Page 17 of Vienna Bliss

Alena’s heart, her stupid, stupid heart, fluttered. Alexander probably just hadn’t wanted to waste time listening to her and Rolf bitch at each other.

But her heart wanted to believe that he’d stepped in because he didn’t want someone talking to her like that, especially another Dom.

Maybe he’s right. Maybe you’re still partially in submissive mode and you just can’t see it for what it is.

“I believe there would have been better ways to approach me,” Alexander said. “Though I understand your concern. That any attempts to do so might have alerted Absolon.”

Rolf selected a piece of paper out of the file, then closed the folder.

“Now that we’ve reviewed the situation as it stands, I need to advise you of next steps.”

“I will need to consult with my Board of Directors.”

“Understandable, but I am here to formally request your assistance with our investigation, Mr. Wagner.”

“I am willing to turn over any records that pertain to the case. You will need to get a detailed list of transaction and shipment types to my people.”

Rolf cleared his throat. “There is some concern there.”

“Why?” Alexander asked.

“There is the possibility it is not just your curator.”

This was news to Alena and she sat forward. “Based on what?”

Rolf ignored her. Jerk.

“We will need legally obtained copies of shipments Absolon authorized, but given Ms. Moreau’s efforts, we have already analyzed and identified a pattern.”

“So the transfer did work,” Alena said cheerfully. Both men twitched. Good.

“Yes. And there are suspect transactions beyond those that Absolon authorized directly. Transaction with paperwork and records so clean that they would never raise suspicion.”

“Like the one the customs agent just happened to open during a spot check.” Alena tapped her nails on the tabletop, thinking though the possibilities.

“Yes.”

“Were they all hand carry?” Alexander asked.

“Again, yes.”

“Who is in charge of your hand carry program?” Alena asked Alexander.

“Ms. Moreau, we will handle the investigation.”

“You were doing such a good job of it before I walked in to the Paris office.”

“Agent de Gaul has already made it clear your assistance was invaluable.”

Alexander grunted. “I just realized that’s why you weren’t scared of being turned over to the authorities in Vienna. Interpol would have gotten you out.”

“But Serbia isn’t in the EU yet,” Alena said. “Plus I assume Serbian prison would be somewhat awful.”

“However…” Rolf pretended they hadn’t spoken. “The fact remains that because you were caught, Ms. Moreau, and Mr. Wagner reacted appropriately to your violation, Absolon and whomever else he’s working with might already be on alert.”

Almost as one, she and Alexander turned to Rolf.

“What?” they asked in unison.