Chapter 32
CHAPTER 32
V iper followed Izzy into the towering skyscraper that housed the D.C. offices for Omega Enterprises. The company took up the top five floors. In the reception area, he saw a board listing departments like Internal Audit, Facilities Engineering, Functional Materials, Environmental & Safety, Resource Development, and an entire floor for human resources, administration, accounting, finance, planning, and public relations.
The size of the organization hit him hard. This was what Izzy was in charge of? Holy shit.
He could barely handle his own life, let alone run a multi-billion-dollar corporation. She was in an entirely different league. What a fool he’d been to think they could ever make it work.
"We're on the 24th floor," she said as the elevator took them up.
They stepped out into a marble-floored lobby with soft lighting and a huge print by some famous artist on the wall. Glass sliding doors hissed open as they approached, leading them into a carpeted hallway.
"The boardroom is this way," Izzy said, marching ahead.
She pushed open a walnut-colored door and disappeared inside. Viper followed, his senses on high alert. The risk here was minimal, but he was ready for anything. He'd been caught off guard before. He had his Kevlar vest on under his shirt and jacket, and his pistol holstered at the small of his back.
Izzy looked incredible in a long dark-blue denim skirt with a slit up the side showing off her long legs, and a pressed, white shirt. She had on blood-red pumps with two-inch heels.
Viper watched as she greeted the people around the table. At the head was Robert, who, annoyingly, hugged her like a lost love, kissing her on both cheeks and holding her hand for way too long.
He glared at him as he took up his position at the door.
"Raf, how lovely to see you." Izzy embraced a younger man with dark brown hair and a harsh, angular face. He was good-looking in a debonair sort of way. Average height, slender build, expensive suit. Probably had manicured fingernails.
"Darling, I'm so glad you made it back in one piece. We were crazy with worry."
Viper doubted that. Rafael seemed far too self-absorbed to care about anyone else other than himself. Still, Viper didn't know the man, so he shouldn't judge.
Also in the room were four other men in designer suits with important expressions. They all shook Izzy's hand. He watched their faces closely, looking for any resentment or animosity but saw none.
"Jackson, it's good to see you again." Izzy shook hands with a stocky, blond man in an ill-fitting suit. The manager of Montezuma. This guy was more comfortable in his khakis, it was obvious. Big, brawny with scarred worker’s hands and short fingernails. Viper liked him immediately.
"Miss Beaumont, I sure am glad you're okay." He was American, but with a definite Texan twang.
"Thank you. Shall we get down to business? I know you have a lot to tell us about what's happening at Montezuma."
"Yes, ma'am."
They sat down. Viper noticed there were two silver urns on the table containing tea and coffee and an assortment of cookies. There were also several pitchers of water. Izzy poured herself a glass of water.
"What is the situation in Mexico at the moment?" asked Robert, getting them going.
Jackson put his hands on the table. "The region is controlled by La Sombra Roja. The people are too scared to stand up to them, even the police are on their payroll. They own everyone.”
"And they want the mine?" asked Izzy.
"Yes, ma'am. They don’t want us there. We bring stability to the region, which makes them less powerful. We bring jobs and infrastructure, which makes the local communities less dependent on them."
Viper could understand that. Gangsters of any kind loved instability. It was how they operated.
"The mining rights were sold to us by the Mexican government," said Robert. "We have permission to mine that land. They have no right to it."
“They’re responsible for these attacks?” Izzy asked.
Jackson nodded. "We managed to foil another attack a few days ago. Our security operatives apprehended two of the assailants, who we've handed over to the Mexican police."
"Good," said Robert. "Hopefully it will deter future attacks."
The FBI would be curious to know about that. He made a mental note to tell Pat.
"We hope so," agreed Jackson, although his gaze said he knew otherwise. They talked about the mine for a while longer, ironing out some operational issues, and finally Jackson got up and left. Viper followed him into the hall.
"We need to discuss the offers on the table for the company," Izzy was saying.
"Excuse me, Mr. Ferris." Viper closed the door behind him.
The man turned around, surprised at being approached by a member of security. "Yes?"
"I'm Viper Morgan, Miss Beaumont's personal protection officer. Do you mind if I ask you some questions?"
He hesitated, but only for a moment. "I guess so."
They walked toward the marble lobby. "Do you think the cartel could have hired someone to kill Richard Beaumont?"
The manager hesitated. "It's possible. His death was suspicious. Richard drove that road every day. I was surprised to hear he’d gone off the cliff like that."
"These two men the police have in custody?—"
"As far as I know, they haven’t admitted to anything. Like I said, the local police are corrupt, and will probably let them go.”
More important than ever to get the FBI down there ASAP.
"Okay, thanks. If you hear of anything, will you let us know?" He handed the man one of the business cards that he'd gotten off Pat during their debrief. "That's my boss. You can reach me through him."
Jackson left, and Viper went back to the boardroom. He stood outside the door, not wanting to interrupt, and waited until the board meeting was finished. An hour later, the door opened, and everybody filed out.
"Let's go.” Izzy walked past him. She seemed to be in a hurry.
"Izzy, wait up!" Robert caught up, ignoring Viper who hung back. "Can we talk?"
"What about?" She turned to face him.
His voice dropped. "About us. You and me."
She sighed. "Robert, there is no us. I'm sorry, but I just don't see you in that way. You're my friend and business partner, that's all there is to it."
His face hardened and Viper didn't like the look in his eye. "I'd still like to talk. We haven't had a chance to catch up since you got back and there are things we need to discuss. What you said about potentially selling the company, for example. I think we should discuss it."
"I can't tonight, Robert. I’ve got plans."
“With him?” Robert shot an angry glance in Viper’s direction.
“No, Robert. He’s my bodyguard.” She sighed impatiently. “I’ve got to go.”
Robert didn't give up. "I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. The kidnapping, getting shot, it’s all been a strain. Let’s go somewhere quiet and talk. How about tomorrow night?”
Her gaze flickered to Viper, then back to Robert. "Okay, fine."
"Great, I'll pick you up at eight."
Viper kept quiet as they took the elevator to the underground parking garage. They'd come in her car, a sleek white Mercedes SLK convertible. Sure, it was a nice ride, but he wasn't a fan of the soft top. A bullet could easily tear through it, and a semi-automatic could cause some serious damage.
"It’s not a good idea to go out," he said, as he opened the back door for her.
"It’s only Robert,” she said, climbing in. “He’s not a threat.”
Viper shut the door and climbed in behind the wheel. "It’s not that. It’s just I can't guarantee your safety in a busy restaurant." And he sure as shit didn't want to sit and watch Robert wine and dine her. The guy was a jerk. He didn't care about Izzy, only about the company.
She leaned forward and put her hand on his shoulder. Just a brief touch, but it was enough to make him weak with longing. "I appreciate your concern, Viper, but it will be okay."
He put the vehicle into reverse, scanning the area. "It’s my job to advise you on your security."
She smiled gently. "Consider me duly advised."
They left the tower block and headed back to her place. Her voice broke the silence. "Can you stop at a store? I’ve got nothing in the fridge."
He nodded, assessing their surroundings, and a short time later pulled up outside a mini supermarket. "Tell me what you want, and I’ll go and get it. You wait here and keep the doors locked."
A soft sigh. "Okay, sure." She gave him a verbal list, then sat back, her mind elsewhere. The items were easy to find, and ten minutes later he was back in the car, driving her home.
He turned into her street and pulled over in front of her block. Luckily, there was a parking space right outside. Viper pulled in and turned off the engine. “I’ll help you upstairs,” he said, getting out of the car. Izzy opened her door and stepped out onto the sidewalk.
A black SUV crawled up the road.
Four-wheel drive. Blacked-out windows. No plates.
His senses went on high alert. "Izzy, get back in the car!"
She looked up, confused. The SUV sped up, its tires growling on the pavement. The side window opened, and the steel nozzle of an automatic pistol poked out.
"Get down!" Viper yelled, reaching for his gun.
Izzy dove back into the car, groceries spilling onto the street. She crouched low, her breath quickening.
The concierge stepped outside, concern etched on his face. Viper shouted for him to get back just as the shooter opened fire.