The Billionaire's Revenge (The Blank Check #6) - Jeannette Winter Page 0,24

about Marvin. That was going to take time.

He pulled out his cell and called Salvatore Marciano.

“Hello Jordan. What can I do for you?” Sal asked.

“I have a situation that I need your help with,” Jordan said. “One that doesn’t directly involve Lawson Steel, but it could if it got out of hand.”

“In what way?” Sal asked.

“That I might be arrested for kicking his fucking ass if I can’t stop him,” he admitted. Sal was head of security, but before that, he’d been a cop. Jordan knew Sal understood that everyone had a breaking point. If Marvin hurt Gianna, that most likely would be his.

Sal said, “I suggest we meet, and not at the office. Feel like a walk in Central Park?”

Not really. “You tell me where and when.”

“Thirty minutes, by the fountain.”

Jordan knew exactly which one he meant. It wasn’t the first time they had met there. Usually it was for a run. This time of day, it wouldn’t be too crowded, but he sure didn’t want to be overheard.

“I’ll be there.” Jordan ended the call, and then dialed his brother Seth.

“You on your way?” Seth asked.

“Actually, I need to reschedule. Let’s make it tomorrow, the same time,” Jordan suggested.

“You’re the one who wanted this meeting. What changed?” he asked.

He wasn’t about to get into it, but he needed to tell him something. “Still working on my plan and need to do some more research before passing it by you.”

“I thought you were passing it by me before bringing it to the others,” he said.

“I am. But I need as much information as I can first. I know how you are Seth. You’re going to want me to have answers for all your questions.”

Seth laughed. “That’s why you asked me. At least I ask the questions instead of just shooting down ideas.”

That’s exactly why he chose Seth. But also Seth was the quieter of the brothers. Usually if he told him something, it stayed between them. Not that Jordan’s business plan was top secret, but he wanted Gianna to have a chance before being told no. He also didn’t want it getting out before the party on Saturday. If it did, it’d be more like an interview than a gathering of family and friends.

One friend I know won’t be invited is Marvin.

“I can’t do tomorrow. Let’s make it Friday. Unless this is urgent?” Seth asked.

“Friday works. Oh, I might not make it back in the office today. I’ve got some things I need to take care of.”

“And you want me to deliver that news to Charles,” Seth asked.

“No. Just in case anyone is looking for me. I’m not around,” Jordan said.

“Why do I have a feeling you’re not out doing research like you want me to believe?” Seth asked.

“Save your questions for Friday,” he said before ending the call. Looking at his watch, if he left now, he’d have just enough time to meet up with Sal in the park. This time of day it was faster to walk.

When he arrived, Sal was already waiting for him. “So, who pissed you off?” Sal asked.

“An old friend of mine. It’s a complicated story,” Jordan said.

“Aren’t they all? Should I assume this also involves a woman?” Sal asked. Jordan nodded. “And that’s where the complication begins. Okay, let’s walk and you talk.”

As they walked through the park, Jordan started from the beginning, with how Marvin had been his best friend, and then how he turned into the piece of shit he was now. Sal didn’t ask any questions, just listened.

“As you can see, there is no way in hell can I let Marvin locate Gianna,” Jordan said.

“Or you could try being honest with her and set up a meeting between the two and let her settle it herself,” Sal stated.

“Hell no. No way is Marvin getting anywhere near her,” he snarled.

Sal asked. “What are you really afraid of Jordan? That she’ll fall for his bullshit and get hurt? Or maybe it’s that you care more than you think and you can’t stand the thought of her being with him.”

“This has nothing to do with me. I just don’t want to see her hurt,” he said firmly.

“Yet you didn’t mention to Marvin that you had dinner with Gianna last night, or that you’re having dinner with her again tonight. Why is that?” Sal asked.

All he wanted was for Sal to keep an eye on Marvin. He didn’t need the inquisition. Of course that’s what a detective does, he picks apart things that you