Page 53 of Vega

“I needed to make sure the matter was handled quickly.”

“No. You needed to make sure you could reach her if I didn’t move fast enough.”

Roman lifted his glass. “Can you blame me? She suddenly disappeared.”

I sat back. “Maybe she ran because she noticed your goofy-ass soldiers tailing her.”

Cedric shifted in his chair.

I looked at him. “You have something to say?”

He settled back without answering.

“I don’t work well with clients who interfere with assignments they gave me.”

Roman’s mouth tightened.

I continued before he could respond. “Your people were sloppy. They stood outside her train station dressed like they were waiting to snatch somebody. She was already watching every face around her. If she disappeared on her own, they’re probably the reason.”

“You were supposed to bring her to me.”

“And I will deliver like I always do.”

Roman studied me, searching for something in my face.

I gave him nothing.

“I’m losing patience.”

“That sounds personal.”

Cedric leaned forward. “Watch how you speak to him.”

I turned my attention toward him. “You should watch how comfortable you get speaking to me.”

The room went quiet.

Roman raised one hand, stopping Cedric before he made a mistake that would ruin the evening.

“I want her found,” Roman said.

“I heard you the first ten times.”

“Do not play with me, Vega.”

I stood. “I don’t play about business. That’s why people hire me instead of the idiots they already have.”

Cedric’s chair scraped against the floor. Roman ordered him to sit without looking away from me.

I headed toward the door.

“Vega.”

I stopped.

“You will deliver her.”

I glanced back at him, smiling a bit. “Like always.”