AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 7
Senator Ortiz had a busy day scheduled. He was out on bail and life had returned to normal…almost. He still had the issue of the trial, but he was confident. Considering the power behind him, there was little chance the case would hold up in court.
He’d just finished with a staff meeting. Sunlight streamed into the room. The conference space was a huge office on the upper floor, with wall-sized corner windows providing a view of downtown buildings. He prided himself in his achievements, and rewarded himself accordingly.
Ortiz lived in a luxury home in River Oaks, an enclave of estates in an exclusive area of Houston, and ran a successful law practice. The location, the building, and the interior design pleased him. It reflected his importance to the community. He wasn’t about to let anything shake his hard-won status.
The staff collected their papers and shuffled out with muted conversations. It was respectful, and he appreciated that. While slowly following the others out, Ashlee Vidal hugged her notepad to her chest. She’d been quiet during the meeting, just as she had been much of the time lately.
And Ortiz could guess why.
Ashlee was good friends with Lela Cabelo. He had a hunch that Ashlee knew more about her friend’s disappearance than she was saying. Her loyalty might be difficult to shake, but it could be done.
“Ms. Vidal?”
Ortiz stared at her long blond hair. From the back, he could see her fine ass under the designer skirt, and her legs that looked a mile long with those high heels on. He’d come on to her a few times—discreetly, of course. She was an employee and should have been flattered at his interest.
Yet Ashlee had given him a polite, if terse, brush-off. She would come to regret that.
“Yes, senator?” Ashlee turned to face him, but her expression revealed little. She was a looker; he’d give her that. Those blue eyes and lovely lips belonged on a magazine cover. But she was haughty, and thought she was better than he was.
“Can you stay for a minute?” Ortiz said with his best smile. He could be magnetic when he wanted to be. That might have been where he’d erred. With a bit more charm, he might yet gain her favor.
Ashlee didn’t reply, but she didn’t leave, either. She stood near the door, as though he might jump on her. It was an idea. This was his law office. He could lock the door and have his way. But that was a bad idea, considering the current atmosphere.
“Please sit.” Ortiz kept his tone smooth. He didn’t want to sound like he was ordering a pet around.
After a brief hesitation, Ashlee took a seat in the chair closest to the door.
“I’m just concerned,” Ortiz said, wrinkling his brow.
Ashlee didn’t do him the courtesy of inquiring why. She seemed reluctant to engage in conversation.
The senator put aside his annoyance; he was good at covering up such things. “Your friend Lela is still missing.” He paused for a beat. “She’s worked here for quite some time, so I’m fond of her. It’s disturbing that she’s on the run, and I’m worried.”
He could swear that Ashlee narrowed her eyes, but the motion was so fleeting that he couldn’t be certain. “Yes, I’m sure you are,” she said.
She wasn’t going to make it easy on him. “Have you heard from her?” He could have been more tactful, but he really didn’t have the time for that.
Ashlee’s lips narrowed into what could hardly be called a smile. “No, sir.”
“If you do, will you report it?” That might gain acceptance more than asking her to tell him personally.
“I’ll do all I can to ensure Lela’s safety…if an opportunity arises.”
What in the hell was that supposed to mean?
“Is there anything else, senator?” When he didn’t say anything, Ashlee rose from the chair and left the room. Dammit, she wasn’t going to co-operate. He’d have to come up with a different approach.
*****
Lunch was in the private dining room at Morton’s. His attorney Leonard V. Townsend had offered to foot the bill for the meal, as well he should. Ortiz was paying him enough for a good criminal defense. The private room had been Leonard’s suggestion, so they could talk without being overheard.
When Ortiz arrived, his attorney was already there. He stood and shook hands. “Good afternoon, Senator Ortiz.”
“Leonard.” His attorney had addressed him by title to show respect for his position. Ortiz didn’t offer the same.
The senator ordered vodka straight up, and Leonard had iced tea. “I have some meetings this afternoon,” his attorney said, “but you go ahead…enjoy.”
