“So he’s a puppet for a deep pocket.”
“Right. We traced multiple electronic transfers into his bank account. Hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time.”
“Did you find the origin of those transfers?”
“Not yet, and Klapper disappeared without a trace.”
“Goddamn it. We need to hunt down the mole inside Hansol before he runs, too.”
“We’re close to finding that link. It’s someone in the LA office.” Mike sighed. “And the investigator found something out.”
“What is it?” Garrett shoved his hand through his hair.
“Peter Klapper and Natalie went to college together. They dated for a few months...” Garrett’s heart slammed into his rib cage. “They kept in touch for a while until a couple years ago, and the investigator claims Natalie hasn’t been in a relationship since she broke up with Klapper. He thinks she might’ve been carrying a torch for him...”
“And he approached her to resume their affair and use her as his informant,” Garrett said, finishing for him.
“Look, Song. That investigator is playing Sherlock Holmes and failing badly. His theory is so far-fetched and flimsy I was tempted not to tell you, but I refuse to keep information from you.” Mike’s voice rang with fierce conviction. “I know you’ve been burned by Samantha, but you need to remember Natalie is nothing like her. I don’t know what the story is, but don’t shut her out. Talk to her—”
Garrett hung up. He’d heard enough.
The pieces—the nightmarish pieces—started fitting together. The spy. It was Natalie. She’d been feeding Klapper the information. Garrett had been stupid enough to let a woman use him again.
Why, Natalie? What did the bastard offer you?
Garrett could’ve given her anything that Klapper offered and more. She had to have known that... Then it hit him square between the eyes.
Love. Peter Klapper had offered her love. A real family for her and Sophie. The one thing Garrett made clear he couldn’t give her. The room spun at the realization. He shoved away the searing pain and focused on his cold, numbing fury.
He found her in the living room, sitting with her feet tucked under her and staring out at the city lights.
“Natalie.”
A sweet smile lit up her face when she saw him. It nearly broke him. Lies. All lies.
“What are you doing up?” she said.
“Mike called. We found the spy.”
“You caught the spy?” Natalie gasped, her hands rising to her chest. “Thank God for that. Who was it?”
Her feigned relief knocked the wind out of him. He’d never told her about the spy or the investigation. “You knew there was a spy.”
“Yes, I found out recently. I wish... I wish you’d told me, Garrett.” She sounded both hurt and frustrated. He narrowed his eyes as his fury built. “You didn’t have to worry alone.”
“I didn’t tell you because it’s none of your business,” he snarled like a wounded beast.
She gasped then looked away. “I—I see.”
Oh, she is good.
“Do you, Natalie?”
“What?” Her eyebrows drew together. “What’s wrong?”
“Wrong? Well, that depends on one’s perspective. I suppose it’s for the best I found out sooner than later. Before I made the mistake of my life.”
“What are you talking about?” She stood and walked toward him. His gaze flickered to a manila folder that fell from the couch. She cupped his face in her hands. “Garrett, look at me.”