Page 88 of Every Which Way

He chuckled, pouring himself a hefty serving of whatever that was. “You walked in my front door. You could’ve called. What do you want, Kenna Banbury?”

“Zeyla.”

He simply stared at her.

“Which begs the question, why would I rescue one woman and leave an organ trafficking operation to continue? Not really my style to live and let live, is it?”

“So, we’re to be at odds?”

“Depends,” she said. “Are you the one kidnapping people and taking their body parts out?”

He sat on the edge of the desk like a pompous rich guy who’d become a senator purely so he could feel like he ruled the world. “Me? That’s amusing. You won’t find me getting my hands dirty, I can assure you.”

“Yeah, I bet.” She lowered her arms, feeling a little exposed in a dress. Not that she’d left her weapons behind, they were just concealed a little better than normal. “Give me the people who are responsible, and I’ll be on my way.”

He seemed amused for a moment, took a sip of his drink, and then shrugged. “Very well. You have a deal. I’ll give you the couple.”

“And Zeyla.”

“That will be a little more difficult, as I have no idea who that is.”

Great. He could have nothing to do with the company, or he might be up to his eyeballs in the whole thing with no intention of admitting that to her. “Don’t worry, I’ll find her myself.”

ChapterTwenty-Three

Kenna stepped out of the little office, wondering how much of a chance she’d have to snoop in these back halls before someone discovered her.

She was about to ask Bruce what was going on when Charlie stepped into the hall at the far end.

“Come to escort me to the ballroom?”

He walked toward her, intensity in his stride and shadows on his face.

“Charlie.”

“It isn’t like we can have you wandering around the house,” Senator Woodford said from behind her.

“Is he okay?” She motioned to Charlie, who stopped in front of her.

“Charleston knows to do as he’s told,” the senator said. “Now escort Ms. Banbury to the ballroom before things get…interesting.”

Charlie grabbed her arm above the elbow and started for the door at the end of the hallway.

“It’s been a pleasure. Shame it had to be cut short,” she said over her shoulder. Trying not to trip on these shoes. Despite what Bruce said, she should have worn her Converse. These weren’t her people, not even if she was going to marry Jax and his family ran in these circles. Kenna had no need to impress any of them. “Hope you keep your end of the bargain.”

“Don’t worry. Our arrangement will be pleasurable, for both of us.”

Now she regretted saying anything at all because that just sounded gross. Why did smarmy bad guys always have to make things weird?

She pressed her lips together. He didn’t have to drag her; she could walk. She was perfectly capable of leaving this party on her own. But Charlie looked like an automaton right now. Someone brainwashed, trained to do his master’s bidding like a puppy dog.

Was this a substance the company had created? One that had suggestive powers or gave someone the ability to control another. There was a terrifying thought. She wasn’t drinking or eating anything for the remainder of this case unless she had made it herself or the container had been sealed.

He dragged her through the door.

“Let go of me, Charlie.”

His glassy gaze slid over to her. “Ask nicely.”

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