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Malcolm and Javier are waiting for me at the front door of the Asher estate when I enter his driveway. It’s a little after one in the morning and past the customary visiting hour, but this matter couldn’t wait. Not when my concerns for Aliana continue to grow, and after this visit, I have one more person to see.
I also can’t show up at Asher Holdings with the feds looking into our moves.
Casper and I aren’t “here.” There are no tracks leading to our entry or exit.
They’re both looking a little haggard with a few specks of blood on their clothes, but the identical business-like grins on their faces say they know why I’m here. Truth is, though, they don’t. They’d never guess the trouble I’ll bring to their doorstep if I’m pushed the wrong way.
Friendships won’t matter this time.
With a nod and no words exchanged, we walk inside and straight to his home office, and I understand why when I catch a glimpse of a woman laughing down the opposite hall with Mariah. She’s young, reminds me a bit of Aurora, but I know she’s not. My cousin hasn’t let his girl out of his sight since we parted ways.
“Callum, it’s good to see you,” Malcolm says after Javi closes the door, extending a hand for me to shake. “I didn’t know you were still in town. Everything okay?”
“Oi, mate...” I roll my eyes before pulling him in for a hug. “...take that formal crap and shove it.”
“I’ll take note and add it to his file,” Javier says from behind me, moving to sit in a chair across from Asher’s desk. “Doubt he’d listen, though.”
“You two are a pain.”
“A needed one,” I counter, and then pull back to sit in the other unoccupied seat. The amusement drops from my face the moment I sit and the other two men take notice, mimicking my body language. “I’m heading back to London soon, but I have something pressing to take care of first.”
“I see.” Malcolm walks to the bar inside his home office, lifting up a crystal decanter with what I’m sure is gin. “Drink first or after?”
“First, but not that shit.” At my response, he laughs, presenting me with a bottle of whiskey from the shelf beneath, and I nod. “Better, and bring it over.”
“Shot or?”
“Better go with the full bottle just in case.”
“That bad?” Malcolm’s brows furrow, he casts a quick hard glance at Javi.
I shrug. The way this conversation will go depends on his answer. “Not per se.”
“Are you here to discuss the financial issue we—”
“No.”
That surprises Malcolm, his head tilts to the side while he scratches his chin. “Then?”
“I’m here to discuss your business agreement with Diego Rubens and Rigo Martin.”
“You know I don’t discuss banking between clients.” He places the bottle down with two empty tumblers, one for myself, and the other for Javier, before taking a seat. His expression gives nothing away. “That’s against the NDA we both sign.”
“I could give a bloody fuck about money right now.”
Malcolm doesn’t react to the anger in my tone. “What’s going on, Callum? What did they do?”
“My apologies.” I take in a deep breath and calm myself. He’s considered family, and I need to remember that before I do something I can’t take back. At least, not until I know how deep he’s involved. “But Malcolm, I need the truth from you. I need your word.”
He nods. “Ask me what you must.”
“Do you or do you not own a townhome in the Lincoln area across the street from Rubens’s daughter?”
“No.” No hesitation. His posture is calm.
“I believe you, but…” grabbing the whiskey, I pour three fingers’ worth for myself and Javier. “…why is it traced back to you?”
Like a light being switched on, he’s furious. His anger runs as hot as mine. “Please explain.”
