Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
I slip out of the surveillance room, giving Eva a hasty excuse about needing to check in with Adele and use the restroom. The words feel flimsy even as they leave my mouth, but I have to get out of here. I need to reach Vin. Now.
Navigating through the maze of the club’s dimly lit corridors, I keep my head low, avoiding the roaming eyes of patrons and staff alike. Once I’m sure I’m out of sight from any of the surveillance screens Eva might be monitoring, I pull my phone from my pocket, my fingers trembling slightly as I dial Vin’s number.
The line rings only once before Vin picks up. His voice is a low rumble, efficient and to the point. “How’s it going?”
“Christopher Matthews is here,” I respond, trying to keep my voice steady. “At the club, with Lazarus.”
There’s a pause on the other end of the line, so long that I have to check my phone to make sure the call hasn’t dropped. I hear Vin exhale sharply, the sound heavy with concern. “We’ve been looking into his finances,” he finally says, “and there are a lot of inconsistencies.”
“What kind of inconsistencies?” I press, my mind racing to connect the dots.
Vin’s voice turns more serious. “Well, for one, there are large cash transactions that don’t line up with any legitimate business or personal expenses. Plus, there are offshore accounts we can’t fully trace yet. It’s like someone’s been meticulously cleaning up a trail.”
“Do you think it’s connected to the Delgados?” I ask, my pulse quickening. The pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together, but I need more information to see the full picture.
“Possibly,” Vin replies. “We’re still digging, but it’s becoming clear that there’s a link between Matthews, the Delgados, and some other shady dealings. I’d bet my bottom dollar that whatever’s happening tonight is part of a much bigger scheme.”
I rub a hand over my face, feeling the weight of the situation settling on my shoulders. “I need more details, Vin. If Christopher catches on to what’s happening…”
“I hear you,” Vin interrupts, his voice firm. “I’ll push for more intel and update you as soon as I can. Just stay sharp and keep your head down.”
“Will do,” I say, ending the call. I slip my phone back into my pocket, my mind racing with the implications of Vin’s information. I need to stay focused. Eva’s safety, as well as my own, depends on it.
I turn to head back to the surveillance room, but before I can make it far, Lazarus’s voice cuts through the noise of the club. “Father Carmichael! A moment, please.”
I stop in my tracks, forcing a smile as I turn to face him. Lazarus’s eyes are bright and unnervingly cheerful, his smile wide and disarming. “Father Carmichael. How are you?” he asks, his tone friendly, almost too friendly.
I extend my hand and shake his firmly, trying to keep my expression neutral. “Hey, Lazarus. I’m good. How’re things with you?”
Lazarus gestures toward the man standing beside him, and my heart skips a beat when I see who it is. Christopher Matthews. Just the sight of him makes my blood boil. It takes every ounce of control I have not to let my anger show. I despise what he’s done to Eva, but even more, I loathe that he’s her ex-husband.
“Father Carmichael,” Lazarus continues, his voice smooth and casual, “I’d like you to meet Christopher Matthews. He’s been kind enough to join us this evening.”
I force a polite smile, extending my hand to Christopher. His handshake is cold and unfeeling. “Nice to meet you, Christopher,” I say, my voice unshakeable despite the fury simmering just beneath the surface.
Christopher nods, his gaze assessing me with a cool detachment. “Likewise.”
As Lazarus launches into some small talk about the club and tonight’s event, I nod and make polite noises, my mind racing. Every fiber of my being wants to confront Christopher, to demand answers about the mess he’s made of Eva’s life. But I can’t afford to blow my cover, not when there’s so much at stake.
I keep the conversation superficial, my attention divided between maintaining my cover and watching Christopher’s every move. I can’t let my guard down. Not now.
“Wait,” Christopher says suddenly, his voice cutting through the conversation. “I think you know my ex-wife.”
I freeze, my pulse quickening as I try to keep my face composed. “Oh?” I manage, my tone as neutral as I can make it.
“Yeah,” Christopher continues, his expression shifting to one of mild annoyance. “My son won’t stop talking about you, about how he went to God’s house.”
I swallow hard, forcing myself to remember the polite veneer I need to maintain. “Oh, right. Nate?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
He nods, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Yes. My ex-wife always has all these hairbrained ideas she likes to push onto Nate.” He rolls his eyes dramatically, as if the very thought of Eva’s parenting is a personal affront.