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Raymond gave a hard shake to his head as he rubbed his hand over his face and breathed out roughly. “It’s a dangerous game we’re playing here, John.”
“But a necessary one,” John murmured. “How close have you gotten?”
“His second in command is Myron Falks, just as we suspected,” Raymond answered him. “I haven’t pieced together the rest of the group yet, though.”
“It’s a group rather than an individual, then?” John probed.
Raymond shook his head again. “At this point, I don’t know. I’ve managed to move in close enough in the past years that Myron trusts me implicitly with everything but Warbucks’s identity. I’m wondering if he even knows himself. As you know, I’ve identified several of Ford Grace’s security personnel, as well as at least one of Waterstone’s and Claymore’s. There’s no way to track exactly who it is, because no one singularity ties any of the men.”
“But he trusts you enough to interview the broker involved with this sale,” John stated.
Raymond nodded. “I was put in charge of brokers three years ago, as you know, until Warbucks focused on Bailey. I’ve tried to make certain I’ve shown no preference for any one broker. Several times it’s been noted that each transaction you’ve overseen has been equated with greater financial benefits as well as discretion. Jerric Abbas, as you also know, despite his lack of expertise in the area, was running a close second.”
John nodded. Raymond was unaware that Micah Sloane was now Jerric Abbas, and part of the unit. John didn’t always support Jordan’s decisions on keeping relevant information from the players involved in missions, but in this case he agreed.
If Bailey knew Raymond was a part of the mission, then she would spend the majority of her time trying to prove he was betraying them. Raymond wasn’t betraying them. He had too much to lose, and his hatred for Warbucks matched Bailey’s.
“Just ensure that I get the contract on this,” he told Raymond as he rose to his feet. “Let’s make certain we get him this time, Raymond. We may not get another chance.”
Raymond rose to his feet with a sharp nod. “You and Bailey seem fairly close. Will she end up hurt when this is over?”
Was there any way any of them could end up not hurt? John wondered.
“I’ll worry about Bailey,” he informed Raymond. “You worry about your end.”
“Is she still determined that Grace is Warbucks?”
“What are the chances that Ford Grace is involved with this?” John asked, his eyes narrowing on the other man.
Raymond breathed out roughly. “About as high as the chances any of the other men we’re looking at are. Warbucks is well hidden, John. He’s surrounded himself with men who guard his identity like junkyard dogs. Our only chance to find him out is full disclosure on this deal. Thankfully, it’s something Jerric Abbas seems to be demanding as well. The sensitivity of the item, the amount of money involved in the transaction and the risk factor are all things Warbucks will have to look at as he makes his decision.”
“Make certain Myron understands that neither myself, Bailey, nor Abbas will accept anyone but Warbucks,” John told him as he headed to the door. “Let’s not fuck this up at this stage of the game.”
“Now.” John leaned forward, feeling the rage he had been trying to contain for a week now bubbling to the surface. “Who tried to kill Bailey?”
“God, I don’t know.” Raymond grimaced as he dragged his fingers through his hair, frustration lining his expression.
John could see the concern that marked the other man’s face and for just a second, fear for Bailey flashed in his eyes. She thought Raymond held her in such contempt, that his attitude toward her had been one of dislike.
It was an impression Raymond had worked to convince Bailey and others of, but the fact was, the other man held her in very high regard. Most people who truly knew Bailey did care for her.
“Warbucks went through the roof with that attack,” Raymond continued. “Surprisingly, I believe I heard a note of fear in his tone during the conversations we’ve had. For the first time he hasn’t gone through Falks, but came straight to me instead.” His gaze turned thoughtful. “A few times, John, I could have sworn I recognized his voice.”
They had known going in that whoever Warbucks was, he was a member of this particular society. Raymond had worked these past years to infiltrate and work himself into a position of trust to learn the identity of the traitor.
“Not enough to be sure, though?” John asked.
Raymond shook his head. “Just enough to make me crazy trying to figure out who it could be. He has Falks running himself ragged trying to secure Bailey while still working for his employer. I think Falks is a man ready to break. Too many years of trying to please too many masters maybe.”
“That will do it to you,” John sighed.
“He’s a scared man, John,” Raymond stated thoughtfully. “Warbucks keeps Falks with Waterstone, me with Ford, and several other men with the other families in security positions to draw suspicion from him. But in doing so, over the years I’ve noticed that the strain is beginning to show on the men he’s using. They can’t quit, or he’ll kill them. Mess up and they die. They’re stuck between a dagger and a grenade and they know it.”
“Interesting analogy,” John grunted. “Makes sense though. His men are divided.”
“Exactly.” Raymond nodded before glancing at the clock above the fireplace. “We better cut this short. Falks will be arriving soon and I’m supposed to be available as soon as he arrives.”
Of course, Myron Falks would want an update as soon as possible, John thought as he rose to his feet and headed to the door.
