Page 21 of Better Watch Out
“Everything’s fine,” Doug said, reading Andrew’s concern, but his tone sounded hesitant. Stepping aside, Andrew walked into the suite and saw Joey standing near a window with a million-dollar view of the Empire State Building. “Caruso’s done a good job handling her.”
Doug was the only one in the agency who insisted on calling Joey by his last name.
“Handling?” Andrew met Joey’s eyes and the man looked beat for someone who spent the day in a luxury suite. The ornately decorated room was divided into a sitting area with two couches and some armchairs and a dining area for eight that was empty except for an elaborate bouquet of flowers on the table. The polished-oak doors to the two ensuite bedrooms, the powder room, and a butler’s kitchen were closed. “Where’s Ms. Malone?”
“Getting her second massage.” Joey rolled his eyes. “Because I’ve stressed her out.”
“Ms. Malone’s been a bit of a handful.” Doug stifled a chuckle. “The young woman isn’t used to not getting her way.”
“Thanks for the warning.” Andrew was used to the type, wealthy individuals living unencumbered thanks to their giant bank accounts. It used to surprise him when clients who hadhired him for protectionbalked at the inconvenience of the security measures put in place for their safety. Now, he was used to having to compromise. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here earlier but I’ve worked out the security details around her plans so I should—”
“Actually,” Doug cut in. “That’s why I’m here.”
An uneasy feeling filled Andrew’s gut. Was he in trouble for not being here?
Doug and Joey walked toward the long dining table and Andrew followed. Picking up a folded piece of paper, Doug handed it to Andrew.
“This came an hour ago with the flowers.”
Andrew opened it and read the contents, his stomach muscles tightening with every word.
This is more than a warning.
Your daughter is in danger.
She’ll pay with her life.
Andrew looked away from the note to the bouquet of flowers. “This was sent here?”
“Yes,” Doug said. “Caruso received the delivery while Ms. Malone was having her first massage—”
“Because travel stresses her out.” Joey’s sarcasm thickened his Jersey accent. “Those private jet flights are just awful.”
Doug cleared his throat with a look that said to keep it professional. “Mr. Malone has been receiving threats for a few months but they’ve increased as his plans to invest in Hope Village went public. He’s kept it from his daughter, not wanting to worry her.”
“Not enough masseuses in the world.”
Andrew bit the inside of his cheek. He’d never seen Joey so worked up and from Doug’s furrowed brow, it was clear neither had Doug.
“Mr. Malone feels it’s better and safer the less his daughter knows. However, it seems clear that someone is wanting to make sure Mr. Malone knows his daughter is in danger.”
Doug nodded. “It does, but I’m not sure it makes sense. Caruso said the pick-up and drive here went smoothly.” He looked at Joey. “You said there weren’t any obvious tails or suspicious interactions.”
“None. I got to the airport early, did a quick check around the private airfield. Ms. Malone landed, I escorted her to our vehicle. Drive into the city was smooth.”
There was some noise behind one of the closed doors and Doug lowered his voice. “Who all knows she’s here?”
“In New York? Or at the Waldorf?” Andrew asked.
“The flowers were delivered here so let’s start there.”
Doug’s tone was harsh but Andrew knew it wasn’t personal. “Ms. Malone scheduled a few events with friends here in the city. I ran recon on the locations and vetted those she was meeting with, but my guess is they might all know she’s staying here.”
“The flowers were delivered for Ms. Malone,” Joey said. “But the note is directed to Mr. Malone. The suite is under his name.”
Andrew nodded. “It could be anyone.”
Doug scratched the back of his head. “If the ransomware attack was the first warning, this note suggests the threat against Ms. Malone has escalated.”
