“Go,” he said to his driver before raising the privacy screen.
Evangeline’s stomach hurt and her head throbbed. She swallowed down the bile and inhaled another deep breath that did little to settle her back down.
He dragged his fingers through his windblown hair before shifting his full attention on her. “Having a busy morning, are you?”
She shrugged a shoulder. “I’ve had busier.”
His laughter made her heart skip a beat. Even as her world imploded around her, she couldn’t help but admire him. Not only was he the most striking man she’d ever laid eyes on, the public persona he’d created was a perfectly crafted illusion. He had addressed the press, but he hadn’t divulged a thing. All they saw was a man commanding the space and taking charge. A man owning everything he did and said without giving anything away.
“That video went viral so fast,” he said, “I’m surprised the media weren’t camped out at your apartment this morning.”
She groaned. “Oh, God.” As the driver pulled into a private parking lot in Georgetown, reality crashed down on her. “I need a lawyer.”
“No, you don’t,” Sin said. “You have me.”
“Why are you helping me?”
“You have a problem. I fix problems.” Sin escorted her into a private elevator that whisked them to the top floor. The doors opened to a large reception counter, the words DEVELIN & ASSOCIATES emblazoned on the back wall.
“Good morning, Mr. Develin,” said a man seated behind the desk. “You have some people waiting.”
Sin’s attention was hijacked when six men in suits stood to greet him.
Whoa, the place is packed.
“What’s this all about,” Sin asked.
One of the men stepped forward. “Mr. Develin, we’re with the Secret Service. Someone leaked a story to the press that a handful of us were hanging with sex workers while—”
“Gentlemen, that’s not my area of expertise.”
“Three of the women are dead,” said the agent. “We’ve been accused of partying in a D.C. motel, but we were on assignment. Four of us weren’t even in town when it happened.”
Sin addressed his receptionist. “Is Sanchez in?”
“Yes.” He lifted the receiver and spoke quietly. When he hung up, he nodded at Sin.
“My associate, Maria Sanchez, will be right with you.”
“Thank you,” the agent replied.
He turned to Evangeline. “Let’s talk in my office.”
The firm was buzzing with activity. Private offices lined the hallway, while the center of the floor was filled with rows of cubicles. Some of the smartly dressed associates were on their phones, while others were consulting with each other. The air hummed with electricity. Being at Develin & Associates felt like being at the epicenter of power in the nation’s capital.
Sin greeted everyone he passed. “What’s the latest?” he asked one.
“Waiting on the verdict. I should hear something this afternoon.”
“When do you fly to Greensboro?” he asked another.
“Tonight,” replied the employee.
Pausing at the break room, he asked Evangeline if she wanted something to drink.
“I’d love a vodka.”
“I have a bottle in my office.” After he grabbed a juice from the refrigerator, they continued toward the end of the hallway. Pausing at an office, he asked, “Is Jacoby here?”
