reality. Once these power hungry people have it, they don’t easily give it up. They’d rather die, though they never think they will. I all but guarantee this: you’ll be disgusted and possibly heartbroken when the leaders of this ring are brought to light. It’s an almost certainty some of the people in your social circle are involved.”
Mark, knowing he was now a part of this by buying into the business, allowed himself to cement his decision to keep this secret from his wife, and asked, “What can we do?”
“For now, nothing. Further down the line, that might change. Ideas are brewing and turning in my mind. I know you all want to help. I know you need to. I’ll make sure you can. But for now, please allow me to get this started, to get the team in place.”
“In about an hour I’ll give each of you a list of codes to use in texts. You’ll have to memorize that list before you leave the hospital, then you’ll give the list back to me. You won’t throw it away, you won’t take a photo of it, you’ll memorize it verbatim. The first text I send will read, “How is Katherine doing?” Obviously this is never a message I’d text. I’d make the call. That’ll let you know the account is set-up and ready to receive transfers. That will also let you know an update is ready to be given.”
Joseph leaned back, knowing Mark had done well by suggesting Chad run this team. He trusted Mark’s best friend as much as if he were another son. Chad would get results. It was tough for him to not be actively involved, but he understood why he shouldn’t be, especially as it was set up. He had his wife to focus on anyway.
He’d been away from her too long already. He pushed back his chair and stood, letting the group know the conversation was finished. They stood with him, all of them united.
Joseph walked around the table and took Chad’s hand, shaking it. That was as much binding as they needed to make this a solid contract. “Thank you, Chad. You’ll bring my wife’s attackers to justice, and the rest of our neighbors can sleep easy.”
Chad nodded as their hands remained clasped. “I won’t let you down, sir.” Joseph saw and appreciated the steel in this man’s eyes.
Their project was officially in motion now. Nothing else had to be said. The men turned and walked from the room as silently as they’d entered. They were a sight to behold as they moved through the halls, strong, silent, powerful — united.
Chapter Nineteen
Avery was nervous as Carl’s sleek car sped up HWY101 — not because of his driving, but because she knew what would happen that night. She not only knew what was going to happen, but she was ready for it. She was more than ready for it, she needed it.
She’d gone through a myriad of emotions over the past week, and though this was moving at the speed of light, she suddenly didn’t care. She wanted the comfort of being in a man’s arms — especially this man’s arms. She had no doubt he’d take away her worries and flush them down the toilet. She had a feeling he was incredibly skilled at pleasing a woman, unlike her last lover who’d been okay but not mind-blowing like in her romance novels.
When Carl pulled off the road beneath a sign that announced a private winery spa resort, her core clenched. She’d heard of this place, and it had rave reviews for privacy, spas, activities, and food. It didn’t get better.
His powerful car wound down the road and pulled up to the main lodge. “Do you want to wait or come with me while we check in?” he asked.
Though there was nothing wrong with her spending the night with a man, she found herself shifting in her seat. She shouldn’t care what the reception desk attendants thought of her, but suddenly she felt as if she were wearing a scarlet letter on her chest.
“I’ll wait,” she said with a smile, hoping her nerves weren’t showing.
He nodded then walked inside. He was back within minutes, holding an envelope.
“We’re all set,” he told her, jumping back in the car. But before he started it, he reached for her, pulled her to him, and gave her the best kiss of her life. By the time he let go, she was shaking in her seat. He looked a