Erica gestured for Evangeline to sit before easing down beside her.
Sin led a discussion that lasted into the early afternoon. The team discussed next steps and possible roadblocks. “My goal with this case is simple,” Sin said. “Find the woman in the video so we can clear Evangeline’s name and she can return to work.”
But he always kept his true agenda close to his chest. He wanted to get to know Evangeline in all the ways that mattered. He’d let her slip away once before. Now that he could help her, he’d do it for her sake…and for his own.
When the meeting ended, Sin said, “Erica, please grab two black masquerade masks from my store at Uninhibited.” He handed her a key. “The front door to the club has been sticking. Jacoby, can you go with Erica?”
“Sin, I can open a fire door,” Erica protested.
“That door’s been jamming,” Sin explained. “I needed help opening it.”
“Okay, thanks for clarifying,” she replied. “Jacoby, will you come with me?”
“Sure thing.”
The team dispersed, each armed with a list of action items.
“I’m going to speak with Birdie,” Sin said to her.
“What should I do?” Evangeline asked.
“Lay low and don’t talk to the press.”
“What about my sister?”
“Tell her you’re not the woman in the video and leave it at that. The press knows to keep their distance from me, but there’s always someone in the media who thinks they can outsmart me.” That made him smile. “That’s a career ender for them.”
She rose, shouldering her bag. “Thank you for this.”
“I’ll take you home before I head over to Justice.”
Once outside, he opened the back door of his vehicle and she slid inside. Her shapely, toned calves stole his attention as he dipped in after her. Once he instructed his driver, he settled back.
To his relief, there were no paparazzi camped out at her apartment building. They exited the vehicle and he walked her to her door.
“Do you have a good deadbolt on your apartment?”
“Average.”
“I’ll have Sanchez swing by and install something better.”
She unlocked the glass door to the building and turned to him. “Tell me, how did you know that wasn’t me in the video?”
He stepped close, her warm breath heating his face. “I know the way you move, the sounds you make. I know what you like, what turns you on, what you crave from a lover. I knew that wasn’t you the minute I saw that damn video.”
6
The Intimidation
Sin stepped out of the vehicle and into the blustery afternoon. The chill that shot through him had nothing to do with the biting temperature and everything to do with his past. Today, he could duck into a myriad of places for warmth, but there was a time when he had to endure the freezing cold, hoping for a better tomorrow.
Shaking off the unpleasant memory, he strode into the Department of Justice wanting the truth, but knowing he’d never get it from Birdie Caraway. Birdie did what needed to be done to ensure he remained a superstar in the arena where he played. The high-ranking government official had dozens of allies who would be willing to risk their own careers to defend him.
Sinclair, he didn’t give a fuck about any of that.
He ran his picture ID under the scanner. The light turned green and he sailed inside. While he wasn’t an employee, he, too, had friends in all the right places. His badge permitted him to walk the halls of most government buildings unescorted.
He hadn’t called ahead and had no idea of Birdie’s whereabouts, but he’d start at the top and work his way down. After entering the waiting elevator, he pushed the button for the top floor and glanced around. All three women were staring at him.
His lips curved as he acknowledged them. “Ladies.” The elevator stopped on every floor. Only one of the women rode with him to the executive level.
As the door opened, she said, “I wish I had a problem so you could fix it, Mr. Develin.”
With a grin, she walked in the opposite direction.
He fought the urge to laugh as he strode toward the Deputy Director of Domestic Communications’ office. Once there, he asked the receptionist for Birdie.
“I’m sorry, sir, but he’s been in a meeting all day. Do you have an appointment?”
“Tell him Sinclair Develin is here. I’ll wait.”
Her eyebrows jutted into her forehead. “Excuse me. He’s with the Director.”
Sin eased onto the plush sofa. “I’m not surprised, in light of that video.”
The woman scowled, but walked over to the Director’s door and knocked. She vanished inside, emerging a few seconds later.
“Mr. Caraway will be out in a moment.”
Sin acknowledged her with a simple nod. Of course he will.
A short time later, Birdie emerged. Sin had expected he’d look more disheveled, but he shot Sin a pleasant smile, ambled over, and extended his hand. “Sinclair Develin. How’ve you been?”
This wasn’t a social visit. Rising, Sin ignored the handshake and stared down at him. “Let’s talk in your office.”
“What brings you by?” Birdie asked once he’d settled himself behind his desk.
“The video,” Sin replied, hitching a brow.
“I warned Evangeline this might happen, but she was willing to take the risk. The woman is voracious when it comes to—” Birdie held up his hands. “Sorry, I’ll keep this professional.”
Gritting his teeth, Sin waited, letting the silence speak for itself.
“I appreciate your coming over here to offer your services,” Birdie continued. “But I’m in good shape. I’ve admitted my one mistake and confessed my only sin. The Director is very understanding.” He grinned. “Helps to know people in high places,” he said, followed by a chuckle. “Helps even more to be in those places.”
“I’m not here to fix your problem,” Sin bit out. “I’m here for the truth.”
Birdie’s eyes went flat. “Evangeline hired you?”
“We both know that’s not her in the video.”
“I made one mistake, once,” Birdie said and leaned forward. “Alcohol is to blame.” He’d lowered his voice to a whisper. “For all I know, she dropped something into my drink. I should never have gone to that erotic club of hers in the first place.”
More bullshit, more lies. Birdie’s speech sounded contrived, rehearsed even.
“My wife won’t return my calls,” Birdie continued. “But, I’ve got the next couple of weeks to patch things up with her. I’ll buy her a nice piece of jewelry and take her to some warm, tropical island. It is the holidays and I’m off anyway.” His lips curved. “The press will forget about this and the public doesn’t care.”
Sin stood, placed both hands on Birdie’s desk, and glared at him. “Who’s the woman, Birdie?”
“Evangeline Worthington.” Birdie stood and looked him right in the eyes. “You might want to ask her about her little tryst while she was in New Jersey. I’m not her first rodeo.”