Page 10 of The Situation Ship
Isaiah raised his eyebrows at her tone. Very few dared to speak to Levi that way, if any. Even though he had topped Forbes’ Forty Under 40 list of richest and most eligible bachelors, he clearly wanted the one woman who didn’t want him back. Maybe it would humble him.
“For now.” Levi winked, placing the cigar between his lips.
Mina blushed, but it was unclear if she was flattered or furious. Isaiah got the feeling he shouldn’t be witnessing the exchange.
“If you two are done flirting, I’ll be off,” he said, not wanting to overstay his welcome. He’d got what he’d come for without having to cash in on his favour.
“You stay, I’ll go. I’ll email you the details, and don’t be late to the dock,” Mina ordered him before she stormed out of the room, shoulder-checking him on the way.
“Why do I get the feeling I’ve been set up?” Isaiah muttered.
“Don’t worry, we’re just pawns in their game.” Levi sighed and tossed Isaiah a phone from his desk drawer. “It’s a secure line. Call if you need anything. Keep Mina alive and my ship afloat, and we won’t have any issues.”
“I get the feeling that’s going to be harder than it should be,” Isaiah said, trying not to show how happy he was. Not only would he be on the same ship as Poppy Roe, but he’d have unfettered access to her.
“Have fun,” Levi chuckled.
Isaiah hesitated before leaving, unwilling to pass up an opportunity to use his friend’s connections.
“Something on your mind?” Levi asked.
“I need a favour,” Isaiah admitted, his voice low and urgent. He had a feeling this wasn’t going to be an easy ask, but he had no other choice.
“Take a seat.” Levi extended a hand to the chair across from him. “What can I do? I had a feeling this wasn’t a social visit.”
“I need you to look into someone for me. I can’t go through official channels and don’t want anyone to know who I’m looking into,” Isaiah said, sitting down.
Levi didn’t even blink.
“Name?” He took out a notepad and a pen.
“Poppy Roe.” Isaiah waited for the penny to drop.
Levi frowned. “Do you always do a background check on those you’re meant to protect?”
“No, this isn’t about the job.” He didn’t offer any more information, and Levi didn’t ask.
“How much information are we talking about? Surface or deep-dive?” he asked, making notes.
“Deep-dive. The more information the better; no detail is too small.”
“Any area or time in particular?”
“The last six months, but I’m looking for skeletons. Whatever you can get.”
“Consider it done. I might not have the information you want by the time you leave, though, if you don’t want to leave any rock unturned. I can send an encrypted file to the captain of theMidas, and they’ll make sure you get it.”
“Thank you. What do I owe you?” Isaiah felt like a weight had been lifted. He knew Levi would break the law, or at least dance around it, but if his colleagues wouldn’t offer help, he had to seek it out elsewhere.
“Don’t mention it. I’m happy to help.”
Isaiah didn’t want to owe him anything. “I can’t let you do that.”
Levi leaned his elbows on the desk. “Look after Mina. She means something to me, and I don’t want her caught up in whatever Ms Roe is up to.”
They exchanged a knowing look.
“I’ll bring them both back in one piece.”
