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“I think he knows my father,” I add, and she nods again. I can see her digesting this information.
“Whatever you decide, just know that I am with you one hundred percent.”
“Cindy, if this is something I do, I don’t want you to—” I start to say, already shaking my head.
“Nonsense, I am a law clerk. I file, I type, I answer calls. Half the businesses we help are probably a little bit shady anyway. Besides, just because he might operate on the other side of the law doesn’t mean the work he will have you do leans that way as well. Have you asked him exactly what he needs?” I can only look at her in slight shock and awe as I try to untangle the fact she has literally not only given me permission to tread outside of the lines to save myself, but also offered herself up to do the same.
“No. We haven't discussed it in detail. I suspect he will want me to agree to it before I know exactly what it is,” I tell her with a sigh, taking the last sip of coffee.
“Well, think about it. Options at this point aren’t plentiful,” she says, just as my office phone rings. Leaning over Cindy grabs it from my desk.
“Emilia Cole’s office,” She greets, sounding upbeat as ever, but then her eyes look at me, and sadness sweeps through them. “One moment, please.” She puts the phone on hold.
“It is Mr. Jefferson for you.” Mr. Jefferson is one of my last two clients. We both know why he is calling. One of my last lifelines is about to be taken away.
“Okay, thanks.” I grab the phone and Cindy stands, taking the remaining brownies and walking out of my office, closing the door softly behind her.
I take a big breath in and try to put my armor on, but it is cracking. For the first time since this whole debacle started, my armor feels too heavy. Before I think too hard about that, I answer the call, knowing that unless I can pull off an absolute miracle, this is going to be the last time I speak with Mr. Jefferson.
7
NICO
Stepping into her office, carrying her coffee and a box of papers, it is me that is surprised for once. The whole office is quiet, dark, no Cindy at reception and no other people around. That has been the usual case for me this week when I come to deliver her coffee and her note. But this morning is different. Sitting in her large leather chair behind her desk is the bambolina herself, looking at me as though she is going to end me and take great pleasure in doing so.
“Ahhh, she is up early today,” I say to her, putting the box on her desk and then handing her coffee over to her.
“Might as well get this over with. Give me that goddamn coffee,” she says with a groan, reaching for the cup.
I smile at her, which irritates her more.
“You’re especially delightful this morning. Are you finally ready to come to the dark side?” I ask her, as I take a seat on the small sofa in her office. I watch her as she sips the hot brew, noticing her long delicate throat as she swallows. Dressed casually today in jeans, a white t-shirt, and black blazer, I don’t miss the hint of black lace peeking out of the top of her V-neck, giving me a small glimpse of what she is hiding underneath. Crossing my leg over my knee and leaning back, I wait for her to talk.
“Tell me your terms,” she grits out, and I know this is killing her. I feel bad for her… a little. Her father really did a number on her and none of this is her fault, yet here we are.
“You work for me. I have a project I need you to investigate. Lots of paperwork to review and catalog. I am trying to find a needle in a haystack.” The two of us staring at each other from across the room, her with narrowed eyes and me with a straight face.
“What about Cindy?” she asks, and I realize if she does this, she is probably doing it to look after her staff more so than for herself. It is admirable and also incredibly stupid.
“I will continue to pay her a salary and offer her a silencing bonus for her to keep all this confidential. She can’t be involved in the project, but she will be looked after, and may need to provide some administrative support at some point. Until then, she can stay here with you, answer calls, and do your company admin, as required and as you need her. She can even keep her holiday plans too.” I see the tension leave her shoulders as she relaxes a little.
“So you will pay her to do nothing?” she asks, sounding astounded.
“I am not totally unreasonable. It is not her fault she is losing her job, and I am sure she has a hint of what is going on anyway, so we need to keep her quiet. Money is one of the best ways of doing that, wouldn’t you say?” I say, a small threat leaking out, and Emilia nods in understanding. Though, she looks like she’s biting her tongue to stop from biting back at me.
“Likewise, we will pay you too. Your standard hourly rate, plus a little extra. While I know there is lawyer-client privilege, I am sure I don’t need to tell you whatever you see, hear, or do is not to be repeated to anyone. At any time. Under any circumstances.”
“Will there be anything illegal required?” she asks, and I tilt my head.
“What do you think?” I lift a brow, smirking at the dread taking over her gorgeous face.
“Jesus,” I hear her mumble as she runs her hand through her hair, and I have a sudden urge to grip it and pull her head back, just so I can see more of her.
“Can I work from here?” she asks, bringing my attention back to the matter at hand.
“Maybe. The paperwork I have is sensitive. I have an office set up for you at a secure location. But I can bring you boxes here. If needed, I can place some protection on you as well.”
“Are you saying working with you will put a target on my head?” she counters. Her quick questioning shows how good of a lawyer she is. She makes sure I answer all of her questions clearly, leaving no room for conjecture.
