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“Do you have any answers for us? Is your division preparing to indict Zhao on any charges, or connect her to the shootings or Hannah’s disappearance?”
He sighed. “I thought you understood—beginning a proceeding against Zhao, who is a Chinese national on home soil, is difficult if not impossible. But I’m still involved in this case, Ms. Taylor. I would appreciate the opportunity to intervene, if necessary—and not like last time, when I had to storm an office building with machine guns and multiple agents to rescue you at the last second.”
“Of course. I’ll contact you if I have any news.” I hung up, not knowing what else to say. I looked at Bethany. “I can’t believe I just got off the phone with the FBI and lied to them, and it doesn’t even faze me. It’s just…a typical day at the office. Is it me, or are things really crazy around here lately?”
She didn’t bother to look up from her document. “It’s not you. Trust me.”
I went back to work, because that was what I did. Work had always been my solace in the past. I just hoped it could save my future.
GABE
Last night with Lauren had taken a little of the edge off, but only a little. Things seemed better with us, but I had to watch her—Lauren’s big heart and unfaltering loyalty would get her into trouble. I couldn’t let that happen.
I headed from my room to get some coffee, my brothers already gone for the day. I enjoyed the rush of caffeine in peace, and then I called Timmy, who’d left earlier with Lauren.
“Good morning,” he said. He sounded as if he’d been expecting the call. “I’m at the hospital with Ms. Taylor—she’s visiting Wesley.”
“Okay, good. Listen, Lauren has been in direct communication with Li Na again. Did you know that?”
“She mentioned it.”
“Li Na wants to do the exchange soon. Nothing’s been finalized yet, but I need to make sure that unless she’s with me, you’re with her every second of the day. She’s not to go anywhere or meet with anyone unless I’ve approved of it beforehand. Do you understand?”
“Yes, but…sir? Does Ms. Taylor know we’re having this conversation?”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Of course not.”
“Okay. Hopefully, we won’t need to worry about it.” Timmy didn’t sound convinced.
“If she tries something, you say no. Then you call me. You’re working for me now, and I just tripled your salary.”
I thought he sighed, but I might’ve imagined it. “Yes, sir.” He hung up before I could pester him further.
Levi sent me a text. Let’s meet at the house tonight. We need to catch up on details.
Fine, I texted back immediately. I wanted to type Hannah’s life is on the line, so you better actually have some goddamned details to catch up on, but I thought better of it. Instead, I headed to my Spyder, which I drove well over the legal speed limit all the way into work.
Ryan jumped up when I came in. “We’ve had several phone calls from our partner in London,” he said, looking worried. “She doesn’t sound happy.”
“Olivia? What’s the problem?”
“It has something to do with the patch—that’s all I know.” Ryan backed out of my office, looking wary. “You might want to ask her not to swear at me next time.”
I paced for a while before I called Olivia back. She’d been a friend of mine at Harvard, and our paths had crossed professionally again when I’d started Dynamica. She was tough, but she’d never given me any trouble before.
As I picked up the phone, I had a sinking feeling that was about to change.
“Hey, Olivia. My assistant said you called a coup
le of times—sorry I wasn’t in yet. What can I do for you?”
“You can tell me why the hell Lauren Taylor’s selling her company to the Chinese, for starters.” Olivia’s British accent was clipped and angry. “And I’d like to know why I heard this from someone besides you. That’s a good place to start!”
Taken off guard, I didn’t say anything for a moment.
“Gabe? I’d like an answer, please.”
I stood there, reeling. “I’d like to know who you did hear this from.”
