Chapter 3 - THE SECRET IN MY PURSE
Vincent entered the room only after Dr. Bell asked him to.
I was sitting upright with the flash drive in my palm.
He stopped when he saw it.
“Where did you get that?”
“I don't know.”
His expression sharpened.
I explained what Hannah had told me.
Then described Graham's office.
The struggle.
The desk.
The moment my purse had fallen open.
Vincent listened.
When I finished, he held out his hand.
“May I see it?”
I hesitated.
Then gave it to him.
He turned it over.
A tiny silver number had been engraved on the casing.
17\.
Vincent went completely still.
“What?” I whispered.
He didn't answer immediately.
Then he asked, “Did Graham mention a shipment?”
I stared.
“Yes.”
Vincent's eyes lifted.
“What did he say?”
“He was on the phone before he called me into his office.”
I closed my eyes, trying to remember.
“He said something about Pier Seventeen.”
Vincent looked toward the door.
“Sal.”
His security chief appeared.
“Boss?”
“Get Nico here.”
Sal glanced at the drive.
His expression changed.
“Tonight?”
“Now.”
Sal disappeared.
I looked at Vincent.
“What's happening?”
He sat across from me.
“There's a shipment scheduled to arrive at Pier Seventeen tomorrow night.”
I swallowed.
“What kind?”
“Officially, commercial machinery.”
“And unofficially?”
Vincent looked at the drive.
“That's what we've been trying to find out.”
I stared.
“Graham's involved?”
“His family controls part of the waterfront operation.”
My stomach tightened.
“The peace agreement.”
Vincent looked surprised.
“You know about it?”
“Everyone at the Regency knows the Doyles have been meeting with you.”
He nodded.
“The agreement was supposed to end years of fighting.”
I looked at the drive.
“And this could destroy it?”
“Possibly.”
I swallowed.
“Then give it back.”
Vincent stared.
“What?”
“Give it back to Graham. Tell him I didn't look at it.”
Vincent's expression softened.
“Elena.”
“He'll leave me alone if he gets it back.”
Vincent shook his head.
“You don't know that.”
My eyes filled.
“You don't understand what he's like.”
Vincent leaned forward.
“Then tell me.”
I stared at him.
And suddenly realized something.
Graham had beaten me because I'd refused him.
But he had also been terrified when the flash drive disappeared.
He wasn't just angry.
He was afraid.
And frightened men with power could be far more dangerous than angry ones.
I looked at Vincent.
“He's going to come after me.”
Vincent nodded.
“He might.”
I began shaking.
May you like
He continued.
“But you're not going to face that alone.”
