“I’m not interested in having this guy arrested, Crash. I’m interested in finding Angel.”
“I understand.”
“And then I’m gonna kill him.”
“Wasn’t expecting anything less.”
Cole threw his smoke over the wall. “Let’s go.”
*****
Crash walked out of the elevator of t
he downtown high-rise and into the plush offices of Taylor Properties and Investments. He barreled past the stunned receptionist and headed straight for the corner office, where Shannon had told him he would find her father. She’d begged to go with him, but he wasn’t letting her anywhere near either of these men that thought they could play with her life like some pawn in their goddamned game.
He strode past the executive secretary and threw the door to Taylor’s office open. The man was behind a desk that sat in front of a bank of windows with a view of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. He spun on his chair, his phone to his ear.
The secretary trailed behind Crash. “I’m sorry Mr. Taylor. I’ve called security.”
Shannon’s father stared wide-eyed, dropping his phone.
Crash leaned over the desk, his fists planted. “Call them off. Now. Or you won’t see your daughter again.”
Taylor cleared his throat. “That won’t be necessary, Beverly. Thank you. Close the door, please.”
“Mr. Taylor, are you sure?” his secretary asked.
Crash spun on her. “Get the fuck out.” After the door closed, Crash turned back to Taylor. “You know who I am?” Taylor shook his head. “Your old buddy, Ralston didn’t tell you who your daughter’s been keeping company with? I’m surprised.”
“Shannon? You have Shannon?”
“Yeah. I have Shannon. She’s been with me the whole time. Hiding out from your good friend, Nicklaus Ralston.”
“Why? Why would she be with a criminal like you?”
Crash gave him an evil grin. “To save her from the well-dressed British asshole who’s been drugging her and trying to control her.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“How can you leave her to him? Didn’t she tell you he was drugging her? Didn’t she tell you he’s terrorized every friend who’s ever helped her?” Crash saw the way Taylor looked down, shame written all over his face. “You didn’t believe her?”
“I thought she was being emotional.”
“You goddamned traded her to him.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I know what Ralston’s got on you.” That surprised Taylor. Crash could see him start to sweat. “She told me. All of it. And heads up—I can let that cat out of the bag, too.”
“I…I don’t know what you mean.”
Crash shook his head. “You disgust me. You would turn your own daughter over to that monster, with no regard for her happiness or even her safety? Just to keep yourself out of prison?”
“You don’t understand. I only wanted the best for her.”
“I don’t give a fuck about understanding.” Crash let out a snort. “You want the best for your daughter? As far as I’m concerned, the best thing you could ever do for your daughter is blow your own brains out.”
“Where’s Shannon?”