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“I see. Well, how do I tell him who’s here?”

“You don’t. We’ll just go to his office, thanks.” Alex passed the man with a clap on the shoulder. I followed like a curious puppy. I really didn’t like not knowing what Alex’s plan was.

The man tried to keep up with us, but he was a bit slower and Alex made it to the office before he could. It was easy to spot who Liev was. There was one huge office with glass all around it and a few receptionists in the other area.

Alex nodded at the ladies and one gentleman and beelined it for Liev. I tried to appear as unflappable as Alex, but the lack of foresight in how this would go was putting me on edge.

“I’ll have to call you later.” Liev hung up the phone and regarded us with a confused expression. “Can I help you?”

“Sorry, Mr. Hansen. They sort of barreled their way in here, said they had an appointment.”

“It’s okay, Mitch.” Liev rose from his chair. “Do I know you gentlemen?”

Alex looked at Mitch. “Thanks for your help, but my associate and I will need to speak with your boss in private.”

Mitch checked with Liev, who nodded. “Okay.” He backed out, and Alex shut the door and faced Liev.

“Do these windows happen to tint?” he asked Liev.

“They do but until I know why you’re here and if I’m safe, I think I’ll leave them as is.”

He wasn’t a stupid man. Even though Alex had told me not to talk, Gideon had put me in charge and I wanted to get control of this conversation, so I spoke before Alex could.

“We work for Gideon Hendrix.” I chuckled when his eyes widened. I saw Alex staring at me, likely wanting me to shut up. No can do. “Judging by your reaction, you know who he is.”

“Who doesn’t?”

I gave him a tight-lipped smile. “Right. So, how about you tint the windows, and we sit down and have a bit of a chat?”

The heat of Alex’s glare was burning a hole in the side of my face as I took a seat across from Hansen’s desk.

“All right.” Liev sat and hit a button, tinting the windows. “So, what does Mr. Hendrix want from me?”

“Answers.” Alex’s tone was rougher than mine.

“About?”

I tilted my head. “I took you for a smart man, so either I was mistaken or you’re doing a lot of illegal activity here, and you’re confused as to what crime I’m referring to. See, my boss wants information, and you’re gonna give it to me.”

“Illegal activity? What on earth are you talking about?” He was a decent liar, but there were tells every person had, and regardless of if I’d met you or not, I could spot them a mile away. Liev’s was that he scratched his right eyebrow and shifted in his seat.

Alex sighed. “Do you really want to do it this way, Liev?” He must have picked up on Hansen’s deceit, too.

“What way? Look, I don’t know what Mr. Hendrix thinks I’ve done, but I assure you I have no idea what you’re referring to.”

Liev Hansen wasn’t an impressive man, maybe five foot seven, brown hair and eyes, lanky, pale. He wore orange glasses, which was a choice. His clothes were perfectly pressed but bland in color. He wore a wedding ring that was simple gold and while I couldn’t see his shoes, I would bet they were brown loafers. He didn’t have the appearance of someone who was swimming in wealth even though he owned a corporation and, on paper, had a decent net worth.

“Are you afraid of something?” I asked him, and his eyes darted to me.

“Currently, both of you.”

“No.” I waved him off. “Aside from us, has someone else maybe backed you into a corner, forced you to do something?”

He visibly swallowed, and a thin sheen of sweat glistened over his brow. “I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about.”

Alex hung his head and released a frustrated groan. “I don’t want to hurt you, Hansen.” He looked up. “But I sure as fuck will if you don’t stop playing ring around the answers.”

Liev shut his eyes briefly and took a deep breath. “I’m not trying to be difficult, but I can’t say any more.”