Page 67 of Unlocked

And yet.

I can't lose you.

That had been the truth. Pure and unfiltered and completely unlike him.

He pushed it down, picked up his pen, and started in on the paperwork.

An hour later, Ryker walked in. "Still nothing on Lebowitz," he said, dropping into the chair across from Archer's desk. "We can't find the body anywhere."

"Whoever took it knew what they were doing," Archer said.

"I'm not surprised, but it's still frustrating." Ryker crossed his arms. "It was an avenue we had to explore."

Archer set down his pen. "What do you know about the Curator?"

"Not very much. I imagine the same thing you do. Whoever it is, they're very secretive. Keep everything on the down low. Only a few people actually know they exist."

"That's what I've heard as well. As a matter of fact, I don't think I know anyone who knows the Curator directly. I've only ever heard whispers."

"Do you think the Curator is the one behind the Ponzi scheme?"

Archer leaned back in his chair. "I've been thinking about it all night, and it makes sense. The Curator is known for supplying girls, drugs, whatever it is people want. Like the Society on one level, but darker. They're known for human trafficking above all else. To do that takes serious capital upfront. What better way to generate it than through a Ponzi scheme?"

He continued. "They pay each investor a small amount to make it look legitimate, then take more and more over time. My guess is that the first group of investors knows who the Curator is. They're probably existing clients, so they didn't need to be paid back at all. The rest of the wealthy investors were brought in by that first group. Referrals. They paid their fees, got a little money back to keep them quiet, and never knew who was really running the show. They know someone who knows the Curator, but they'll never meet the Curator directly. That's how you keep it airtight."

"Very clever," Ryker said.

"Getting rich while hiding in plain sight."

"Could be Davis," Ryker offered.

Archer shook his head. "I don't think he's the Curator, but I think he knows who the Curator is. Maybe works with them."

"Should we talk to him?"

"Not yet. The moment we do, we tip our hand, and we can't afford that. We also don't know where Fisher fits in. Again, I don't think he's the Curator, but does he work for them? Is he manipulating Davis as part of that arrangement, or is he operating separately, building influence over the Society for his own reasons, or because someone is paying him to? There are too many unknowns right now."

Archer tapped his fingers on the desk. "First thing we have to do is talk to Kelly again. We need to squeeze him." He blew out a breath. "And how is our guest?"

Ryker shrugged. "Fine. Holed up in the apartment. All his food is being brought in. A considerable amount of booze. He's been drunk since he arrived. His wife and children are out in the Hamptons with her mother. I have people watching her and the kids just in case."

"Good. Watching her keeps them safe but also gives us leverage with him. The drinking is unfortunate but at least it keeps him out of trouble. Make sure no one gets access to him. I want to know the moment that door opens."

"I have Rush running security, so we see everything. He added a doorbell camera outside the door. I told Kelly it was for his protection, just an extra layer."

Archer smiled. "Good thinking. Remind me to give Rush a bonus for that one."

"He'll be thrilled."

Ryker stood. "Anything else?"

"Not right now. Keep me updated on Kelly. And keep digging into the Curator. There has to be a trail somewhere."

"Will do." Ryker headed for the door, then paused and looked back. "How's Tatum doing?"

Archer's jaw tightened. "She's fine."

Ryker gave him a look that said he knew perfectly well she wasn't the only reason that jaw had tightened, but he didn't push. "Right. I'll check in later." The door closed behind him, leaving Archer alone.