Chapter 58 A Guard Dog?
Ryan pulled up a chair.
“Who hired Vince?”
“Jason Wallace.”
He’d expected that. Now he had confirmation.
“What’s their connection?”
“The Wallaces develop property. They’ve given us construction contracts for years. Vince didn’t want to lose that business.”
“They’re backing the company?”
“No. They’re clients. The investment conglomerate backs us.”
Ryan frowned.
“Which conglomerate?”
Kyle studied him.
“You haven’t heard of them?”
“I’ve been here less than ten days.”
“They’re one of Asheville’s biggest developers. The Wallaces are small by comparison. We supply labor officially. Unofficially, we handle whatever the conglomerate can’t be seen doing.”
He hesitated, then continued.
“Threats. Debt collection. Forcing people out of properties. Pressure on competitors.”
“So Vince was their guard dog.”
“Yes.”
Kyle no longer saw any benefit in protecting his former employer’s reputation.
“He worked for their chairman, Raymond Crawford. When Crawford became successful, he helped Vince set up the company and recruit men.”
He indicated the corridor.
“Construction contracts kept the money moving. Vince subcontracted the actual work and kept a cut. Crawford rewarded him for handling problems. The Wallaces paid for individual favors.”
“Crawford won’t be pleased about losing his dog.”
“I don’t know how he’ll react. I can’t tell you how much Vince mattered to him.”
Ryan accepted the answer.
“And Jason?”
Kyle clenched his jaw.
“Three days.”
“Then you have three days. Same terms.” Ryan paused. “Or leave town. I don’t have time to chase you.”
Kyle let out a breath. At least he was alive for the moment.
“Everything I have is here. I’m not leaving.”
Ryan stood and gave him his number.
“Call when you have news.”
Kyle hurried to open the door.
Outside, the armed men stared. They’d heard the shot. Yet Ryan was walking out, and Kyle was treating him like an honored visitor.
“Move,” Kyle snapped.
The corridor cleared.
He accompanied Ryan to the elevator.
“I need to take care of things here.”
Ryan nodded and stepped inside.
Only when the doors shut did Kyle’s shoulders sag. His heart hammered, and sweat ran down his face.
He had never encountered anyone like that. Three dangerous men, one with a gun, and none had made a difference.
He wiped his forehead and called a few trusted men over.
“The rest of you can go.”
When the corridor had emptied, he led them into the office. Their faces changed at the sight of the bodies.
“Take care of this. Quietly.”
They obeyed.
Afterward, Kyle saved Ryan’s number and called Crawford.
“Mr. Crawford. I have something to report.”
“Go ahead.”
Kyle described the attack, the deadline, and what had happened in the office. He omitted his own new agreement with Ryan.
“What do you want me to do?”
Crawford’s voice was cold.
“Vince worked for me for years. I won’t leave this unanswered. I’ll find someone to handle Carter.”
He paused.
“The company keeps operating. You know how Vince ran it. Take over for now and report to me.”
“Thank you. I won’t disappoint you.”
Kyle sounded eager and grateful.
The expression vanished as soon as he ended the call.
He thought for a long time, then dialed another number.
“I need a favor. Watch someone for me. I want to know where he goes.”