Rush by C.E. Vescio

Author:C.E. Vescio [Vescio, C.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Alex stared out the window of Edward’s posh office, waiting to be reprimanded.

He turned to his stepfather. He had his hands folded neatly across his desk, staring intently at Alex. It was ten minutes before the meeting with the detective Edward had mentioned Friday night. The anticipation was killing him.

“Listen.” Edward paused, as if thinking of what to say next. “I know you’re great at what you do. I don’t want to sit here and raise any concerns I have, but I guess I’m just wondering … why?”

“Why?” Alex shook his head.

Edward straightened. “I know there are some complications in your past. I know you don’t like talking about them. Yet, I catch you being unprofessional with the woman I’ve charged you with keeping safe. What am I supposed to do?”

“Ed.” Alex let out a sigh. “I kissed her. It was an in-the-moment kind of thing. I’m sorry.”

“And normally, I’d be ecstatic you were getting some,” Edward pushed on. “I don’t mind that you have feelings for her. I think that may even help the situation, but now everything is getting steadily worse.”

“I’m sorry if you feel I’ve been inappropriate,” Alex said. “I don’t know what came over me.”

Edward smiled at him. “I want you to be happy, Alex. Please understand that.”

“But?” Alex raised an eyebrow.

“But … not with Scarlet. Not now, anyway. The police seem to think this could be serious. This detective is taking over, since he’s also following leads with some illegal activity being linked to Frisco Met and, more directly, Balthazar Maxim.”

“What kind of illegal activity?” Alex asked.

“Mostly human trafficking,” Edward said tentatively. “Detective Jackson has reason to believe our ballerinas may be intended targets.”

“Heavy.” Alex gritted his teeth.

“Jackson seems to think the police should assist with the security measures. Tighten up some of the loose ends.”

Alex’s irritation spiked. Edward was trying his best to politely tell him that he wasn’t doing a good enough job.

“Ah.” Alex nodded. “You think it’s too much for me to handle.”

Edward shook his head. “No, I think you need to listen to the detective and come up with a better strategy. Maybe allow a few police details to lighten the load and let you focus on the safety of the women here who could be at risk.”

Alex didn’t know much about human trafficking; the entire idea disgusted him, but he couldn’t help but think how targeting young, pretty ballerinas wasn’t out of the realm of serious possibility. It was a perfect resource, really; have a front at one company, and siphon another for product.

His skin crawled at the thought of Scarlet being the target of such an industry. He let out a slow breath. Edward was right. This could be a lot more serious.

“Let’s talk to this detective,” Alex said. “I’ll go along with whatever he thinks is best.”

Edward got to his feet. “We’re meeting in the large conference room. I still want to keep as much of this under wraps as possible.”

Alex followed him out into the hall, and motioned for Lance and Uly to follow him.

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