Page 79 of Illusive
“I’m also his attorney,” Jules added.
The detectives introduced themselves.
“Please, have a seat,” Ronan said. “Can I offer you anything to drink? Water? Coffee? Soda?”
“Coffee would be nice,” Vega accepted as he took a seat. “A splash of cream and two sugars.”
Jang pulled a notepad out of her jacket. “I’m good.”
Ronan sat and called his assistant. After making his request, he hung up and sat back. “How can I help you, detectives?”
“We have a few questions in regard to the Vidal kidnapping,” Jang began, her eyes on him. “We understand you’ve got something of a vendetta against the Vidals, is that correct?”
“Against Chris Vidal, Sr., yes. Not the Vidals as a unit. I’m dating Ireland Vidal.”
“How serious would you say your relationship is?” Vega asked.
“Serious enough to reconsider my plans to liquidate the assets of this company and to find a more permanent lodging situation than a hotel.”
Jang’s expression didn’t change. “What’s your beef with her father?”
“He lied.”
“About what?”
Ronan smiled. “Please ask him. If he should tell anyone what he’s done, it’s the police.”
“Ireland said you were cagey about the reason,” Vega said.
“Her father has more answers than I do. I wasn’t even born yet when the incident happened.”
“So how do you know that you have accurate information?” Jang asked.
“The expression on his face when we met is proof enough for me.”
A knock at the door announced the arrival of Vega’s coffee. Ronan waited until his assistant left and they were alone again to continue.
He set his linked hands on his desktop. “I had nothing to do with Ireland Vidal’s kidnapping. We’ve only recently begun seeing each other, but my interest isn’t casual by any measure. I would never hurt her, place her in danger, or use her as leverage. I am very concerned, however, that she’s not safe. What’s being done to find the individual who’s still out there?”
Vega’s face remained impassive. “What individual are you referring to? Where are you getting your information?”
Ronan took a deep breath to keep from speaking too harshly. “Again, Ireland and I are dating. That means we talk about what’s happening in our lives.”
“The existence of a fourth perpetrator isn’t being shared with the public, so the fewer people who know about it, the better.”
“I’m not going to jeopardize your case, detective.” Ronan’s tone was clipped. “Ireland’s safety is my primary concern.”
“Everything is being done,” Jang answered. “Obviously, this is a high-profile case involving high-profile individuals. We won’t stop investigating until we bring everyone responsible and/or involved to justice.”
Ronan didn’t miss the veiled threat in her neutral tone. “That level of public interest and media pressure sometimes leads to hasty conclusions and sloppy witness vetting.”
Vega’s expression hardened. “What about your family? How do they feel about you dating Ireland Vidal?”
Jules set his hand briefly on Ronan’s shoulder. “He can’t speak for anyone else.”
“What happened to Ireland is horrific,” Ronan answered. “No one I know is capable of it.”
Vega looked at him over the steaming rim of his Vidal Records mug. “People can do crazy things if they’re angry enough.”
