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“There’s been no obvious drive-bys, and Benny has swept her apartment. Whoever went in didn’t leave any surveillance equipment.”
“Is he sure?”
“He went through the whole place top to bottom. There are no bugs of any kind. Maybe it wasn’t the brothers who broke in after all.”
“Or maybe they put the devices somewhere else,” Marco murmured thoughtfully. “Tell Benny to go back and check the hall, elevator, and stairwell and get back to me when he’s finished. I’ll wait to hear from him before I leave.”
“Okay, boss.”
Ending the call, Marco leaned back in his chair.
The Zeppelin brothers left nothing to chance. If he was right, and they had searched her apartment, they would have left something in place to alert them when she returned. The idea they may have seen Benny and Joe didn’t bother him. Given the circumstances, the brothers might have even anticipated such a visit. But Steph’s interference had turned it into a mess, yet he couldn’t deny his growing fondness. There was something about her. Something he couldn’t quite put his finger on…
Chapter 15
Though Marco had complete confidence in Benny’s skill, Marco was all too aware anything could happen when he and Steph returned to her apartment. Opening his safe, he withdrew his shoulder holster and small pistol, but wanting to give Steph more time to freshen up and change her clothes, he returned to his desk and sat down.
He also had some thinking to do.
Initially Joe and Benny were supposed to check out Max Steadman’s office and home while Marco enjoyed himself with Steph at the club, but he had to send them to watch Steph’s building instead. Now they’d have to visit Max Steadman’s place later. Marco wanted to join them, but he couldn’t with Steph in tow.
Frustrated, he left his office and ambled down the thickly carpeted hallway. He enjoyed walking through the quiet club. Though he had his finger in many pies, the BDSM sanctuary was his pride and joy. He’d designed each aspect, selected every stick of furniture, and personally hired and fired the employees. The club fed his dominant nature and soothed his soul.
He was about to enter his dungeon when he heard a familiar series of beeps break the silence. Someone was switching off the security system. Turning around, he walked swiftly to the back entrance. To his great relief and surprise, he discovered Carmine Salvatore, his manager.
“You’re here early?” Marco remarked as Carmine strolled toward him. “You’re not due for another hour.”
“I wanted to go through the details of the event before everyone arrived.”
“Event?”
“The Lombardis’ tenth wedding anniversary. Did you forget?”
“I sure as hell did,” Marco replied. “Give them my apologies, and make sure the champagne is on me. No other drinks, just the champagne.”
“Sure.”
“Carmine…” Marco murmured, struck with a sudden thought, “they’re taking over the whole club, right?”
“Yeah, Gino’s spending a fucking fortune.”
“What time are the guests due to arrive?”
“I’ll be opening the doors around seven, dinner is at eight, and we’ll get everyone out by two. What’s on your mind, boss?”
“I have a girl waiting in my dungeon. We have to be somewhere, and when we’re done I might want to bring her back here—I’m guessing around six—while I take care of some business. I won’t be gone long, maybe thirty minutes or so.”
“Do you want me to watch her?” Carmine asked.
“I’ll come up with a pretense and put her in my cage. Just pop your head in every so often and make sure she’s not freaking out, though she’s not the type, but you never know. One thing though, don’t let her snooker you.”
“Ah, right,” Carmine replied, nodding his head knowingly and grinning. “I understand.”
“Great! This should work out perfectly. I’ll see you soon.”
“Hey, I’m happy to babysit for you any time.”
“Just remember, she’s not your average baby,” Marco warned solemnly. “I’ll catch ya later.”
