Page 64 of Until Ireland

“Holy shit,” Cobi muttered. “Who are you and what did you do to Ireland?”

She giggled. “Well, I figured after my last adventure, it was better to not look like myself today.”

“And you’re okay with this?” Cobi pointed to her while talking to me.

“I’m more than and proved as much last night too,” I said in a satisfied drawl.

Cobi chuckled. “All right, let’s go inside so we can finalize the plan.”

It didn’t take long to make sure we were all on the same page or give the introductions. With Jax on Ireland’s ass, I didn’t care about anything else. Cobi would be running the operation from inside a vehicle situated away from the auction. He’d have video and audio recording everything. He’d also be the one to give the go call when the money was exchanged.

Since Ireland and I couldn’t be seen together, she rode with Jax and the team while I was alone. I hated it. She’d be out of my sight until the sting was complete, leaving her vulnerable and me on edge. I pulled up to the auction at exactly ten, parked, then got out. The place was filling up fast with independent car dealers and those who wanted to buy for cheap. I grabbed the ID I’d been given for the auction so I could pay for whatever vehicles I’d purchase while there and stepped up to the window.

The person behind the glass scanned my number then grinned. “Good morning, Mr. Redman. I see you were interested in the Alfa Romeo today. You should know it will be one of the first lots up for auction.” She handed my ID back then gave me a list of vehicles up for sale and two tickets for lunch and a drink.

“Thanks. I appreciate it.” I slipped the tickets into my pocket while I started for the building. The list meant nothing to me. The expensive cars were never public knowledge and not just anyone could bid on them.

Stepping into the auction house, I recognized a few people there. Some I had worked with and some were local dealers I’d bid against. I grabbed the first seat I could find. Somewhere outside, Ireland was going through the cars and tagging them for impound. Once this part of the investigation was over, Cobi would be here for hours inventorying and collecting evidence of all the property. I didn’t envy his position.

“Hey there,” a woman said, coming up beside me. “Long time no see.”

I groaned. “Hey Chelsea.” She came to these auctions to specifically pick up rich men. I’d been one of her prospects. “I’ve been busy.”

“I heard.” She took a seat beside me and ran her hand down my thigh. “Heard you had a tart side-piece.”

“Oh? Who would this tart be?” I kept my composure. I had a feeling Ireland’s place was being watched so someone, most likely Edgar, knew about her comings and goings. Now it wasn’t only a speculation, which meant everything she’d said to Cobi about Edgar stalking her could be confirmed.Thank fuck for small favors.

“I don’t know her name,” she said slyly. “But I heard she’s one tough cookie.”

“Hmm.” I nodded.

“Oh, you’re not going to talk about her then?” Chelsea said, tilting her head. “I love gossip.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t,” I replied, standing. “Excuse me.” I walked away from the woman, needing some fresh air. I had time still, but I was at my limit when it came to other people’s bullshit.

“Breathe, man,” Cobi said into the earpiece I was discreetly wearing. “I’m running her photo through the database as we speak. Also, I’ll have a team back out at Ireland’s home tomorrow to check for anything we might have missed.”

“Thanks,” I muttered. “I have to get inside.”

“No. Take a moment. You don’t want to be too fidgety.” He had a point.

After grabbing a cup of coffee, I went back into the auction hall and waited. Chelsea was gone, thankfully, and we only had a few more minutes to wait for everything to begin. If I expected Cobi to give me an update on Ireland and Jax, he hadn’t. I didn’t know if it was a good or bad thing. On one hand, I could focus on what I had to do. On the other, I was sick with worry. Not a good combo to be while awaiting the start of the auction.

I crumpled up my empty cup as Edgar and his lackeys filled the room. He stood a little over six feet tall, with his black hair slicked back from his tanned features. His obsidian eyes were lifeless as he smiled at us. His men broke away from him and spread out across the room. All of them wore expensive tailored suits and leather wing-tipped shoes. They exuded money and prestige, but it was all fake. Sure, they had money, but they hadn’t earned it. They’d taken their wealth off the backs of hard-working people. I hated them. The sour emotion sat heavily in my gut. I imagined putting my fist through his face, and satisfaction filled me. Instead, I held myself still. I wouldn’t screw this up. Edgar had to pay.

The auction began with a few remarks about the vehicles. Then, the golden curtain behind Edgar opened, revealing the Alfa Romeo. The opening price began at one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The bidding started swiftly, rising in hundred thousand dollar increments. By the time it hit five million, three of the seven bidders were out. I kept going, pushing my luck. I knew I couldn’t go above nineteen million. The bidder who stuck with me hit fifteen million and seemed pained at the idea of spending so much on the vehicle. I, however, understood the worth of the antique and pushed.

“Sixteen point five million,” I said then cut my gaze to the man bidding against me.

He swallowed hard then shook his head. He was out, and the car was mine. A thrill shot through me but was quickly chased by calm. This was almost over. We had that bastard right where we wanted him. “Going once, going twice, sold to Mr. Redman.” A round of applause rang out in the room.

“Thank you,” I replied, raising my hand in appreciation, knowing full well what was about to happen.

I couldn’t leave though. I sat through the remainder of the vehicles up for auction then made my move. I wasn’t nervous or anxious like I thought I would be. However, I had to stop myself from checking my watch or tapping my foot. Either action, or any for that matter, could be construed as being edgy and clue Edgar that something was going on. I couldn’t allow that to happen. So I waited as patiently as possible.

Because of the rarity of these vehicles, they weren’t purchased with the others at the normal cash-out windows. Edgar handled each of these sales on his own. By now, Ireland would be finished, and her team would roll over to the takedown. If I had to guess, they’d already subdued those who’d waited outside so as not to tip off any of Edgar’s men who were with us. I hung back, allowing the others to go first then took my spot in line.

When I got up to where Edgar sat, I smiled. “Good find with that one. I’ve been searching for a couple of years.”

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