Love in Spades: Four Kings Security Book One (Four Kings Security #1)(5)
“Fine, but only because I’m concerned about your health.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that,” King grumbled as Ace followed him down the hall toward King’s office.
“That’s me. Mr. Considerate.”
“I’m impressed you managed to say that with a straight face.”
Ace beamed at him. “I’ve been practicing.”
“You’re the most exhausting human being I’ve ever come across.” They walked into the office, and Ace dropped into the chair next to Red, his fist held out for a fist-bump but his smile aimed at King. Red chuckled and fist-bumped him.
“I love you,” Ace told King.
“I love you too, now shut up.”
Lucky’s grin was ridiculous as he took the seat next to Ace. “You two are so cute.”
Ace and King both grunted.
“Okay, everyone shut up. In fifteen minutes, we’ll be meeting with Mr. Paxton Connolly II, the current president and CEO of Connolly Maritime Enterprises and Worldwide Shipping Solutions. This is a family-owned business that’s been around since the early 1900s. It employs over five thousand employees worldwide, with a revenue of over two billion dollars. Their company provides everything from liner services to freight logistics, ocean and inland transport, and project management. Due to health issues and advisement from both the family doctor and his ex-wife, Mr. Connolly will be retiring, and his son, Colton Connolly, will be taking over. Colton has been working alongside his father since college, being groomed to take over the family business. Colton is the reason Mr. Connolly is meeting with us.”
“Someone has a problem with Colton taking over?” Red asked.
King shook his head, surprising them. Usually when they were approached by a company like Connolly Maritime regarding a changeover of that magnitude, it meant corporate unrest.
“According to Mr. Connolly, everyone loves Colton. The company has one of the best employee benefits packages in the state, followed by the lowest employee turnover rate, and that’s thanks to Colton. They’ve watched him grow up in the company. There’s no one better to take over. The reason Mr. Connolly is meeting with us is because his son has been receiving death threats.”
Ace was confused. “I thought you said everyone loved Colton?”
“The threats haven’t been in regard to the company, or the takeover, but to his being gay. My first thought was a disgruntled employee, but when I spoke to Paxton Connolly, he rejected the idea immediately. It made no sense to him that someone would have a problem with his son now, when Colton’s been out and proud since high school. Paxton is very supportive of his son, and Colton’s sexuality has never been kept from, or been an issue with, the company. I’ve read the threats, and it’s clear someone’s taken a personal interest in Colton, and the threats have been steadily escalating.”
King swiveled in his chair and clicked a tiny remote. The flat-screen on the far wall of the office came to life, showing six printed letters. They got up and approached the screen to study the letters that had been sealed in evidence bags and scanned.
“The ink, paper, and font used are generic. No fingerprints or residue of any kind was left behind. Whoever handled these was smart,” King said, returning to his desk. The rest of them followed.
“Colton hasn’t been taking the threats seriously, and Paxton wouldn’t even be aware of what was happening had an intern in Colton’s office not accidently opened a delivery meant for his boss. Inside the box was this letter.” King handed them each a photocopy of a printed letter that looked similar to the ones on the screen.
Since you love cock so much, I’m going to cut yours off, shove it down your throat, and watch you choke to death on it.
“Jesus.” Ace shook his head. He dropped his copy onto King’s desk like he might catch something. “You said it was inside a box. Was there anything else in the box?” Whatever it was, he felt sure he wasn’t going to like it.
King nodded, showing them a crisp color photograph of what looked like a large phallus covered in blood, and the three of them recoiled. “It most likely belonged to a large animal, possibly a horse.”
“Oh God, that’s disgusting.” Ace gagged and shoved the photo away.
“That is one sick fuck,” Lucky murmured.
“For the last three months, the letters have been arriving twice a month, different days each time. Paxton Connolly and I have spoken at length, and he’s ready to sign a contract but wants to meet you all first. One of you will be Colton’s personal security, but I want the three of you working this. Red, Jack’s going to take over the risk assessment you were scheduled to do for Mr. Garcia. Lucky, I know you were looking forward to going down to South Beach to work the LGBT film festival, but I need you on this, so I’m sending—”
“Don’t say it,” Lucky groaned.
King didn’t bother hiding his amusement. “Joker.”
“Fuck! King, that was supposed to be my gig, bro.” Lucky crossed his arms over his chest, his pout fierce. “Fine, but if he throws it in my face, I’m going to punch him.”
“As long as it’s off the clock,” King drawled before turning his attention to Ace. “Jack is going to make the transport once your client’s property is released from evidence. I’ll be contacting the client after our meeting.”