Scandal Never Sleeps (The Perfect Gentlemen 1)

Gabriel hadn’t wanted it taken into custody as evidence—or to start any speculation about Maddox’s predilections by turning it over. “How did you know about that?”

He smiled. “It was very clever of you to find your way out of the fire.” He knew he had her, and she could practically sense his satisfaction. “Don’t look so shocked. I know a lot of things I shouldn’t. That’s why you need to listen to me.”

“Why don’t you go to the authorities yourself?”

He shook his head. “I’d be discredited and discounted. Like I said, I know what I know, but I have no tangible proof. You, Ms. Parker, have that young, earnest thing people will believe. And I have no doubt you’ll find the proof to back it up. I’ll steer you in the right direction.”

“Why me?”

“Because you were his sister,” he explained. “Because you have the talents necessary to solve his murder. Because he would want you to be safe and happy.”

She had so many questions, but she doubted he’d answer any of them. “Who are you?”

“That doesn’t matter. I’m a minor player in this game. I’ve hidden my identity to save my neck. You won’t be able to discover it. Don’t waste valuable time trying. Just know that I’m sympathetic to your brother and to you.”

“But not to Gabriel.”

His head shook slightly. “I wouldn’t say that. I admire all of Maddox’s friends. I merely don’t think it’s in your best interest to trust them. Those boys take their friendships seriously. Don’t think you’ll come between them—not for a second. If Gabe has to choose between you and his childhood brothers, he will choose them. He might regret cutting you loose, but he will.”

The garage suddenly seemed colder than before. Yes, Gabriel had powerful friends, but she wasn’t sure what her mystery man was trying to say. “Why would he have to choose?”

The man’s features turned steely, his eyes hardening. “Because they’re in deeper than even they realize, and that’s another reason I can’t simply tell you everything I know. Even if I had all the proof and everyone believed me, they’d attempt to cover it up in order to protect their own. The truth must be revealed.”

“I don’t understand.” She heard the sound of a car rumbling above her.

“I know it’s a lot now. I sent you the information you need to begin.” She heard frustration creeping into his tone. “Start there.”

The revving of the car’s engine sounded louder suddenly. She felt the ground move as someone zipped by in a white sports car. Everly frowned. Not many cars parked this far down. Even in the middle of the workday, there should be plenty of spaces above. True, some people were freaky about parking next to other cars, but she hadn’t noticed the vehicle parked on this level earlier.

She turned back to her mystery man, hoping he wouldn’t be spooked by someone else’s presence in the garage. She had more questions, but the most important one needed an answer now. “Are you talking about the e-mail and texts you sent? Because you didn’t send any information in those.”

The sound of screeching tires echoed somewhere behind her. Whoever sat behind the wheel of that vehicle was driving like a maniac.

“Not that. The information.” When she sent him a blank stare and shook her head, the man’s eyes widened. “I sent you a ton of information. It’s the only copy. Everly, if that falls into the wrong hands, we could lose everything. Shit!” He looked frantic. “You’ll never find Sergei without that data.”

Sergei, the man Mad had mentioned in his video with Gabriel right before her brother’s ill-fated flight?

“Who is Sergei and why would I need to find him?” she asked as the nearby elevator dinged. The doors began to part, and she turned to see who would come this far underground in the middle of the workday.

Before she could discern who occupied the elevator, a more ominous sound filled the garage and snagged her attention. An engine revved loudly. Tires squealed. Then she caught sight of the white car tearing back down the aisle toward her. As the car zoomed closer, Everly waited for the driver to step on the brake.

Instead, the person behind the wheel gunned the engine—and steered the vehicle directly toward her.

“Everly!” Gabriel shouted over the racing car.

She had the briefest glimpse of a woman driving. Valerie.

The accountant wasn’t stopping. Or even slowing. And she wasn’t turning to go up to the next level. No, Valerie was headed right for her, wearing a murderous look on her face.

As Everly stared at the woman, a flood of fear paralyzed her.

Suddenly, she was flying through the air before landing with a hard thud, tangled with Gabriel’s solid body on the hard cement. As she heard a male grunt, the car whizzed by her, so close she felt a cold rush of air zip across her skin. Then she heard the sounds of metal colliding with concrete slam through her brain and she whipped her head around to see that the vehicle had slammed into the wall she’d been standing in front of only moments ago.

If Gabriel hadn’t tackled her, rolling her away from the car’s path, Valerie would have killed her.

His arms tightened around her for a long moment. As he disentangled himself and rose to his knees above her, his face appeared ashen. “Are you all right? Did I hurt you?”

She was a little banged up, but there was zero question in her mind that Gabriel had risked his life to save hers.

Though out of breath, she managed to sit up. “I think I’m fine. Thanks.”

Dax raced over, holding a semiautomatic in his hands, his stare glued to the car. “The Mustang hit the wall pretty hard, but I think it’s safe to say the building won that battle.” Dax looked down at her. “You need a bus?”

Ah, the comfort of a man who knew the lingo. She moved her arms and limbs experimentally, relieved that all felt well. Everly was pretty sure she wouldn’t need an ambulance. “No, but if Valerie is still alive, she’ll need one.”

Dax nodded.

“Get out of the vehicle and put your hands up.” A strong masculine voice rang out through the now-quiet garage.

Everly saw one of the guards drawing down on the car. From what she could tell, the vehicle’s front end had been crushed. Smoke billowed from the hood. The airbag had deployed and, given its movement, she’d bet Valerie was behind it trying to breathe or find a way out from under it.

After a glance around, she didn’t, however, see her mystery man. He’d gone, probably deciding that the turn of events was either a reason or a smokescreen to get the hell out. He was hiding. Hell, he’d probably find some other conspiracy to run down for kicks.

But how had he known about the lockbox?

“Come out slowly,” the guard repeated, attention directed at the car.

Very slowly, the woman opened the door and stepped out on shaky feet, holding her hands in the air. “I wish I hadn’t missed, you bitch. You took everything from me.”

She was still in her designer clothes and her five-inch heels, but mascara smudged her face and blood stained her blouse. She looked somehow polished and vicious at once.

Everly had to ask. “What did I ever take from you?”

“Maddox. He was supposed to love me. He swore that he wanted me, but in the end, he went to you. Always to you. Why did you steal him? I hate you.”

Apparently, Valerie hadn’t seen her morning press conference. And Everly was tired of explaining herself. “Maddox wasn’t my lover. He was my brother. You tried to mow me down to avenge the romantic loss of a man I never once touched.”

Her eyes flared. “That’s not possible. You’re a liar. A corrupt whore trying to destroy me because you wanted Maddox to yourself. That’s why you planted documents to frame me, but I’ll prove that you’re the guilty one or I’ll take you down with me if it’s the last thing I do.”

Everly heard the sirens from above. She was about to see the NYPD for the third incident in less than forty-eight hours. She winced. How terrible was her afternoon about to get?

&nb

sp; • • •

Gabe watched as Everly shook the officer’s hand. His soft, curvaceous female had handled the situation with strength and grace. Most women would be crying and shaking and looking for someone to comfort them. Even Valerie had been hauled off, hysterically screaming her intent to get even. But Everly had merely moved on to the next task. She’d been perfectly calm as she talked to the officers, even laughing and joking at one point. Seeing this side of her was a bit of a revelation. She was so competent, so in her element.

She’d ignored him for the most part except to ask if he needed anything.