“Red took over that position three years ago,” Coltonsaid.
“I liked Vanessa,” Maverick said. “Where’d shego?”
“Figures,” Redblurted.
“Jail,” Coltonreplied.
“What the hell,bro?”
“That’s a whole different story for another day,” Coltonsaid.
“One I’d like to hear. Unfortunately, I’ve gotta fly—work crisis—but I need your help,” Maverick said. “You know Senator George Internado,right?”
Colton tossed him a nod. “Need anintroduction?”
He glanced at the women. “Can I speakfreely?”
“You’re in America, so I damn well hope so.” Red rolled hereyes.
After resting his bum on the arm of the sofa, Maverick crossed his muscular arms over his broad chest. “Since Internado heads the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, he’s privy to covert operations within the CIA. Those players need my company’sservices.”
“You’re a cocky one,” Redmurmured.
Maverick shot her a wink. “In the sandbox where I play, you gottabe.”
“Why now?” Coltonasked.
“Rumor mill is hopping. Something big might bebrewing.”
Colton slid a hand into his pants pocket. “Red, please arrange a lunch—no, make that dinner in a private dining room at my golfclub.”
“Got it,” shesaid.
“Babe, you want to join us?” Colton askedBrigit.
“No, thanks. I’ll pass onInternado.”
“No like?” Maverickasked.
“I managed his personal wealth, but things soured,” Brigitreplied.
“Red, include yourself,” Coltonsaid.
She whipped her head in his direction. “Me? What on earthfor?”
“You know a lot of the players on the Hill, don’t you?” Coltonasked.
Her nonchalant shrug gave her away.She sure does.“What did you do before you worked here?” Alexandraasked.
“Lobbyist,” Red said, then shot Maverick the evil eye. “And I took this job to getawayfrom all ofthat.”
“Neversaynever,doll.”
Under her breath, Red,grunted.
While they were talking, Maverick’s phone continued to ring. No sooner did he silence it, then it would ring again. “Thanks for the intro. Gottafly.”
“Good riddance,” murmuredRed.
