I need more information.
“Let’s talk here in the kitchen.”
CHAPTER24
DORIAN
She pulls a seat out from the kitchen table and directs me to sit across from her. I do as she asks, and it occurs to me that I don’t think I’ve ever sat at this table.
I always sit at the kitchen counter to eat. If I dine with my father, we eat at his house. I don’t entertain. If it weren’t for my father, I would vacation in Colorado, not live here. I built this house to have a space to retreat to when needed. Caring for my father can be challenging, even with a round-the-clock staff.
She opens her laptop, and I itch to flip it around to see if she’s written up her points.
Did she see a therapist who listed our issues and recommended solutions?
“There are those who believe you’re behind…” She avoids my gaze.
A cold dread spreads from my chest to my fingertips, numbing as it travels.
“Illegal activities.”
Our serious conversation has nothing to do with us? I should’ve known.
“We’ve collected evidence.”
“Who’s we?”
Back straight, shoulders back, she’s addressing me with a formality I recognize. I’m in my home, in sweats and a thermal, and she’s addressing me like we’re in a board meeting. Suddenly, Caroline’s desire to change out of my shirt and talk in a common area makes a lot more sense.
“Arrow Tactical Security.” She swallows and clears her throat. “And others.”
“Who hired Arrow?”
My interruption to her presentation throws her, evident by her right eye’s twitch.
“What?”
“Arrow. I’m familiar with the firm. Jack Sullivan is the primary investor. Countries hire the organization. Which country hired Arrow Tactical to investigate me?”
Come on, Caroline. You had to know I’d ask. Given they know she’s here, they know I’m asking.
“Do you know Jack Sullivan?”
I raise an eyebrow and link my hands beneath the table, keeping my calm.
Jack and Liam Sullivan inherited Sullivan Arms, a leading gun manufacturer, but they’ve grown the business into a global weapons manufacturer. I’m told Liam Sullivan leads R&D, and rumor has it, he’s expanded into weapons of mass destruction and drones. From what I gathered, Jack Sullivan is an investor in Arrow Tactical and has nothing to do with day-to-day operations.
“This project is a joint effort by intelligence agencies around the world.” She slides the laptop a couple of inches to the side but keeps it within easy striking distance. She must have something on there to show me.
Intelligence agencies. International investigation. My fingers drum the tabletop. I hold government contracts all over the world. I’m investigated all the time.
“Don’t keep me waiting. Please, share the details of the investigation.”
If she’s here, and there’s an international investigation, we’re not talking about minor regulatory violations or accounting malpractice.
“What do you think I’ve done?”
“I don’t…” She stops herself, and her lips press together. When she lifts her gaze to mine, I sense her determination. “Over the past year, minor attacks have been occurring around the world.”