Broken by His Hand - Piper Stone Page 0,24

with was accurate. Maybe I didn’t know what kind of man I needed. They’d all been... spectacularly boring in every way, not that any had lasted long enough for me to know if the guys had other sides.

“But you’re right. I am a reporter so my spidey sense tells me that you’re unsure of this guy on several levels. In fact, you’re questioning your judgment. Is this asshole putting the screws to you already?”

“Why did you say that being wealthy and powerful isn’t necessarily a good thing?”

Clarissa seemed exasperated, finally leaning over the table as far as possible. “Look, I’ve been the one pushing you to find joy in your life, have a little fun, but right now I’m going to caution you about getting involved with anyone who is a club member.”

“Why, Clarissa? Give me a damn good reason, because you’re being the one who’s evasive here.”

“Because the members are not necessarily all walking on the right side of the law, although there are several highly accredited, powerful law enforcement officers who are members as well.”

“I’m confused.”

She shook her head. “Club Darkness’s clientele include judges and senators, movie stars and musicians. However, the roster also includes crime lords and the kind of criminals who have no issue snuffing out anyone who gets in their business.”

“Why in God’s name would the owners allow the two to mix together? The possibility for violence is surreal.”

“Yeah, you’re right, but that’s not why, sugar.”

Every time she scanned the room, I grew more uncomfortable. “Clarissa. What the hell are you trying to tell me?”

“What I’m telling you is that there is an elite faction of this town that truly runs everything, their claws reaching out to every industry you can imagine and many of them Fortune 500 companies, as well as to all parts of the country. You’re a smart girl, Sophia. Not all businesses are squeaky clean, underhanded methods being used in order to get the job done.” She lifted her eyebrows, waiting for me to understand what she was getting at.

“You’re saying that it’s a club where parties on both sides of the law work out special deals. One hand scratches the other’s back while law enforcement looks the other way.”

“Bingo. And anyone who gets in the way of this tight group is eliminated. Before you ask, no, there’s very little concrete evidence on any wrongdoing. The owners keep a tight rein on activities as well as secrets. Plus, they pay their taxes and follow all regulations and ordinances within the city. I assure you that what goes on behind those closed doors has very little to do with kink. It’s a juicy story that would make my career, but I’m not dreaming. They won’t let a single member of the press inside their realm.”

“But you’ve done your own private investigation.”

She gave me a mischievous look. “You know me. I can’t resist a delicious story wrapping around sin and shame.”

Sin and shame.

Those were the two perfect words to describe the night before.

I tried to process the information, taking deep breaths. The echo from my heart hammering against my chest created a wave of nausea.

“There are even unsubstantiated reports that more than one president has been a secret member from time to time. Imagine if that dirt got out in the public. Rumor has it that the various secrets are being kept in some vault, which is just crazy, but definitely a wonderful plot for a movie.” Clarissa laughed, although I could see her wheels turning.

“You’re kidding me?”

“Nope. Oh, the power the owners could wield. Why don’t you tell me this guy’s name? At least I can find out which side of the law he’s on.”

Sighing, I studied her for a few seconds before deciding. Perhaps my hesitation about Michael had nothing to do with the club and more about the man. Reaching for my purse, I found the card with ease. As I slid it across the table, I kept my fingers on it. “Don’t judge me, Clarissa. I’ve had a shit week. Okay?”

She opened her eyes wide, obviously surprised I’d say such harsh words. “I’d never judge you, girl. You’re my best friend. I just know you haven’t delved into the ugly side of Washington. There are things going on behind closed doors that would likely make you have sleepless nights.”

“No, I think I do have a fairly good understanding.” My thoughts drifted to the poor child who’d been my last patient a couple of days before. I shuddered thinking about