“And partners in those cities?”
They glanced at each other again. “We are in charge of everything. We hire the people who run things in other cities.”
They were lying. They had other partners and that meant this thing was definitely bigger than we’d thought. Fuck. How had I missed this? Niall would have to get a message to X so he could look into it further.
There were many more things I needed to know before Niall and I could move in on them, but I was stuck here for a week, and I didn’t want to make them suspicious by pushing too hard. I felt sick listening to them talk about selling people so casually. I did plenty of stuff a lot of people considered unethical, but this… What they were up to should be wrong by anyone’s standards, even a hardened criminal’s.
“I think that’s enough for now. I don’t want to delay everyone’s plans for the evening.”
Arlington nodded. “The weather is lovely. Shall we dine outside this evening, gentlemen?”
We all assented. Arlington opened the door and spoke to a servant who was waiting in the hall. He gave the man instructions to have dinner set up on the patio. Orly and Compton left, and I wanted to check on Niall to make sure the recording was working smoothly, but Arlington—other than Walsh, who had never turned up—would be the easiest one to crack. I wanted to make the most of a chance to be alone with him. I needed to solidify our friendship.
14
Niall
I was thrilled that we’d managed to record all the damning information that had been revealed during Marco’s meeting with the others. We needed more evidence, but this was a good start. I heard a key slide into the lock just after I’d contacted X to let him know about Walsh and each of the men’s companions so we could learn as much as possible about them. Marco might have had time to make it back, but something felt off. I’d expected him to let me know he was on his way.
Fortunately, I’d learned to trust my instincts. I’d just closed the laptop when the door swung open, and Compton stepped into the room.
“Wh-what are you doing here?” I did my best to sound frightened rather than angry. “Why do you have a key? Was there some sort of mix-up?”
He smiled, but there was nothing kind or reassuring about it. “No mix-up. I have a master key. Arlington isn’t the most organized man, and it’s best for someone else to keep tabs on our group.”
I wondered if Arlington knew. I wasn’t sure he’d like Compton’s highhanded approach. “Surely Mr. Arlington wouldn’t want you to just walk into a private suite.”
Compton snarled and moved toward me. “Hasn’t your master taught you any manners?”
I tried not to grimace at the word master. “I don’t know you. Marco doesn’t like—”
Compton raised his hand like he was going to slap me. I automatically blocked him, then the door flew open, and Marco roared. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
He grabbed Compton’s arm and yanked him away from me.
“Did he hurt you?” Marco asked while Compton sputtered and fumed.
“No, sir.” I wanted to defend myself, but I stepped behind Marco and pretended to be frightened.
“Niall invited me,” Compton said. “He told me he was impatient waiting for you and needed some company, then he changed his mind after I arrived.”
Marco glanced at me, and I shook my head. “That’s not true.”
“You’re lying,” Marco snarled at Compton.
Compton sneered. “Why would I lie about such a thing?”
“H-he has a master key. He let himself in.” I laid a hand against Marco’s waist as though clinging to him.
Marco held out his hand, and Compton sneered. “Do you actually think I’m going to give you the key?”
“I think I’m going to make sure my privacy is respected. Don’t ever touch Niall again.”
“Then you need to teach him some manners.”
Marco took a step toward Compton. “The behavior of my lover has nothing to do with you.”
“It does if we’re going to be staying in the same house.”
“I’ve already told Arlington I don’t share. Therefore, it’s no business of yours.”
“You’re going to have to learn a communal spirit if you’re going to fit in here.”
“I’m not here to play games. I’m here to learn about an investment opportunity and relax on this beautiful island with the man I chose to accompany me. Enter my room again, and you will regret it.”
“I wouldn’t make threats if I were you.”
“You’re not me, nor do you seem to have any idea what I’m capable of.”
“You may think you have resources, but you have no idea who I am or the people I have at my disposal.”
“Get out of my room now,” Marco yelled.
I knew appearing weak in front of these men wasn’t a good idea, but I was afraid he was taking this too far.”