Page 143 of Pandora's Pleasure
“I have my reasons.”
She looked distraught.
“What can you tell me about him?”
“Nothing.”
“If I leave this room, I’m going straight to the top.”
“We can’t talk here,” she whispered.
“I don’t have much time, so spill.”
Damien was outside, probably wondering where I was by now.
“You need to trust me,” I said. “I came straight to you. I didn’t tell anyone.”
“How did you know I’m connected with Salvatore?”
“You go first.”
Phoebe gave a resigned nod. “He’s the most powerful man in Washington. He likes to call himself the King Maker.”
“Wow.” He was full of himself.
“I once overheard Galante say he owns everyone in this town because he has the body.”
“What?” I sputtered. “He killed someone?”
She shook her head. “Not that kind of body. BODI. It’s an anagram.”
“What does it stand for?”
Phoebe stepped forward and whispered, “Box of Damaging Indiscretions.”
“Scandals?”
“Promise me I can trust you.”
Placing my hand on my heart, I gave her a nod.
“He owns them…everyone he’s ever collected a scandal on. Some people don’t even know they’re in his collection. He waits for the right time to release evidence of their misconduct. He blackmails men with what he knows.”
“Where does he get his information?” And then I realized—from women like Phoebe.
“He has many sources. He pays for stories. Like TMZ, but they go nuclear.”
“Where does he keep the BODI?”
“I can’t talk here. I’m meant to be back.”
I wondered what else she’d be doing in that room. This time watching her was out of the question.
“You can come in if you like,” she offered.
“I’m fine. You like being here?”
“I fought hard to become a member.” Her fingers traced her key pendant.
