Chapter 5
Ryker noted how pale Invicta had become as she exited the office. Her light brown hair, pulled back into a haphazard bun with several blond tendrils hanging loose around her face, only served to make her skin look paler. Her big hazel eyes held fear in their depths. There was a tremor in her hands as well. If he had to guess, he’d say she was terrified. Just what the hell had her uncle said to her?
Austin Davis was a grade-A butthole. A complete and utter douchebag as far as Ryker was concerned. He encouraged the far right to do stupid things that weren’t in their best interest but either made him look good or his enemies look bad. Ryker detested men like Davis. They used their intelligence and power to manipulate the weak. Make them believe stuff that was a lie, or worse, a conspiracy theory. But this was a job. Archer had asked for his help, and Ryker would do whatever it took.
“Senator Davis will see you now,”she said demurely but refused to meet his gaze.
Not a good sign. He suspected he’d have to work some magic to make this happen. Archer was counting on him. He thanked her and followed her into the office.
“Mr. Ryker Sterling,”she said and then promptly left the room, closing the door behind her.
Ryker walked across the office, his shoes sinking into the plush gray carpet. He halted in front of an ornate desk made of some fancy wood he knew would be expensive. The walls were done in a soft tone somewhere between gray and beige and paintings had been hung in nearly every available space. Ryker figured they were expensive, but he had no idea who any of the artists were. There was a seating area behind him with a couch and two chairs all done in a beige tone with brown and gray throw pillows. The wall to his left was floor-to-ceiling glass. A showpiece that provided a view of the city with the Potomac in the distance. The office screamed look at how successful and fantastic I am. To Ryker it said look here, I’m a target.
“Senator Davis,”he said and extended his hand.
Austin Davis rose from his desk and took the proffered hand.“Ryker.”
Ryker was careful to modulate his squeeze so it matched Davis’s but didn’t overdo it. He could crush the man into the ground, no sweat, but that wouldn’t get him hired.
Davis pointed to the man seated across from him.“This is my assistant, Floyd Armstrong.”The other man stood, and they shook.
Armstrong was shorter than Ryker and had a runner’s physique. His brown eyes were too close to his nose and reminded Ryker of a hamster. His close-cropped, dark-blond hair had begun to gray at the temples, so Ryker revised his age upwards from mid-thirties to early forties.
Davis gestured to the chair behind Ryker to indicate he should have a seat. They both sat. Then Davis turned to Armstrong.“Floyd, please check with Joyce about the luncheon for the orphans next week. I want to show up late and leave early.”
Armstrong looked like he was about to protest being asked to leave but after a pointed look from Davis, the other man did as he was bid, closing the door behind him. Davis leaned back in his chair.“Imagine my surprise when Invicta added you to my calendar this morning. She seems to think you have your own security firm.”
“I do. Sterling Security is my company. I do security work for Society members outside of the Society locations on occasion as well as for non-members in certain circumstances. I was surprised to get a call from Cal about you. You didn’t mention to anyone in the Society that someone is trying to kill you. I’m sure I would have heard about it if you had.”
Austin waved a dismissive hand.“My niece overreacted to a small incident. You know how these young fillies can be. She made a mountain out of a molehill.”He let out a sigh as if he was long-suffering.
Ryker didn’t think it was possible to have a lower opinion of this man, but his dislike for the man rose exponentially. He remained silent. Let Davis fill the dead air.
“She just wasn’t thinkin’ when she spoke to Wallingford. It was kind of him to send you over, but unnecessary. I am perfectly fine, and my security is top-notch.”
Ryker had a decision to make. He’d been hoping that Invicta, and what the hell kind of name was that? had done her job and convinced Davis before he got there. Since that wasn’t the case, he was going to have to fall back on plan B.
The phone on the desk buzzed and Davis hit a button.“Yes, Joyce?”
“I have Mr. Wallingford on the line. Would you like to take the call?”
Davis narrowed his eyes slightly.“Yes, that would be fine, Joyce.”The phone rang and he hit the button again putting the call on speaker.“Cal, how are you?”His drawl was thicker now.“I have you on speakerphone.”
“Austin, so sorry I missed your call earlier. I was doing my laps. I like to get my swim in before I hit the office. What can I do for you?”
“Well, Cal, I just wanted to apologize for my niece. She was out of line the other night at the fundraiser. I am just so sorry she bothered you, tellin’ you all that nonsense about me needin’ more security. I swear girls today aren’t like they used to be. My momma had her own shotgun and took care of the whole ranch when Daddy was away on business.”
Once again, Ryker didn’t think Austin could go any lower in his estimation, but the man seemed to have no limit to how misogynistic he could be.
“Well, Austin, she was very upset, and to be honest, I can’t say I blame her. You know you’re all she has left. She was quite adamant about that. You should take it as a compliment. The young woman obviously cares deeply about you.”
Ryker tried not to smile when Davis had to recalculate quickly.“And I care about her. So blessed to have her in my life. But she’s a bit of a worrier and she shouldn’t have bothered you with it.”
“Nonsense. She was right to come to me and her concerns are valid. You know, Austin, you need to be careful. You’re one of Washington’s elite. A position like yours doesn’t come without making a few enemies. It sounds like someone is out to shorten your lifespan. You need top-of-the-line security to make sure nothing tragic happens. It would be a damn shame, not just for me personally, but for the nation.”
Davis gave a self-deprecating chuckle.“Cal, you flatter me.”
“It’s all true. Are you meeting with Ryker today?”
“He’s here with me now.”
“Ryker, thanks again for following up so quickly,”Cal said.“I owe you dinner. Call me next week and we’ll set something up.”
“Yes, sir. I look forward to it.”Ryker tried not to smile.
Wallingford continued, directing his conversation back to Davis.“Ryker is one of the best, Austin. I have entrusted my life to his company on many occasions. He has consulted with the elite here in Washington for quite a few years now. If I were you, I would bring him in and get him to assess my security and make changes where necessary. It will put your niece’s mind at ease and tighten your security. Neither one of those is a bad thing.”
“Well Cal, I appreciate your candor and your concern. I’ll chat with Ryker and let you get back to your day. Thanks so much for callin’ back.”Davis hung up.
Ryker fought to keep his expression impassive. Wallingford had come through in spades, as Ryker knew he would. None of what the man said was a lie, but he also knew Wallingford despised Davis. However, Cal Wallingford was a pragmatist. He’d butter up whomever he needed to get what he wanted. The thing he wanted most was to rid the world of the extremists on both sides of the aisle. Wallingford was a rare breed these days, a centrist all the way.
Austin steepled his fingers under his chin.“I have to say, I’m surprised that Archer lets you do outside work. I thought everything you did was Lock and Key business.”
Ryker cocked an eyebrow.“Who says it isn’t? Running the security at the Lock and Key Society sometimes means doing things outside of the physical locations. It’s always in our best interests to look after members and, as I mentioned, in certain circumstances, some non-members like Cal.”
“He certainly gave you a glowing recommendation, but I have to say I’m not so keen to have the Society so enmeshed in my business.”
Ryker nodded. His legs twitched with the need to get up and walk right the hell out of there, but he’d promised Archer to do his best. So, he continued,“I can understand your hesitance, but as a Society member my services will be a fraction of the true cost and it would give you access to many Society benefits that you would not normally have access to, through me, of course.”
“Such as?”Austin asked.
“I will personally do all research required to clear every person you come in contact with. I will provide a dossier on anyone you wish to engage with in a meaningful way. It also means more access to Archer.”It meant no such thing, but Ryker instinctively knew that if he offered Archer on speed dial, Davis would be more likely to agree. It didn’t hurt that it would piss Archer off either. Ryker wasn’t above a little revenge for being given this assignment.
Davis’s eyes lit up at the mention of Archer.“What would hiring you entail?”
Triumphant, Ryker offered only a small smile.“As Cal said, my primary function is to assess your security and make the necessary changes to keep you as safe as possible. You wouldn’t be the first politician to hire extra security. I would need full access to everything in your world and you would have to direct your current security to do as I say. I would stay hands-on; meaning I’d be part of your daily security detail for as long as it takes to implement changes and tweak as needed. After three months, we reassess and see where we are in the process. As a Society member, my fees will be a fraction of what Cal pays. I have sent you an email that has the‘friends and family’fee structure.”
Davis scoffed.“That sounds an awful lot like you’re comin’ in and takin’ over. I don’t think my boys will like that. I’m not sure I’d like that either. Archer has too big of a reach as it is.”
The accent was back. Funny how he turned it on and off.“Yes, I am essentially coming in and taking over and, no, your people will not like it. I will be their new boss. That does tend to ruffle feathers. The point is to make you as safe as possible. Your safety must be priority one. If they get their noses out of joint and don’t want to work with me, then I would suggest your safety is not their top priority. Archer will not be involved. He has a hands-off policy when it comes to Sterling Security. His only concern will be that I am doing my best to keep you safe.”
Davis leaned back in his chair and Ryker knew he wasn’t buying the bit about Archer staying out of things. Not much could be done about that. Ryker could only do so much.
Davis leaned forward again.“And what if no adjustments are necessary? What if my people are already doin’ a bang-up job?”
“They’re not.”
“Just how do you know that?”Davis demanded. His voice was soft, but Ryker knew many would find it menacing.
“Look under your desk,”Ryker said, maintaining eye contact with Davis.
“What?”Davis’s eyes narrowed once again and his mouth was a thin slash across his face. It was obvious not many people spoke frankly to the Senator, and they sure as hell didn’t challenge him.
“Look under your desk,”Ryker repeated slowly and with the same matter-of-fact tone.
Davis was fighting what looked like an internal battle. Did he kick Ryker out or do what he asked? Ryker waited to see which way he’d go.
Davis pushed his chair back and looked under his desk. It took him a few seconds but he pulled a small box out from beneath the center drawer. Duct tape dangled from the surface.“What the hell is this?”Davis snarled.
“Open it.”
Davis pulled the lid off the box and unfolded the piece of paper inside. He showed it to Ryker.“Boom? Seriously? What is this? Some kind of sick joke?”He jabbed a button on the phone.“Joyce, get Floyd in here right now.”
Not two seconds later, the door opened, and Armstrong hurried in, brows raised as if in question. Davis clutched the box in his clenched fist and shook it toward the man.
“Explain yourself,”he said to Ryker.
Ryker kept his expression placid, although the urge to crow was strong.“Senator Davis. It’s very serious. I placed that box under your desk around five-forty-five a.m. this morning. Your building’s security is laughable. No one tried to stop me from entering, in fact, they pretty much ignored my presence as a potential intruder. Once in, I had free rein. Not one single member of your security team was here. No one questioned me. I can guarantee no one watched the security footage either. In short, Senator, if someone wanted you dead, you would be dead right now. You may believe your niece was overreacting, but you have some serious issues with your security.”
An ugly shade of red flushed into Davis’s cheeks.
Armstrong blustered,“This is ridiculous?—”
Ryker held up his hand, cutting the man off, but staying focused on Davis.“And in case you think it’s just your office that is unsecured, I put one of those boxes in both your SUV and under your desk in your home. Ask your security detail to verify if you want. I’ll wait.”He leaned back in the chair and eyed the man silently.
It was important to not be smug, just matter of fact. That Davis could work with. Smugness would be too much for him and his ego. He would send Ryker packing and Archer would be angry. Breaking into Davis’s house had been child’s play. He’d taken the opportunity to snoop around a bit, but nothing came of it. He needed more time which he would have when Davis hired him.
Davis grabbed his phone and told his assistant to have his security check his home and SUV for the boxes. They sat in silence for about ten minutes before the phone rang again and the person on the other end confirmed what Ryker had said. He could tell by the color Davis’s face turned.
“Sterling,”Davis said, then paused and drummed his fingers on his desk,“I’m not sure if I should kick you out of my office and have words with Archer, or say thank you.”His brows were knitted together, and the grinding of his teeth was audible.
“Senator, I did this as an exercise to demonstrate your vulnerabilities. Cal Wallingford asked for my help. This has nothing to do with the Society or Archer Gray. I have no agenda here but to offer my assistance. Your niece was correct. You do need better security.”He wasn’t sure why he felt the need to emphasize that she’d been right, but he wanted to make sure Davis acknowledged it in some form or another. The way he’d dismissed her earlier had gotten under Ryker’s skin.
“I would be very happy to work with you but if you prefer another company, I can provide recommendations as well.”That was a gamble. He had to at least offer another option if the whole idea that he wasn’t in it to bash Davis’s ego was going to work.
Davis stared at him for a long minute. Finally, he nodded once.“I guess it’s a case of the devil you know,”Davis grumbled.“Since you’ve obviously shown there are a few weaknesses in my security, I am willin’ to give you a try. Three months. I will notify my security team. See Joyce to get you organized. She’ll provide whatever you need. It’s Thursday. You can start Monday.”
Ryker stood.“I’ll start now, sir. Some things need to happen immediately.”He took his phone out and a few keystrokes later he said,“My contract is in your inbox.”
Davis glared at him but said,“Fine. See Joyce.”
He offered his hand, and the two men shook again.“I will see your assistant and then check in with your current security.”
Davis nodded but he was already looking at his computer screen. Ryker had been dismissed. It took everything he had not to call the man out for his rude behavior. He hated being treated as less than an equal. That was one good thing about Archer. He didn’t let Society members mistreat his staff. Inside the Society walls, Davis would never get away with this crap. But out here, he got to do what he wanted. It rankled Ryker. Too many years in the military answering to people who knew less than he did had left a bitter taste in his mouth.
He nodded to Floyd Armstrong who glared at him and then left the office. Joyce wasn’t at her desk, so he headed to the building’s security office. He bullied them into giving him credentials and doing his picture ID on the spot. Then he reviewed the system with the head of building security, John Price, who just happened to be in. He pointed out some of the issues that needed to be fixed and discussed having security take a couple of extra tours of Austin Davis’s offices every night.
Ryker rode the elevator back up to Davis’s office. He needed to discuss modifications with Davis’s current security team, which, he knew from experience, was not going to be pleasant. No doubt they would be upset that he’d been brought in. He hated the inevitable power struggle he was heading. Couldn’t be helped, though. He was going to be making suggestions and Davis’s current team would fight him on everything and then eventually implement the majority of his suggestions. A colossal waste of time but this wasn’t his first rodeo with this type of situation.
Add in the pressure of Archer’s clear demand that he make this gig work. He sighed as he watched the numbers on the elevator’s display screen.
The elevator doors opened, and Ryker was face-to-face with Invicta and another woman with her hair in a ponytail. He gave the women a nod and stepped around them. Invicta’s soft hazel eyes followed his every move. He glanced back over his shoulder at her and gave her a subtle second nod. Relief flashed across her face before she disappeared into the elevator.
His gut tightened. She was happy he was there but if she knew his real job, she’d be less happy. Not much he could do about that. Not his concern.
He came to a halt in front of Joyce’s desk. She was on her phone and barely acknowledged him with a nod. Her blond-from-a-bottle hair was cut in a severe bob that sawed against her jaw when she spoke. Her skin was pale and although he figured she used all kinds of different creams on it, it looked dry. Her eyes were cold and her thin lips were covered in a bright pink lipstick that matched her bright pink suit. She was brittle-looking to him, but she probably passed as fashionable to those in the know.
She hung up.“Mr. Sterling. Mr. Davis says to get you sorted.”She pulled out her bottom desk drawer.“These are the forms that you’ll need to fill out. They cover medical, dental?—”
“There’s been a miscommunication. Mr. Davis has hired my company as a consultant, not me as an employee. I will bill him appropriately and it will be handled between our accounting offices. All this is unnecessary.”He was pretty sure he heard her teeth click together.
“I see. So what is it I can do for you then?”
“I have some security-related questions and I will need copies of house keys, office keys, vehicle keys, etc.”
She looked affronted.“You will have to speak to Don Lazlo about that. He’s Senator Davis’s head of security.”
Might as well get it out there from the get-go.“I am the new head of security for Mr. Davis. At least for the foreseeable future. Where can I find Lazlo?”
She frowned but glanced at her watch.“He usually comes in just before lunch to take the Senator to his lunch date.”
Ryker frowned.“He’s not in the building?”He knew it but he wanted to drive the point home.“Is any of Davis’s security detail in the building?”He’d noted the assistant adhered to the proper respect for a man of Davis’s standing, a freaking US Senator, but Ryker himself wasn’t tied to that same ideal.
Joyce’s eyebrows drew together, and her lips compressed even further.“Not at this time.”
“Jesus H… that’s a bit problematic. Can you please give me Mr. Lazlo’s number?”
Her fingers clicked away on the keyboard and then she read it off to him.“Is there anything else you need?”
There was a host of things but now wasn’t the time. He needed to get a better read on the situation first. He moved Joyce into the hostile category in his mind. He always sorted people, friend, foe, or neutral. Joyce did not like him one bit. Probably because it meant she was losing a bit of her control. Corporate America reminded him of a playground. Everyone wanted to rule their square of it completely, and if someone did something they didn’t like, they’d take their toys and go home.
“Can you send me Mr. Davis’s calendar for the rest of the week? I need to do some planning.”
Joyce glared at him as she pounded on her keyboard without looking at the keys. A few moments later an email arrived, and he had what he needed. He strolled over and settled on a chair outside Davis’s door. It was going to be a long day.