’t have audio. But she’s with him now.”
“In our suite?”
“No, sir. In the bar.”
“Did it look like they know each other?” She is former CIA and lives in the D.C. area. It’s possible this is nothing. They could be acquaintances.
“He flashed his badge, so I don’t believe so, sir.”
Has an investigation been authorized? Would the FBI approach her simply because she showed up at a hotel with me?
“You’ve got eyes on her?”
