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“Huge accusations for a woman standing all by herself in my office.”
“Is that another threat, Chris?”
“I don’t make threats, Ms. Bridges. I already told you that.” He walked even closer, his smile remaining. “My father and I have had many enemies over the years, people who attempted to destroy our hard work.”
“Hard work? You only know how to take and destroy. I’m going to ask you one more time. Who is Lucas Tremaine?” I slid the gun from my back, easing it in front of my leg.
“Were you aware that your previous boss and I go back several years?” he asked, his eyes twinkling.
I was thrown by the comment but to my credit, I flashed a plastic smile. “Why would that matter to me?”
“After your rather creative display at the gas station last night, I had a long chat with him. He mentioned that you were actually here searching for your father. Is that true?”
My God. I’d been completely betrayed. I blinked twice, enough to allow Chris to see I was troubled. “You have no idea if what I told my former boss was nothing but a lie. Now, do you?”
He seemed impressed yet relaxed, sitting on the edge of his desk. “I see you want to play games. All right. Lucas Tremaine was a man my father once considered a friend. Friends are very difficult to come by in this business. In fact, my father was the man who hired Lucas, of course based on several recommendations. Sadly, Lucas turned out to be a traitor.”
“You mean he turned out to be an undercover police officer who’d surreptitiously infiltrated your organization.” I could see I’d actually shocked him, at least for a few seconds, his calm and collected demeanor quickly taking over.
“What is it that you want to know, Ms. Bridges? Details about your… father?”
The man was pulling out all the stops. I was itching to shoot him right between the eyes.
“Did you have Lucas murdered?”
He laughed, shaking his head. “I assure you, neither my father nor I have ever engaged in murder.”
“No, you’ve just hired your thugs to handle your dirty work.”
Inhaling, he folded his hands. “I’m not entirely certain what you think of me, Vanessa, but I’m not the monster you think me to be.”
“I think I do know you, Chris, and I will find a way to prove you murdered Lucas Tremaine.”
“I’d be careful, my dear. There are monsters everywhere in this town.”
His words were my cue to slide my weapon into my hands. “And I assure you that I can take care of myself.”
“Are you going to shoot me, Ms. Bridges?”
The man was far too cool, as if no one would ever be able to take him down. I took a minute to think about it, still pointing the barrel in his direction. “You know, while I wasn’t allowed the opportunity to know my father, my guess is that he was a truly honorable man, a person who fought for justice. While a small part of me would enjoy nothing more than to place a bullet in your brain, the act isn’t worth the waste of good ammunition.” I gave him a genuine smile. I would likely never find out what had happened to my father, but maybe there would be some small satisfaction in knowing I finished the job that he’d started all those years ago.
An honorable man.
Chris remained seated as he began clapping, a joyful look on his face. “Nicely said, Ms. Bridges. Now, if you don’t mind, I have a significant amount of work to finish today.”
I took a step closer, the smile remaining. “I’ll enjoying watching you writhe in prison, Mr. Montenegro, and trust me, that is going to happen. Have a fabulous day.” I gave him a slight nod before turning toward the door, my nerves completely shot.
“Well, that certainly isn’t going to happen soon, Ms. Bridges. I believe you know Jack Barlow?”
I froze, almost paralyzed at hearing my friend’s name. I forced myself to turn my head, controlling my breathing.
“It was very sad to hear about his horrific accident. Such a shame to lose a man in the prime of his life.” He chuckled evilly. “Oh, and if my memory serves me, his death was similar to your father’s. Such a tragedy.”
I refused to acknowledge him in any manner, taking my time to walk out of his office. The moment I closed the door, I knew in my heart that one day, I would meet Chris in a dark alley and he wouldn’t survive.
The taste of blood filled my mouth and this time, it was oh-so sweet.
As I walked outside, I noticed three Denver Police Department vehicles roaring into the parking lot, their lights flashing. I took a moment, tipping my head to stare at Chris’ window. I knew he was watching. I also knew that Max had found my information useful. I shielded my eyes from the late afternoon sun, hoping Chris could see the smile on my face.
