“Hugh has been working for Kinai Automotives for five years, current position manager of the flagship facility. You know, the one we infiltrated like spies." Leo continued, gesturing at the data floating beside Hugh's rotating head. But before Leo could continue, Kim interrupted him. “You didn't infiltrate anything,” Kim said, her tone dry.Leo rolled his eyes at her, sneering at his younger sister. "We had to use a freaking cover story Kimmy, if that doesn't spell S.P.Y I don't know what does.”“It was a legitimate business inquiry.”“For an infiltration.”Saul, done with their bullshit fight, cleared his throat loudly, cutting them off. Both of them leveled him with twin looks of annoyance but Saul just gave them a deadened look that managed to push across his point quite well.Sniffing, Kim looked away, crossing her arms over her chest with an air of superiority while Leo cleared his throat in mild embarrassment before continuing his explanation. “Right. So before automobiles, Hug

Despite the tension in the room, Saul felt a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Leo had a way of lightening the atmosphere, even when they were discussing corporate espionage and potential danger. It was a gift. One that Saul was increasingly grateful for."We just need to know when he'll be in the office," Saul continued, turning back to the matter at hand. "We can't exactly show up at a random time and hope he's there. We need his schedule. His calendar. Something that tells us when he'll be alone and accessible."Leo's expression shifted. The long-suffering sigh was replaced by something else entirely,.a pleased grin that spread across his face like the sun emerging from behind a cloud. It was the grin of someone who had been waiting for exactly this moment and was delighted that it had finally arrived."Ask and you shall receive," he said, his voice practically purring with satisfaction.He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head in a pose of sup

He paused, checking that they were following. Kim nodded once. Saul gave a slight dip of his chin."After the delivery deadline passes," Leo continued, "the automobile company sends a letter of extension to each client. Standard language, very professional, 'we appreciate your patience, your custom vehicle requires additional craftsmanship,' that kind of thing. And the clients agree to the extension. Every time. No complaints, no demands for immediate refunds, just polite acceptance." He shrugged "Which is already suspicious, by the way. Real clients with that much money on the line would be screaming. But these ones just nod and wait.""Because they're not real clients," Kim said."Because they're not real clients," Leo agreed. "The whole thing is a front. They deposit the money, they wait, they agree to extensions, and then when the refund finally processes, the company sends out a huge amount. Multiple refunds, all large, all hitting the accounts at different times so they look l

Saul shook his head. The gesture was firm but not unkind. "No. I have to do this now. And my current state gives me an advantage with her.""An advantage?"Saul nodded, even as it put a bitter taste in his mouth for doing this."Veronica is angry at me. Rightfully so. If I show up looking like I've been through something , which I have, she might be more inclined to hear me out. She's not heartless. She's just… hurt. And I'm the one who hurt her."As he spoke he didn't know when he reached for her hands. It wasn't a conscious decision. One moment they were standing there, the space between them charged with something unspoken, and the next his fingers were wrapped around hers. Her hands were warm and soft, the nails manicured but not ostentatious, the grip firm and capable. He could feel her pulse beating against his palms, quick and startled.The touch shocked them both. Kim's eyes widened, her lips parting slightly. Saul felt his own heart skip, a jolt of surprise at his own ac

He was taller than his hologram had suggested, with the kind of build that came from regular exercise and careful diet. His salt-and-pepper hair was immaculately combed. His suit was charcoal gray, well-fitted, expensive without being flashy. He looked very put together."Director Vance," he said, smiling as he extended a hand across the desk. "This is an unexpected pleasure. I can't believe your here in my office right now! Can I offer you anything? Coffee? Water? Or would you perhaps like something stronger?"Kim ignored his hand and she definitely ignored his offer. Instead , she took the seat across from his desk without waiting for an invitation, settling into it with the deliberate level of insouciance that left no room for where he stood with her.She let the silence stretch for a moment, watching him, letting him feel the weight of her presence.Aldric's smile flickered, just slightly, before steadying. He retracted his unshaken hand and lowered himself back into his chair