Chapter 4 #2
He seemed hesitant, still having second thoughts. “Two last things before I take your car with me. It better get me where I’m going. Come with me.”
My buddy led me into an office on the second floor. I was impressed with the number of large monitors both for security and for work with Raven Intel. “A mission room.” While I had a powerful computer as well as security in my condo, there was nothing this impressive.
“You’ll find everything you need including satellite.
The security is topnotch with a dozen cameras.
” He moved toward one wall, exposing a locked door behind a bookcase.
“This is a safe, more like a room that you should use, but I’ll make certain nothing about your old identity is kept inside this house.
The code for the lock is in your paperwork.
” He spun the dial, finally opening the thick metal door.
Dozens of weapons and ammo were inside. “I’m aware you know how to use a weapon. ”
“Why, because I’m from Montana?”
Maverick finally grinned. “Yeah.”
“Asshole. Yes, I can. I can also ride a horse and lasso a bull. Would you like to see those skills as well?”
“Asshole,” he repeated, motioning toward the opening. “Weapons. Ammunition. Even communication to the outside world through satellite should you need to hide.”
He waited as I selected a weapon and a magazine, smiling when I loaded the gun within seconds, shoving the Glock into my suit jacket.
“Well, it would seem you have skills I wasn’t aware of.”
“Maybe that’s because you just assumed I’m some flunky prosecuting attorney.”
“I never said that.”
“But you thought it once or twice.”
With a smile on his face, he clapped my shoulder. “Nothing about you surprises me. Good luck, my friend. You’re going to need it.”
I’d made the go-to boy come to me. Maverick had also mentioned the man in charge was called Lucifer. How fitting. The goddamn devil himself. However, he sent a token member to handle the first interaction.
Now that the clock had just hit two in the afternoon, the scheduled meeting time, my patience was already gone.
After another quick glance at my watch, I threw back the remainder of the scotch, ignoring the burn in the back of my throat. At some point, maybe I’d get used to the reprehensible taste. Immediately, I flagged the waiter.
“Check, please.” While the young man scurried off, I fumed deep inside.
The meeting had been established by Catcher.
Supposedly carefully done with my background already thoroughly checked.
Now the man Lucifer had sent was a no-show, which could mean somehow the group had seen through the facade.
Plan B would need to be put into motion.
Even if I didn’t quite know what that meant yet.
I glared out the window at the shimmer of sun on the ocean’s surface while I grabbed my wallet. When a shadow fell across the reflection, my hand immediately shifted to my weapon.
“A cautious man is a wise man.”
Very slowly, I tilted my head, offering my visitor a glare. “A requirement in business and in pleasure.”
“You must be Drake Cavanaugh.”
“And you’re late.”
He laughed, immediately determining it was acceptable to sit at my table. “Yes, I do apologize.”
Sighing, I looked away, shaking my head. “I’m a busy man. Every moment I spend away from my work is a loss of income and that’s unacceptable.”
“Ah, a man after my own heart.” He flagged down the waiter, deciding to stay, pointing to my glass. I was already annoyed by his attitude. “You came highly recommended by one of our long-standing members. He mentioned your particular proclivities are very much in the line of what we offer.”
“Hmmm…”
I’d passed the first test, but I already didn’t like the man. While I’d run his face through the databanks Raven Intel had established, I’d find nothing. He was nothing but an expendable prop.
When I said nothing, merely sitting back in my seat and shifting my glass back and forth, he studied me in a way that a detective would do with any criminal. It was easy to tell a lot about a person by their clothes, their jewelry, and any nervous tics they might have.
Since I had none and I knew my attire would be considered acceptable, we would soon be down to specifics about my interests.
“What is your name?” I locked eyes with the man, easily able to see that my direct stare had made him uncomfortable.
“Does that really matter?”
“I don’t do business without knowing who I’m talking to.”
“Also wise. I’m Steven. Steven Powell.”
A false name and he waited for me to challenge him.
I laughed instead. “Well, Steven, you can certainly tell Lucifer that while I appreciate the nod of having a meeting with someone who is likely nothing but a placeholder within this special… club, I only deal with those in charge. That’s how I’ve gotten to where I have in business. And in pleasure I might add.”
“Mr. Cavanaugh. With all due respect, as you might imagine, given the special conditions of our… club, certain provisions must be in place to ensure both privacy and protection for our members. I’m certain you can appreciate that.”
Still laughing, I leaned across the table.
“I’m associated with these special conditions, Steven.
That’s why the Privileged were recommended to me.
Now, having said that, I also require certain provisions to be in place prior to my agreement to spend money.
Given I was required to submit an application prior to this meeting, which included financials and what I consider to be privileged information, and I did so without reservation, I would think you’d be eager to accommodate someone of my caliber. ”
Now he was uncomfortable.
Our drinks were brought by the waiter and I immediately handed the young man my credit card. And I didn’t blink while my guest brought the glass to his lips, taking the opportunity to determine how to proceed.
“We would very much value a member of the caliber of someone like you, Mr. Cavanaugh. While I certainly can appreciate that you’re a busy man and have your own set of rules to follow, you must realize that with something as special as membership into the most elite men’s club on the East Coast, we must be extremely diligent as to our membership. ”
“As I must be diligent in who I choose to spend money with, Mr. Powell. My philosophy is such that I never make a decision on whether to purchase a piece of land or acquire another company without experiencing the products offered.”
I allowed him to experience my impatience by standing.
“Yes, that’s completely reasonable, which is why I’d like to extend you an invitation to be our guest for an evening.
We have a special event tonight as a matter of fact, one that I think will pique your interests.
Now, I will say there are some special instructions that must be followed, at least until Lucifer is comfortable that you’re a good fit for our community.
Once that’s done, which I have no doubt will be after tonight, you’ll be invited to join and given full privileges to our club and all our benefits.
Which I’m certain Catcher advised you is quite…
pleasurable. I’m certain you can understand the precautions that are necessary. ”
I continued the act, although I was already disgusted with the entitlement oozing from the man.
“I’ll consider the offer, Steven, but I won’t make any promises. Somehow, you’ve left a very bad taste in my mouth.” My card was returned, the receipt signed, and I rose to my feet. “Enjoy your drink, Mr. Powell.”
As soon as I left the restaurant, I could feel eyes on me. The man was nothing but a scout, a low-level player with no authority. A showman. I’d managed to grab a parking place close to the entrance.
I might as well use the location to my advantage.
As soon as I was close, I pressed the unlock on the key fob. Then I pulled out my sunglasses first, my phone after that, making a bogus call while standing just outside the Lamborghini.
And Steven was watching the entire time.