Page 127 of House of Payne
It’s not time to call in Katia, either.
Not until I know how deep this reporter is digging.
I don’t need the mayor having any more ammo against us. His campaign is going to have to be built on someone else’s back. I’ll be damned if I let him or anyone else use our downfall to climb to the top.
“Have one of your men follow him. See where he likes to go, and who he spends his time with, and report back to me,” I order. “Let’s see how far he’s willing to take this. In the meantime, do whatever it takes to kill the story without touching him.”
Carlisle nods. “Yes, sir.”
“Have Katia on standby in case he needs to be taken care of permanently.”
Carlisle’s lips spread into a slow, sadistic smile. “With pleasure.”
The man’s bloodlust almost rivals mine. I’ve never had a reason to mistrust him, but years of lessons have been drilled into me, making me realize I need to stay one step ahead at all times.
Katia is the only person I truly trust around here.
On his way out, I see a silhouette lurking in the shadows. With a frown, I wrench open the door and peer outside, spotting a flash of hair rounding the corner. When I step out of the hallway, I see London withher shoulders hunched and her head down.
Why was she skulking outside my office?
And how much of our conversation did she hear?
I’m tempted to go after her, just to make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid, but I know there’s no point.
London has signed a contract, and she knows what’ll happen if she violates the terms.
Being on bad terms with her father hasn’t changed anything for her.
I have to admire that about her.
Most people in her position would’ve tried to find a way out by now.
Don’t do anything stupid, London. Just keep your head down and do as you’re told.
A few moments later, I stalk back into the office and pour another drink.
I linger in the doorway, debating whether to go after her anyway before deciding she can be handled later.
Whatever London has or hasn’t overheard doesn’t matter.
She won’t do anything with the information because she can’t.
London has been in my world long enough to know what happens to people who betray me.
***
London
“You have a nice place.” I shift from one foot to the other and offer her a smile. “I didn’t know this place had apartments.”
Miss Deveroux pushes open the door and motions for me to step in. “It doesn’t, but I’ve been around for a long time.”
It makes sense that someone like her would be allowed certain amenities.
I envy the freedom she has even if I don’t understand it.
How can she still want to work at a place like this with everything she knows?
