Page 40 of Sly Like a Fox
As I stand to look for Fenton, I notice Porter Kane standing near the hallway leading to Anklor’s study.The bear shifter’s presence there seems casual, but his body language suggests he’s guarding access rather than mingling socially.
The sight of Anklor’s head of security blocking the path to Fenton makes me tremble.Whatever is happening in that study, they don’t want interruptions, and if Fenton has walked into a trap, I might be the only person who can help him escape.However, attempting a rescue would blow our cover completely and probably get us both killed.All I can do is wait and hope Fenton’s three years of planning included contingencies for situations exactly like this.
The next few minutes stretch like hours as I maintain my tipsy socialite act while internally calculating escape routes and wondering if I’m about to watch the man I love disappear forever.
Then I hear Fenton’s voice from the hallway, calm and professional as he discusses technical specifications with Anklor.The sound of his voice, alive and unharmed, makes relief flood through me so powerfully that my knees nearly buckle.
“There he is.”I move toward the hallway with small steps that suggest someone trying not to appear intoxicated.“Fenton, darling, I think we should head home soon.”
He emerges from the study with Anklor, both men wearing the satisfied expressions of people who’ve concluded successful business negotiations, but the slight strain lines around Fenton’s eyes reveal the conversation was more stressful than it appeared.
“Of course, love.I think we’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening.”Fenton moves to my side, sliding his arm around my waist in a gesture that provides both support and reassurance.
Anklor joins us and issues an invitation.When Fenton hesitates, I quickly accept, still feigning a level of intoxication.The slimeball seems pleased by our agreement, but I can sense Fenton is uneasy.
As we make our farewells and prepare to leave for the next thirty minutes, I catch Anklor watching us with calculating interest.His expression suggests he’s made an important decision.Whether that decision bodes well or ill for our future remains unclear.
Chapter 12
Fenton
I’mstillthinkingaboutthe brief time in the linen closet with Jenna when I follow Anklor in for a private meeting.I force my thoughts from the feel of her skin and her intoxicating scent to the dangerous task before me.
His study is everything I imagined and more.The shrine to wealth and power reeks of corruption and arrogance.The walls display expensive artwork that was probably acquired through questionable means while built-in bookshelves hold leather-bound volumes I’m sure have never been read.Behind his massive mahogany desk, multiple monitors show financial data that represents years of criminal activity disguised as legitimate business.
This is the nerve center of his empire as well as the place where he coordinates the destruction of honest businesses and the intimidation of anyone who threatens his interests, including my father.
“Impressive setup.”I settle into the chair across from his desk while discreetly activating the recording app on my phone.“You clearly understand the importance of staying connected in today’s market.”
He moves to a bar cart and pours two glasses of expensive whiskey.“Information is power, as I’m sure you understand.The key to success is knowing what others don’t.”
He hands me a glass, and I force myself to accept it without letting my disgust show.The whiskey tastes bitter, which has to be my perception, but I take a sip and nod appreciatively while noting the way he positions himself behind his desk.Elevated and protected, with clear sight lines to the door.Everything is calculated to provide psychological advantage.
“Absolutely.Real-time data analysis is crucial for making informed investment decisions.”I pull out my phone as if checking current market conditions.“Actually, let me pull up some recent commodity trends that might interest you.”
The movement appears casual, but I’m actually activating the remote access software I planted in his system weeks ago through the financial newsletter phishing email.The connection establishes immediately, giving me backdoor access to his entire network while he thinks I’m researching investment opportunities.
“Excellent idea.I’m always interested in emerging market trends.”Anklor leans back in his chair, apparently comfortable with the direction of our conversation.
I navigate through his files while maintaining the façade of discussing portfolio diversification strategies.The depth of criminal evidence available through his personal computer exceeds my highest expectations.I find financial records documenting money laundering operations through shell companies, communication logs detailing bribes paid to judges and city officials, and detailed plans for bid-rigging schemes that mirror the methods used to destroy my father’s business.
“These copper futures are particularly interesting,” I comment while downloading files that contain evidence of Anklor’s entire corruption network.“The infrastructure spending bills should create significant opportunities.”
“Infrastructure has been very good to me over the years.Municipal contracts, development projects, that sort of thing.”His casual tone doesn’t hide the underlying message.“The key is understanding which projects receive favorable treatment from regulatory agencies.”
Every word is another confession and more evidence that will help ensure his conviction.I force myself to nod thoughtfully while internally celebrating the systematic destruction of his empire.“I imagine having good relationships with city planning officials would be invaluable in that sector.”
“Relationships are everything in this business.The right connections can turn a losing bid into a winning contract.”He swirls his whiskey, watching my reaction.“Sometimes, it’s about who you know rather than what you propose.”
The admission is so blatant that I wonder if he’s testing me or simply confident that his wealth and connections make him untouchable.Either way, his arrogance is providing the kind of recorded confession that prosecutors love.
I continue downloading files while maintaining casual conversation about market conditions and investment strategies.Each document represents another nail in his coffin and another piece of justice for my parents and all the other families he’s destroyed over the years.
The financial records detail systematic corruption that goes back at least a decade.There are bribes disguised as consulting fees, kickbacks hidden in charitable donations, and intimidation campaigns funded through legitimate business expenses.Everything is documented with meticulous detail that will make conviction inevitable.
But the files that make my hands shake with rage are the ones specifically related to Nelson’s Family Construction.My father’s company appears in dozens of documents, all detailing the systematic campaign to destroy his business and all orchestrated by the man sitting across from me, sipping expensive whiskey while describing his criminal empire like a legitimate business venture.
“You know, I think we could work very well together,” he says, apparently pleased with the direction of our conversation.“Someone with your technical expertise could be invaluable for managing certain...sensitive data requirements.”
