Close Cover (Masters and Mercenaries #16)(46)

A long sigh went through Scarsdale. “Why would they come after her if we’re not going to prosecute?”

“Because they know damn well someone with more balls could get your job the minute politics change, and then they’re fucked. I would take her out if I had skin in the game.” Maia shook her head Lisa’s way. “Which would be a shame because you’re the only one who knows how to make a real martini. But I would totally have you offed.”

“I understand.” She passed Maia the second martini.

“The police aren’t going to give her protection on a case that isn’t being prosecuted,” Scarsdale said.

“So what you’re basically saying is you don’t care.” There was a dangerous tone to Remy’s words.

“I’m fine, Mr. Scarsdale.” She needed to bring down the threat level. She’d known for weeks now that the federal prosecutors didn’t care about what happened to her. And no one had come after her. “Remy, why don’t you finish your beer? We can talk about this later, maybe after work.”

Scarsdale moved around him, giving Remy a wide berth. “Besides, it’s not forever. If we don’t prosecute, and we won’t, the federal statute of limitations runs out in five years. Why would they risk adding murder to their list of crimes until we decide to prosecute? In five years, it won’t matter what she remembers. Look, if you think someone is watching you, get me some proof and I’ll go to the cops with you, but until then, there’s nothing I can do. I have other cases, more important cases to deal with.”

He strode away from the bar.

“Asshole,” Maia said. “But he’s right about providing her with a safe house. They don’t have the resources for the people they actually owe protection to, much less for a witness on a trial they aren’t pursuing. Look, I would have little Miss Math write down those numbers and hand them over to me, but they’re meaningless without her testimony. I didn’t see the numbers. You didn’t see the numbers. She’s the only one who can tie those numbers in her head to that accounting book.”

Remy watched Scarsdale as he disappeared through the front door, every line of his body tense. “Yeah, I get that. I find it an interesting coincidence that the cop’s house got hit at the precise time she should have been taking the books into evidence.”

“You should look into that.” Maia downed her second martini and stood up. “Tell Taggart I’ll investigate a little on my end. I like to meddle. Especially with feds. It’s a fun hobby, but he knows anything I dig up comes with a price,” she said sweetly. “I’m going to need access to Sanctum again and he needs some Doms who aren’t all married and ethical and shit. There’s nothing worse than being in a candy store and finding out all the sweets belong to someone else. Tell him to import some from The Club if he can’t find them himself. You know the only person I’m actually afraid of in this world is Julian Lodge, so I’m left with Sanctum. Taggart is a teddy bear comparatively.” She pulled out a fifty and slid it Lisa’s way. “I hear this one is leaving soon. Sacrificing himself to the wilds of the bayou or something. If you decide to walk on the alternative side, give me a call, sweetie.”

“How about you call me when you know something?” Remy said, his voice dark. “She’s my responsibility. Taggart’s already offered you another year-long membership if you bring us something we can use. I’m your contact. I’m the one who’ll decide if you’ve earned it.”

Jeez, he sounded super serious. When the dude wanted to intimidate, he could do one hell of a job of it.

Maia winked up at him. “Oh, I’ll earn it. And watch out for Scarsdale. I don’t trust him. Those uptight ones are always hiding something. Have fun, kiddos.”

She floated away on a cloud of vodka and self-confidence.

Lisa had to wonder what it would be like to have been born with absolutely no fucks to give. That was what it was like to be Maia Brighton.

“Well, that was fun.” She glanced at the clock. Almost time to close, but it looked like there was still someone in the dining room.

“There was nothing fun about that,” Remy shot back, his eyes still on the door as though trying to see where the two lawyers had gone.

“Yeah, that was sarcasm, babe.”

His eyes came back to her. “Can the sarcasm when it comes to this. You need to start taking this seriously. It’s apparent to me that you’re not thinking straight when it comes to the situation you’re in.”

She was surprised at how grave he sounded. He was normally very laid back. “Why are you bringing this up? I understand that you are invested in the top thing, but I have to wonder about this. You leave soon. There’s no reason for you to get involved in this part of my life when you’re about to walk out of it.”

“No reason? I care about you. And I won’t leave until I’m sure you’re safe,” he replied.

Somehow she doubted that. “So you’re going to put your plans on hold for the next five years or so? That’s how long they have until the statute runs out. You planning on hanging out until then?”

She halfway wanted him to say yes. More than halfway.

“I intend to solve the problem before then,” Remy replied, his irritation obvious. “But I can’t do that if you don’t work with me.”