Page 41 of Sly Like a Fox
“I’m always interested in challenging projects.”The words feel like poison in my mouth, but maintaining my cover means appearing receptive to his criminal proposals.
“Excellent.I have several immediate needs that require both discretion and expertise.Database management, transaction routing, and communication security.”He opens a desk drawer and retrieves a thick folder.“These are some sample projects.Review them and let me know if you have questions about scope or methodology.”
He slides the folder across the desk, and I accept it with hands that don’t quite shake.This is it.Physical evidence of his criminal operations, handed to me by Anklor himself.The folder feels heavy with justice finally within reach.“I’ll review these.When would you need a final decision?”
“Soon.Let’s say forty-eight hours?”He stands, signaling that the meeting is drawing to a close.“I have other candidates, but I prefer working with people who understand that results matter more than methods.”
I tuck the folder inside my jacket while standing to shake his hand.“I understand completely.Discretion and effectiveness are my primary qualifications.”
The handshake feels like touching a snake, but I maintain professional composure while memorizing every detail of his criminal confessions.The recording will provide audio evidence, but the folder contains documentation that will be even more valuable in court.
Then I hear heavy, deliberate footsteps in the hallway outside that sound like someone approaching with purpose rather than casual movement.Porter Kane, most likely, coming to check on the length of our private meeting.
I have maybe thirty seconds before he reaches the door, and my download is only seventy percent complete.The decision between gathering more evidence and maintaining our cover happens in an instant.
I close the connection and pocket my phone while engaging Anklor in casual conversation.“You know, this reminds me of a golf course I played in Scotland last year.Amazing clubhouse architecture.”
Anklor’s eyebrows rise slightly at the abrupt topic change, but he responds with polite interest.“I’ve heard excellent things about Scottish golf.Which course did you play?”
“St.Andrews.It has incredible history, though the weather was challenging.”I maintain eye contact while listening to the footsteps pause outside the door.
Porter appears in the doorway, his massive frame filling the entrance as he scans the room with professional paranoia.“Sorry to interrupt.I just wanted to make sure everything was going well.”
“Of course, Porter.Mr.Nielsen and I were just discussing travel experiences.”Anklor’s tone carries mild annoyance at the interruption but no suspicion.
“No problem at all,” I say with casual friendliness.“I was telling Mr.Anklor about some excellent golf courses in Scotland.”
Porter’s vision lingers on me for a moment longer than necessary, but he nods and steps back from the doorway.“I’ll let you finish your conversation.”
After he disappears down the hallway, I complete my performance with a few more comments about international golf before allowing Anklor to guide our conversation back toward business conclusions.
“Well, I think we’ve covered the essential points,” he says, moving toward the door.“I look forward to hearing your thoughts on those projects.”
“Absolutely.I’ll be in touch within forty-eight hours.”
We return to the main party area, where I immediately scan for Jenna.The sight of her safe and unharmed lets me breathe deeply again until I realize he’s staring at Jenna in a way that makes me uncomfortable… and potentially murderous.
We rejoin the women, and I put a hand on her back, shielding his view with my body and hoping it looks like a casual stance.She sways slightly and seems mildly intoxicated.I flash her a look of concern, but she winks at me.“Fenton, darling, I think we should head home soon.”
“She’s had a bit too much to drink,” Caroline whispers in a sympathetic way.
I nod, trying not to stiffen as Anklor moves closer.
“Actually, before you leave,” he says, shifting to examine Jenna and me with an unsettling smile that makes my skin crawl, “I wanted to extend a special invitation, assuming your answer is affirmative.”
I don’t have to ask what answer.If I say yes to working with him, something more is coming.My stomach clenches with dread.
Caroline appears beside him, her face bright with excitement.“Oh, yes, you simply must join us next weekend at the lake house.It’s going to be wonderful.”
Anklor nods with apparent enthusiasm.“I host a small gathering every quarter for my closest business associates.Very exclusive and very private.We can deeply discuss opportunities that require...discretion.”
The invitation represents everything I’ve been working toward, offering access to his most sensitive business dealings, contact with the inner circle of his criminal network, and the opportunity to gather evidence that would destroy not just Anklor but everyone connected to his operations.
It’s also potentially a death trap that could get both Jenna and me killed if he suspects our true identities.
“That sounds wonderful,” Jenna says with exactly the right note of pleased surprise, though her words are slightly slurred.“We’d be honored to attend.”
“Excellent.Caroline will provide you with the details.”His smile grows wider, but something about his expression makes my paranoia spike.“I think you’ll find it...educational.”
