Page 62 of Miss Understanding

Although I was on friendly terms with Chance, I also knew I had to be careful not to share too much. The man was reputed to enjoy games. The last thing I wanted was to have Kendall become part of one.

“Yes, well. It’s been a while since I’ve been out.”

He laughed. “Cut the shit, Liam. You’re not one for the nightclub scene, and my manager already told me you paid five hundred dollars tonight for ten minutes with one of my bartenders. I’m the one who cleared it, by the way, as that sort of thing goes against protocol.” He walked over to the window, looking down to where I could see Kendall back working behind the bar.

“The pretty brunette, right?”

I didn’t bother to lie. “Yes.”

He turned to me, thoughtful. “Your girl?”

“I might be working on that part.” Perhaps if I was frank about my interest, he’d ensure she had extra protection from the male customers.

He grinned. “Must be a change for you. You don’t seem like the type to have to work too hard for a woman’s attention.”

“She’s different.” In so many ways. And because we were being honest, I said my next words carefully. “Although I’m not happy about her spending her weekends moonlighting at a club, it did give me some reassurance to find out it was one of yours.”

He regarded me for a moment before giving me a nod. “Appreciated. And I can assure you this club is above board. Regardless, I take the treatment of my staff very seriously.”

My gaze didn’t leave his. This was a man in power. But he wasn’t the only one. It needed to be crystal clear I would accept nothing less than his word on her safety. “Happy to hear it.”

“Since you’re here, I do have some business to discuss with you if you have a couple minutes.”

He indicated a chair next to the window. I was grateful for the view of Kendall while we were talking. “Of course. Always happy to discuss business with you.”

“This is of a delicate nature.” He grabbed a decanter of amber liquid. “Still a bourbon man?”

“Yes, I am. And of course, anything you say is in confidence.”

He poured four fingers and handed me a glass before pouring his own.

Taking a sip, I realized it was Blanton’s, my favorite.

I’d met Chance over ten years ago when I’d been an associate. I’d worked with him on his first business acquisitions—not the sort of thing I did very much anymore since I was now mainly focused on litigation. Even a decade ago, it had been clear he didn’t trust many. And since it sometimes paid to have friends in high places, I didn’t mind being trusted. He understood I had a limit: our conversations had to be on the right side of the law. He undoubtedly dabbled in some questionable activities, but thankfully he kept that part of his business for his personal attorney.

“I need a private investigator.”

I quirked my brow. This was something he could probably get any number of ways.

As if he anticipated my question, he said, “It regards something of a personal nature, which is why I want to go outside of my inner circle. Has to do with my brother.”

“Which one?” He was the oldest of four—or was it five? I couldn’t keep track as there were some halves and steps in there. His father had been married a few times.

“My younger brother Reed. The one who’s working for a security firm in Dubai. It’s his fiancée I need investigated.”

“Gold digger?”

He sighed. “Worse. Anyhow, if you have anyone who can be discreet, I’ll pay expenses.”

“I have a guy in LA. He’s willing to travel.” We’d used him on a number of cases. He was a top-notch security guy. Former Special Forces. He might be overkill for what Chance wanted, but I knew the nightclub owner would expect the best.

“If you could help me arrange it, I’d appreciate it. I’ll send everything to your personal email?”

In other words, this was off the law firm books. “Yes. I’ll set it up.”

“Good. You want my manager to cover for your girl so you get some more time?”

It was tempting, although what else would I say? She’d left the ball in my court. “No. It would only piss her off. She takes her job seriously.”