Chapter 29
29
M arco stood and stretched. He wasn't used to sitting for long periods like this. And his eyes needed a break from the computer screen.
"Do you need anything?" he asked Theresa.
Theresa typed away and absently replied. "No, thank you."
He chuckled and moved to the kitchen. His phone rang and he answered as he opened the refrigerator to make lunch plans.
"Karason."
"It's Mitch. I'd like to come out with your clothing for the benefit tomorrow night."
"Okay. We're home all day."
Mitch laughed and he did as well. It was kind of funny. "See you in fifteen minutes."
The call ended and he pulled some cheese, sausage, and grapes from the refrigerator. He began slicing the cheese and sausage, keeping an eye on Theresa from time to time. When she worked, she engrossed herself in it. Full on focus. He was grateful they were out here and safe. She'd not likely hear anyone trying to get into her place if she were working there. Not that it was a choice anymore.
He arranged their food on a plate and carried it to the table. "Take a little break, babe. Mitch is bringing our clothes for tomorrow night."
"Okay." She didn't look up from her screen and he didn't know if he should be irritated or impressed with her focus.
She finished typing, clicked her mouse a few times, and closed the lid on her laptop. She reached over and picked up a piece of sausage. "Oh, this looks wonderful."
He grinned. "Thanks."
She took a bite of her sausage and nodded. "It's delicious."
He chuckled. "You must be hungry."
She shrugged and glanced at the clock on the stove. "Oh wow. It's after three! The exposé should have posted at three."
Marco pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the internet. He had set a notification to Theresa's website and saw it on his screen. "It posted."
Theresa jumped up and rushed to her computer. She logged in, found the website, and began reading the comments. "People are thanking me for posting this. They're also sharing their stories too! Oh my gawd."
He began reading the comments on the article and grinned. People were sharing their stories. And many others were sharing and clicking the heart emoji. The article was getting attention. More than a thousand people had interacted in some way. He held his hand up. "Nice job."
She slapped her hand to his in a high-five and they both chuckled.
The security system chimed, and Marco rushed to the computer to see Mitch's SUV pulling up the road. "It's Mitch."
He watched the vehicle make the turn and then stop in front of the cabin. Marco strode to the door to open it for him.
Mitch carried an armful of clothing in bags and a suitcase. Marco rushed outside to help him carry something inside. Mitch shook his head. "I've got it."
Marco chuckled and beat him to the door to hold it open.
Mitch stepped inside and laid the clothing over the sofa and the suitcase on the floor next to the sofa.
Theresa drew closer and picked up the dress bag. She unzipped the front to expose a gorgeous sparkly burnt orange gown. She was going to look stunning in that dress. The color next to her skin proved she would make a statement.
She grinned. "It's beautiful."
Mitch nodded. "I can't take credit for that. My employee, Gabby, picked it out for you."
Marco's brows drew close. "Why did you pick a bright color for her? She'll stand out."
"That's what I want. I want all eyes on her. If everyone can see her, there's no opportunity for them to grab her and try to drag her out. Everyone will notice."
"What will you be doing?" Marco asked.
"Watching money transferring hands. Recording people at the benefit. Recording people talking to Torin Terry."
Marco nodded slowly. "What are we to do?"
Mitch grinned. "The same thing."
Marco's brows drew close, and Mitch laughed. "Let me show you."
He picked up the suitcase and laid it on the sofa. Unzipping it he pulled a box from inside. He lifted the lid on the small box to uncover a gorgeous diamond necklace and matching earrings.
"This necklace conceals cameras and microphone." He pointed to small cameras the size of the clicker on a pen. "These will be sending footage to my office." He pointed to other small devices. "These will capture the audio. We'll be recording it all. Then we'll pour through all of it to find keywords. The video footage will help us place everyone in the room. It'll likely pick up things you aren't even aware of."
He pulled another box from the suitcase. "This is your tie clip, cufflinks, and pocket square."
Mitch handed them to Marco. Marco looked closely at the diamond-studded items and saw the small cameras and audio devices.
Mitch continued. "You two need to walk around the entire room. Chat people up. Stand near when someone is whispering. The microphones can pick up sounds from quite a distance away. Just practice turning your body in the direction of someone you're listening to. That way, we can see who is talking and hear them."
Marco glanced at Theresa. "Get your acting skills honed up."
She chuckled. "I don't know if there's enough time. But I'll absolutely do the best I can."
Marco's gut tightened. He didn't like putting her there in that place. It would be crawling with assholes who wanted her shut up. Assholes who killed and didn't flinch.
He took a deep breath. "Okay. And you'll be doing the same?"
"Yep. And if I can get into the office, I'm going to do that and find anything to tie Torin Terry to the Celtics. That will be difficult. But I'll do anything I can to stop this jackass."
Mitch continued. "Also, there are wires and cameras sewn into your lapels, and buttons."
Theresa smiled. "What about me?"
Mitch chuckled and nodded. "Yes. Along the neckline, there are minute cameras sewn in. Recorders are sewn in too."
Marco took a deep breath. He didn't like putting Theresa in danger like this, but he'd do everything in his power to guard her.