Page 24 of Titus

“Well,” he said. “That boy desperately wants to become a problem.”

“He already has.”

I turned toward the windows. The Jameston building stood directly below, close enough to study and sealed tightly enough that my investigators would lose weeks trying to gain access without being noticed.

If I wanted answers, I needed someone on the inside.

Movement near its entrance caught my eye.

Catalina Veléz crossed the plaza with her phone pressed to her ear, issuing instructions to whoever had the misfortune of disappointing her that morning.

I could use her. Now that I knew she worked inside the building.

She also understood powerful people, noticed details others missed, and had no loyalty to Christian Jameston beyond a lease.

“No,” Colton said behind me.

I looked over my shoulder. “I haven’t said anything.”

“You didn’t need to.”

My attention returned to Catalina.

“I need someone inside that building who can tell me what Christian’s true plans are.”

“And you think she’ll spy on her landlord because you offer her a few parties?”

“I think she’s ambitious, observant, and practical.”

“She also dislikes you.”

“That can be corrected.”

Colton laughed once. “You genuinely learned nothing in Monaco.”

Perhaps not.

But Catalina had charged half a million dollars because she knew exactly what her work was worth. A woman like that understood mutually beneficial arrangements.

I pressed the intercom. “Elizabeth.”

“Yes, Mr. Hawk?”

“Get Catalina Veléz on the phone.”

Colton shook his head. “This is going to end badly.”

I watched Cat disappear through the entrance across the plaza.

“It will only end badly for Jameston,” I assured my brother.

“I have Catalina Veléz on line two,” Elizabeth announced.

Colton leaned back in his chair. “Last chance to abandon this terrible idea.”

I picked up the receiver. “Ms. Veléz.”

A brief silence followed. Then her irritated voice came over the line. “What can I help you with, Mr. Hawk?”