Page 42 of No Way Forward

And who’s ‘working class’?

“What do you have to tell me?” he demanded. “Did you get information from Richard?”

“No. I told you I can’t get that stuff. I tried, but he doesn’t keep files at home. And getting into anything interesting at the office is impossible. Everything’s locked up, and my mom is good at her job. She’s like Fort Knox.”

“Then what do you have?”

“Zaid is thinking about going away with Novette. I can get the details for you.”

He narrowed his eyes and rubbed his jaw, thinking about the offer. Too late, Azalie realized that since she already spilled the beans about the plan to Richard, it would probably never happen. She was scraping the bottom of the barrel and had nothing the investigator could act on.

“I’m not in the kidnapping business.”

“Who do you think you’re dealing with?” she snapped. “You think I don’t know that you’re the one who tried to get those men to kidnap Novette before? It’s mighty convenient when I told you about Zaid going to get her, those men show up at her apartment just before he comes.”

“Are you trying to threaten me?”

He reached across the table but she leaned back and held up her hand. The pepper spray co

ntainer might be pink, but he recognized what it was.

“You’re too late, Ms. Grace.”

“What does that mean?”

“One of my other informants has let me know that Zaid has been looking into my affairs. He suspects me, and it’s just a matter of time before he has the authorities knocking at my door. I’m getting out of town, and you should do the same.”

“Why should I?”

“Because if he can connect my involvement in all this mess, he can connect you. I don’t squeal on those who help me, but I’m only giving you a warning that it’s possible. I’m done with Richard Kagen. I shouldn’t have gotten greedy when my client approached me about him. I regret that.”

Azalie started to think she might need to get out of there. Her scalp itched, and she kept glancing out the window. She feared police cars would start showing up at any moment.

Sharing a few secrets for money seemed tame compared to kidnapping, and she hadn’t even learned anything useful. All she had ever told this man was that Zaid found Novette for himself. But maybe the police could arrest her for trying to do wrong?

“I have to go.” She slid to the end of the booth in order to rise, but he stopped her.

“Maybe you can use this information, maybe not,” he said.

She looked at him. “What information?”

“She wasn’t just some random kid in an orphanage.”

“Huh? Are you talking about Novette?”

“Yeah. Richard Kagen knew both Novette’s mom—and her dad.”

Chapter 19

The only other occupant in the elevator vacated it. As soon as the doors closed, Zaid drew Novette into his arms to kiss her. He stroked her hair and breathed her scent in deeply. God, she smelled good, not to mention how she felt. Her slender body was so soft and curvy, he couldn’t think. All he wanted was the elevator ride to go on and on so he could continue to enjoy her.

She ran her hands over his chest and curled into his embrace. Her sweet smile did things to his insides. She pursed her lips and flicked an eyebrow up at him like she knew what he was thinking.

“As much as I enjoy being right here, Zaid, we better stop. You’ve got to talk to my dad about our plan. I can’t wait for us to get out of here and on the road—or in the air. Whatever.”

He chuckled. “Neither can I. I will convince him.”

“Good. I’m going to HR and cancel my appointment. Ugh, I can’t believe how excited I was to try to get a job here. And Daddy actually approved it.”

---