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“Then show me the receipts.”
For the first time, uncertainty wavered in Sebastian’s eyes, and she felt her heart plummet. Despite knowing that something was wrong, she was still holding out hope that there was a good explanation for everything.
“I didn’t keep the receipts,” he said dully.
“You didn’t keep the receipts? We’ve been doing this for five years, and you didn’t keep the receipts? I swear to God, if you don’t come clean right now, I’m going to have to murder you.”
“Keep your voice down,” he hissed. “Everything is going to be fine. I’m your brother. You have to trust me.”
There was only one other time he’d ever said that to her. Staring at him, she clapped a hand over her mouth and bent over. She honestly thought that she was going to be sick. Slowly dropping her hand, she whispered, “You’re gambling again.” The confirmation was written all over his face, and she lost it. Balling her fists, she started to yell. “Are you fucking kidding me? You’re using the funds from the charity to cover your ass? And you thought that if you schmoozed the press, they wouldn’t dig deep enough to realize what’s going on?”
“Maria! Keep your voice down.” He reached over to grab her. “It’s going to be fine. It’s only a few thousand. I needed something to cover me while I tried to win the money back.”
“How much?” When he didn’t answer right away, she reached up and slapped him. The movement stung her palm, and that pissed her off even more. “How much?” she demanded. She was clenching her jaw so hard, she thought she might crack a tooth.
Sunlight spilled into the tent as the flap opened, and Tessa ducked in. Her face was filled with panic. “Maria? Sebastian? What are you doing? Why are you yelling at each other?”
“Shit. Tessa,” Sebastian said hoarsely. “Did you hear any of that?”
“Did I hear it? Half the camp heard it. And what’s worse, the press members standing right outside the tent heard it, too. What the fuck is going on?”
“Oh, my God,” Maria moaned. “Damage control. We need to do damage control right now.”
“What the hell are we going to say?” her brother asked dully. She could tell that he was already retreating inside himself, and he wouldn’t be any help.
“I don’t know, but we need to figure out what they heard and figure out a way to fix it, because if we don’t, this will be the last good thing Christmas Crates ever does, thanks to you.”
* * *
Jarik stood impatiently on the courthouse steps. Turning, he pocketed his cell phone, as he watched a dark car pull up and Kivi climb out. Jarik felt all his old anger rise to the surface. He couldn’t stand the smug smile on his old friend’s face.
“Well, well, well. Jarik. I certainly didn’t expect to see you here,” Kivi said mockingly.
“I heard the news that your key witness decided not to testify. I thought I’d come along and see how things were progressing for you.”
Kivi raised his arms as the authorities leaned over and unlocked the handcuffs. As he rubbed his wrists, he cocked his head. “I didn’t expect you to be the one to celebrate my release.”
“You’re not released yet, Kivi. And you’re right. That’s not what I’m here for.” Jarik reached into his bag and pulled out the folder. “You see, I came here to give the court this.”
“What is that?”
“Copies of all your financial records. After three of my friends decided to invest with you and lost all their savings, I did some digging. I’ve been compiling evidence against you in case this ever happened.”
“What evidence? My operation was smooth and clean. The only reason I was in these handcuffs is because you are the son of a crowned sheikh, and on your word alone, I was arrested.” Kivi stepped closer to him. “But we’re not in your country, and you have no authority here.”
“Your operation was clean and smooth while you were targeting the rich. They didn’t notice when a few hundred thousand went missing here and there. When you went after my friends, things changed. They went broke, and I started having you followed. I’m the new key witness, Kivi, and you’re never getting out of prison.”
His old friend’s jaw tightened, and Jarik smiled coldly. “I’ll see you inside.”
“Jarik, wait,” Kivi said desperately. “We can come to some arrangement. I’ll make sure your friends are taken care of!”
“Imade sure my friends were taken care of. I don’t need a damn thing from you.” Kivi stared at him in shock, and Jarik stepped back. “What’s wrong? Worried now that you know you can’t bribe your way out of this?”
“You’re one to talk,” Kivi hissed. “You have the weight of an entire country behind you. You throw your money around like it’s nothing. You can’t imagine what it’s like for someone like me.”
He sounded like Maria. “People work for their money. You stole it, and I’m going to make sure you go to prison for it. I introduced my friends to you, and you took advantage of them. You took advantage of me, and now you’re going to pay.”
When his phone rang, he stepped away and watched as the authorities pushed Kivi inside. Glancing at the screen, he saw that it was Halil calling. “Now is not a great time.”
