Chapter 23
RYDER
VAN: I’m in. James, I’m PMSing and NEED chocolate.
JOS: I’ll take an IV of whatever you have on tap.
JAMIE: It’s lunch hour. If I can’t sit with you guys, Van, transcribe.
ME: I’m working.
JOS: The Assignment can come. I’d like to hear his POV.
LYLA: I missing this and a fresh croissant. *Sobbing face emoji*
LYLA: Van, I expect the precision of a court reporter.
LYLA: She was dancing!!
JOS: That wasn’t just dancing. Did you see his arms around her?
VAN: The dress. *Fire emoji* That hint of a smile. Guys, she was smiling.
ME: Hello! I can read.
JAMIE: Ry, you were dancing! *Teary eye emoji*
ME: You all need to get a life. THIS. IS. AN. ASSIGNMENT. I was doing my JOB!
JOS: I like The Assignment.
JAMIE: Me too.
LYLA: The Assignment likey Ry.
VAN: LOL
ME: I hate all of you.
JOS: Ok. See you at noon, OR we’ll bring pizza over tonight. Your choice, hottie.
ME: James, are you familiar with some kind of peanut butter cookie that’s filled with peanut M if she doesn’t, she knows someone who will.
Van shifts to business mode. “Here’s what I have so far.
He’s an oil tycoon. He spends time all over the world.
Yachts, jets, big connections to the rich and famous.
Real shocker, he has a major stake in Five Stars, the conglomerate behind Marquet and other luxury hotels.
From what I can tell, he seems to keep a tight circle of associates. ”
Tracker runs a hand over his face.
“You know what this means,” I say.
His gaze meets mine.
“He could be restocking.” The knowing makes my head feel like it might actually explode.
“TJ, see if you can find him.” Track orders. “We need to know where he’s hanging out and if he’s sticking around. Get in touch with our contacts at the hotels and marinas. They need to be our eyes and ears. We need to know if he’s here to do business or just passing through.”
I already know enough. I know what this man does, and I want to kill him.
“Do you have anything that will get me started?” TJ grumbles, nodding to Van’s folder.