A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(32)

“Lexi, I’m a businessman. I wouldn’t hire anyone if they weren’t skilled. As you saw last night, the new direction is very profitable for me. Taylah was more than qualified, your connection was just an extra incentive.”

“Well I’m pleased it all worked out for you. Although you could have just picked up a phone and called me, you know like normal people do.”

“You really do talk too much. I hadn’t finished. It was during the course of these investigations that you were hurt. Naturally Riccardo’s concern was escalated.” Nick paused but his eyes did not waver from his intent glare. “The man who hurt you, I can make him go away. I can end it Lexi. You can move on with your life.” Nick sat back into his chair, relaxed like he had casually mentioned a chance of showers later in the day rather than the subject matter we were actually discussing.

“You aren’t suggesting…?” My throat dried instantly, was Nick actually talking about murder? Sure I had imagined the death of the man who was intent on causing mine but thinking it and doing it were two very different things. And why would a total stranger get involved? Stick his neck out for me?

“You know exactly what I’m suggesting. Consider it a belated wedding gift.” Nick added casually. I guess toasters or coffee machines weren’t in Nick’s repertoire of gifts. I doubt I would have included this particular item on our wedding registry even if we had made it to Barney’s before our quickie wedding.

“Why? You don’t even know me. Why would you do this?”

“Because my brother loved you. Because he still cares for you and he understands your need to end this.”

My face paled, I really didn’t need to be fending off unrequited love right now to add to my whole other issues.

“Riccardo is not still in love with you,” Nick assured. “But he asked this of me and it is something I can do. And one less low life is still one less low life so I see no issue with this task.” Nick waved his hand casually indicating his lack of concern.

“I don’t know what’s crazier right now, that Riccardo would even ask this or you being so flippant about ending another man’s life?” Just saying it out loud felt ridiculous.

“You and I both know the most this animal will get is seven years. Can you live with that?” His gaze intensified.

“I don’t know but what I do know is I don’t outsource. My problems require my solutions. I also know what kind of price tag a favour like that would attract. I am not going to be indebted to a Cassius, especially not you. ” I stood firm, my hands on my hips.

“There would be no debt as I already explained, it would be a gift, but suit yourself. You know where to find me if you change your mind. The offer stands.” Nick closed the coveted folder, which he admitted held information about me and placed it under his arm. “Now if you excuse me, I have another matter that requires my attention. Hopefully it won’t be as exasperating as you. You can show yourself out.”

He turned and strode fluidly to the other side of the room and pressed on the wall. Another recessed door emerged. He paused before stepping through the doorway, “Riccardo was right, you are extraordinary.”

Then he was gone. The door closed behind him and I was left standing in his office alone. What just happened? Nick left leaving more questions than he did answers. Was Taylah in on it? No, I loved Tay dearly but she wouldn’t have been able to keep his identity a secret. I became increasingly aware that I was still standing inside Nick’s office behind a locked door (the original one, not the one Nick pulled a disappearing act from). I walked over to it, hoping it didn’t have some over-complicated locking system that I wouldn’t be able to operate. The thought of calling DarNell to break me out of here made me want to dry heave. What a lovely conversation that would be.

Resolved, (as I had mentioned I was not a fan of outsourcing solutions) I moved my hands over the smooth surface and I found a slight indentation where the door handle would be and pressed. Almost magically the door opened before it was violently wrenched open by Alex.

“Alex, what are you doing here?” Alex flew into the room with a furious looking DarNell close behind.

“Sorry Ma’am, they called looking for you while I was driving around waiting. They demanded your location. I tried knocking earlier but no one responded. I’m sorry.” A sheepish Steve, my polite and unsuspecting driver, apologized as he stood at the doorway.

“Lexi! Are you ok? Did he hurt you?” Alex grabbed me pulling me in closer for inspection, his eyes wild with emotion.

“I’m fine, calm down. He didn’t touch me.” I tried in vain to reassure Alex that I was unharmed. “Steve, it’s ok, really, I’m sorry you got dragged into this.”

D moved around the room inspecting what little was on offer. There was nothing of course and from the interaction I had just had with Nick I knew he wouldn’t leave me alone in this room if it could reveal anything about him.

DarNell tensed as he circled the room, “Are you ok Lexi?” I guessed he was satisfied there was no useful information that could be gathered from his recon and turned his attention back to me.

“Yes, Yes. I’m fine.” I pulled myself from Alex’s arms and turned around slowly. “See all in one piece, nothing happened. Everyone needs to chill out.”

“Where is he?” A low growl travelled from Alex’s throat. I had never seen Alex this mad.