Page 58 of Filthy Rogue

I noticed her brow was furrowed. “We keep paper files for every client just in case something happens to the computer system. Do you want me to look?”

“No. I’ll take a look later. I need to familiarize myself with every aspect of the business anyway.”Before I lose my freaking mind or drown my anxiety in red wine and chocolate ice cream.

“Good idea. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“I will.” I sat back, twisting in the chair. “Jackie. One more thing. What were the clients told about Mr. Masters’ death?”

“From what I understand, Galen’s attorney made several calls, assuring them that it was business as usual and that his brother was taking over the helm. He spent a full day in Galen’s office.”

“Interesting but that’s good to hear.” I remained antsy, debating calling Savage. No. It was better to have all the facts in hand before setting off a possibly unnecessary alarm. The last thing I wanted to do was challenge a man who’d just lost his brother.

After grabbing my list of clients, I headed toward the records room, staring at the bank of file cabinets. Then I found the files for the two resorts in question. Triple Adventure and Diamond Skies. They were empty. What? That didn’t make any sense. They had to be misfiled.

An hour later and I was mystified. Plus, my chiding inner voice was chastising me that Savage’s concerns about his brother’s house held merit. However, I couldn’t get over the nagging feeling. There were no contracts for the Triple Adventure Resort and Casino or Diamond Skies. Nothing. All I’d found for either one were glossy brochures that had obviously been produced during their construction phase.

As I walked back to my office, the file on Galen’s computer continued to trouble me. I immediately moved to my computer, locating both facilities easily online. The photographs were stunning. “Whew. Magnificent.”

The resorts were huge facilities, posh in every way, highlighting various headline entertainment throughout the year. The ads the firm had produced reflected it. What was I missing? Why would Galen hide the contracts? Unless he was uncertain that he could trust everyone in his employ, that didn’t make any sense.

Or… unless he had a special deal with the owners. I tapped my pen against my lips then switched to a blank internet page. Within a few minutes, I managed to locate the official name of the owners, both listed in two different corporation names. Then I spent time trying to find the names of the partners involved. Nothing. I wasn’t certain about the legalities in the state, but why wouldn’t a single name be listed, if only the registered agent?

This was Vegas. There were enough casinos owned by the rich and famous that they’d purposely create a shell operation for privacy as well as other more nefarious purposes. What could that have to do with Masters Advertising? I had to talk to Savage. He needed to know about what I’d found. Sadly, I wasn’t certain he was in his office. It was time he and I were on the same page. Deal or no deal, this was about business. Maybe it was also time to establish meetings with the top clients. That last thing I wanted to see happen was a downward spiral. After noticing his truck in the parking lot, I grabbed the notes I’d made, heading to his office.

When I walked inside, I sucked in my breath as I studied his tense form. The man had that kind of effect on me. I sensed he’d caught a reflection in the window by the way his shoulders tensed.

I closed the door, hating the fact it was more awkward between us after spending the night together. And the spanking and sinful quickie in my office. Without him turning around, I could tell something else was bothering him.

“What do you know about the casinos we’re doing ads for?”

He didn’t reply at first. I wasn’t certain if he heard me until he turned his head, allowing me to see his profile. “Enough to know I’ll be canceling the contracts for two of them.”

“Let me guess. Diamond Skies and Triple Adventure?”

His body language reflected I was right. “How did you know?”

“An educated guess. Why?” I moved closer.

“Because it’s necessary.”

“Does it have anything to do with the secret file your brother kept on his personal drive or the fact there are no contracts for the two resorts anywhere?”

Savage turned around, narrowing his eyes. “I have a good guess as to why there are no contracts but what personal drive are you talking about?”

I moved around his desk, pressing the space bar on his computer. “Do you mind?”

“Help yourself. What did you find?”

“That’s just it. I can’t get into it. Take a look. The file is the only one that’s password protected. He called it ‘whiskey.’ Do you have any idea what it means?”

“Maybe.”

“But you’re not going to tell me.” I could feel his heated stare boring into me.

“Not until I know exactly what’s going on and what I’m dealing with.”

While I tried to ignore him, he was even more oppressive than usual. I pulled up the file then backed away from the computer. “Don’t shut me out of this. I can tell how concerned you are.”

“There are just a few things that aren’t adding up, Harlow. But I’m not going to create an issue unless there is one.”

---