Page 193 of Fierce Storm
“Fuck. That’s not good.”
“I know. I suggest you increase Paige’s security detail and get some for yourself, because the Mikklesons are not messing around anymore.”
“Why? It makes no sense. I’ve been thinking about this a lot. The DA has plenty of evidence against them. I have no doubt they’re going to prison with or without Camilla’s and Paige’s testimony.”
“That’s the second piece of news. Remember when I said they’ve been keeping their inner circle tight?”
“I do.”
“Well, it turns out, that inner circle is getting restless. One of my men overheard Mikkleson’s nephew acknowledging that he’s on a sinking ship. We offered him a hundred grand to tell us everything he knows.”
“Meaning, I owe you money.”
“You do. But we can settle that at the end. Are you sitting down?”
“Why the fuck would I need to be sitting down?”
“For what I have to say.”
“I’m not going to have a heart attack, Austin. Just tell me.”
“Fine.” He chuckles softly and I almost tell him I’m not in the mood. “Camilla knows more than she told you. More than she initially told the police, and the Mikklesons are worried.”
“Jesus Christ. That woman.”
“Yep.”
“Do you know what it is?”
“No, and neither did he. Though he claims it’s going to be explosive. It could be the difference between a shorter sentence for embezzlement and the maximum penalty for their white-collar crimes.”
I finally sit down, dropping my head into my hand. “In other words, their threats are about to get worse?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Any grand plans for how we can stop it?”
“Not yet. I’m working on it. I plan to keep Mikkleson’s nephew on the payroll in case he comes in handy. Hope that’s okay?”
“Yep. Do what you have to do.”
“Really?” His pitch rises as if I’ve changed my tune on illegal activity, and I laugh.
“You’re already bribing someone for information. That’s illegal enough for me.”
“You’re the boss.”
I am, but that doesn’t mean I know what the hell I’m doing. I’m actually at a complete loss.
After trying to get ahold of Camilla—with no luck—I call the security company I use and increase Paige’s security team, adding Isaac and Easton to the mix. It’s at least thirty minutes before I finally join Keeley again, yet she’s still smiling. Until she sees me and her smile melts into a panicked frown.
“What happened?”
“The Mikklesons aren’t messing around anymore, Keels. I’m being tailed.”
“Shit.” She straightens in the lounge chair she’s now occupying, and subtly glances toward the beach. “That’s bad, I guess, but not exactly unexpected. Right?”
“Probably not. Only it’s not me I’m worried about. They’re tracking Paige too.”
