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“Is that how it's supposed to work?” If it was, that was ridiculous. “I couldn’t help them if that were the case. I know nothing of his dealings.”
He lifted a brow. “You run a company with him.”
“That doesn't mean he confides every detail to me.”
Daniel and I didn't discuss our family dynamic, though he was aware that all was not as it appeared. I referenced Beau and Teague frequently, yet hardly ever Samuel Hollingsworth.
“Think about the image portrayed to the public.”
That we were the perfect family. Father particularly emphasized that he and I were not only business partners, but had a close relationship. In some ways, it made things easier. People weren't interested in digging into things that seemed happy and normal. If they knew that I despised the man, they’d pry. That was the fodder for juicy gossip.
“Shouldn’t the FBI know that's not real?” Sarcasm dripped from my question.
“Could be that’s exactly why they think you’d be all too happy to spill all the dirty details on him.” He loosened his tie. “Securities fraud and tax evasion is a fairly vague charge. They could nail almost anyone with that if they pleased."
“Then how was he able to keep me from being arrested? If they wanted him, he’d have no power.”
“Power is an illusion.”
I cocked my head. “Some people certainly make it look real.” My father was at the top of that list. Whether it was perceived or not, he certainly wielded plenty of power.
“My contact may need a few days to dig into the investigation. His cursory look is that it doesn’t exist.” Daniel picked up a pen and tapped the end of it on a folder.
“I had cuffs on my wrists. It exists.” I bristled at the reminder of the steel cutting into my skin. At the helplessness I’d felt locked in the back of that SUV. I’d only come close to that feeling one time before.
And just as she had that day, Lexie rescued me from those thoughts. The image of her purple dress flowing in the wind as she’d pretended to look for her van keys filled my head. Why had she helped me? How did her presence both irritate and excite me? Did she realize how beautiful she was?
Daniel cleared his throat, and the gesture was like a record scratch.
“I hated being locked up too,” he said quietly.
If anyone could sympathize with my situation, it was my best friend. We weren’t the sharing type of men. I understood what it had taken for him to admit that out loud.
“I don't intend to be in that position again,” I said with determination.
“I’m glad to hear you say that.” He leaned back in his chair. “It’s a smart move to accept my help.”
Something wound tight inside loosened. “I didn’t.”
“You have it whether you do or not.”
I stood and offered my hand. “You’re a pain in my ass.”
He pushed to his feet and gripped my hand. “Takes one to know one.”
I furrowed my brow. “Did you learn that expression from Vivian?”
“She may have said that to me once or twice.” A semblance of a smile graced his lips at the thought of his wife.
My phone chimed with a text.
Meet me. Now.
Whatever ease I'd felt a moment ago evaporated. “I’ll speak to you soon.”
“When I hear something, I’ll be in touch.” His stare hardened. “You aren't on your own with this.”
That was a fact I couldn’t seem to forget.
