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Uh?
Alex considered his response. “You mean how they bribed their way into hosting a World Cup?”
“They do seem to have a penchant for bribery.” Leo’s gaze didn’t waver. “You may have heard about the EU Parliament’s Qatargate?”
Was this some kind of test?
“Vaguely.” Alex fluttered his hand. “Something about a number of politicians being arrested, I think? Money stored in flats, suspension of some air transit agreement that was considered too favourable to Qatar?”
“Roughly accurate,” Leo said while Joshua was quiet, simply watching. “You may also be aware that the UK is in the process of negotiating a free trade agreement with Qatar?”
Um.
Not really?
Alex tried to mask his confusion as he maintained a straight back. “I’m afraid I haven’t been following things that closely. Politics is my father’s domain, not mine.”
“What about—”
“I think that’s enough,” Joshua interrupted gently, one of his hands coming to rest on Leo’s knee. Leo studied Alex for a moment longer before he nodded, his stance loosening quite suddenly as he turned to smile at Joshua.
“Yeah, all right. I was just making sure.”
“I know.” Joshua smiled back before he turned to look at Alex. “My apologies, Alexander. You’re probably wondering what’s going on.”
“Alex, please.” Alex fought the impulse to shift under the full weight of Joshua’s regard. “I prefer Alex, if that’s okay. And yes, this is all a bit … odd.”
“Alex.” Joshua inclined his head. “See, here’s the thing. A few days ago, the Head of Royal Communications received an anonymous tip, namely that Qatar may be trying to skew the trade negotiations in their favour. Leo took it to his old team for further investigation—I don’t know if you’re familiar with James Boyle?”
Alex swallowed, suddenly queasy. James Boyle was an institution, professional fixer and dogsbody to those who could afford his services. While Alex had never personally run into the man, he was well familiar with the rumours. Competent, ruthless, thorough—Boyle and his team didn’t mess around.
“I don’t…” Alex cut himself off. Anything he said could be used against him, right? Except the prince and his consort weren’t the police, and no allegations had been launched against Alex himself. It didn’t take a genius to figure out where this was headed, though, and should Alex jump to defend his father? Because that,thatwas the entire point of this conversation. Wasn’t it?
Oh God.
“Alex?” Joshua prompted, his voice still kind.
“I know of James Boyle,” Alex managed. “Never met him, though. Is this… If you’re saying what I think you are, shouldn’t this be a matter for the police?”
“It will be as of tomorrow, when we hand over the evidence.” Leo sounded calm and precise. “Given the sensitive nature, we simply wanted to do our homework first rather than needlessly risk the reputation of several people, including some who are perceived as close to the Crown.”
“And, um.”Speak succinctly, Alexander. “I take it the evidence holds up?”
“I’m afraid so.” Joshua sighed softly, the sound nearly lost in the sickening rush of the driving car, of wheels slapping the road. It hadn’t seemed quite this loud before, and Alex sucked in a breath, and another.
“We’re not here to accuseyou,” Leo said, and something must have shown on Alex’s face because Leo chuckled without much humour. “Honestly, we’re not. Just crossing some T’s and dotting some I’s, that’s all—no one seriously thinks you’re involved.”
That was … good, yeah. But it still meant… It still meant that Alex’s father was, quite possibly. Why would he do such a thing? They didn’t need the money, so why,why?
Alex shook his head against the dizziness. “But then why all this?” He gestured at the car, at Joshua and Leo, at himself. “Why come to the match and talk to me?”
“One” —Leo’s grin showed sharp teeth— “we actually wanted to see the game. Good seats on short notice are a perk of marrying into royalty, you see. Secondly, we wanted to check whether you knew anything at all.”
“I don’t,” Alex said quickly. “I don’t know if it’s true—it’s not like we ever talk about politics because we sure don’t see eye to eye, but… Just, we may not have the best relationship, but heismy father. So.”
“I’m not asking you to implicate him.” Joshua paused, glancing at Leo for a moment before he continued. “The reason we wanted to talk to you—themainreason we wanted to talk to you—is that you deserve a fair warning. Once this breaks, you’ll be in the spotlight. Not because you yourself are a suspect, but because you’re linked to this. You’re a prominent figure, and the media will show no mercy.”
Alex blinked against the spots flitting through his vision. No words would come.
