Indebted - Piper Stone Page 0,5

him a harsh look. There was always business to tend to, contracts to go over. However, even I deserved some time away.

“Fine. I expect there will be dozens of reporters at the scene today. It will be tough to get her out of there,” Jefferson grumbled.

“Take Darren and Kito with you for support.”

“What do you expect them to do, pull out their guns in order to keep the reporters away? That certainly wouldn’t be good for business.”

His disgruntled laugh pissed me off.

“How I choose to handle the business of Masters Enterprises is entirely up to me. If you are uncomfortable with the conditions of this contract, you can certainly choose to terminate your employment. And I assure you that Kito and Darren are excellent at their jobs. Just make certain you are as well.” I could feel the cold vibe from where I stood. Yes, this was an entirely different role I’d chosen to play, but the only one I could tolerate. I loathed the fact security might be needed. That would lead to additional finger pointing in my direction, not something I needed.

“That won’t be necessary, Gabriel. I will honor your requests. And for your information, everything in the house is ready as commanded.” His voice held a certain tremor of anxiety.

“Excellent. And the particulars about the day?” I turned slowly, walking back into my office. As expected, he trailed behind me, placing the paperwork in the center of my desk, exactly where I required it.

“Without the deal, the judge would accept the recommendations of the prosecutor. Given Mr. Rivers’ popularity, everyone wants this to come to a conclusion,” he answered as he shifted from foot to foot. I’d made him nervous from the day he’d met me, my eyes never leaving him. “Given the circumstances, the term will be significant, a minimum of ten years.”

While I was well aware that she’d been framed for a crime she hadn’t committed, it was a perfect setting in which to offer guidance as well as a way out. However, the bastard who’d framed her would see an untimely end. Bobby Rivers was a true monster, sought after for his abilities to eliminate problems for the rich and famous, including several of the men who were considered my adversaries. Everyone had dark secrets hiding in their closets, the kind that if brought into the public eye would mean ruination. Bobby’s creative methods of eradicating problems so far had gone unchecked by law enforcement. In fact, Bobby was well liked, his prominent father a long-time Denver citizen and philanthropist, giving generously to several charities.

His father was also part of a network of powerful men who used their influence to control almost every aspect of the state. And they certainly didn’t like me very much. I snickered at the thought. I’d ceremoniously taken away a good portion of their wealth during the last ten years.

I’d done my research on Bobby the moment Luis’ odd request had crossed my desk. Bobby was a dangerous man. What I wasn’t certain of was the connection the two had together. There had to be a tethering in order for Alessandra to be in the middle.

Bobby was no match for the likes of me, but I would remain in the shadows as long as possible.

“You’re certain there will be no issues with the judge presiding over the case?” Jefferson asked. “This is not something that’s normally done, and I assure you the judge has been pressured by the Rivers family and other prominent politicians who believe Bobby to be an angel. As you might imagine, the entire town is seeking justice. I only hope that attorney you hired introduces your unusual offer well. I also hope the decision isn’t overturned later on.”

“Jefferson, have you ever seen me fail in any endeavor I determine to take on?”

He stiffened as he stared at me. “You bribed a standing judge?”

“I did what was necessary and nothing more. Judge Taylor and I had a fabulous lunch together. He is very much looking forward to the money and jobs I plan on bringing into the city when I build the new manufacturing site. That will increase his stock shares. He is also a very strong man. I doubt he’ll waver under pressure.”

“My God. You’ll stop at nothing to get what you want. Be careful, Gabriel. You’re walking a fine line between legitimate and criminal business activities.”

I slammed my hand on my desk, staring him straight in the eyes.

Exhaling, he looked away. “I’ll make certain