Smiley(53)
The drive was short but they passed a lot of New Species on the street. They turned to peer at her as the Jeep passed. It made her self-conscious and she second-guessed her decision to call the NSO. She’d never felt so out of place before in her life. Justice parked in front of an office building and she climbed out.
“This way.” He waved her toward the front doors where two intimidating New Species protected the entrance. The two guards from the rear of the Jeep took positions behind her. It made her feel as if she were under arrest. Fear inched up her spine and she struggled to remain calm.
“Where is Smiley? Is he here?” She wasn’t sure if she wanted to see him or not but a familiar face might help.
“We weren’t certain if you wanted to see him. He’s currently on duty.”
“Oh.”
“We can arrange for him to visit you later if you wish.”
Vanni just nodded, keeping pace with Justice. They entered a reception area and she got her first look at a New Species woman. The dark-haired, tall woman rose from behind her desk. “Jessie is in her office if you want a female present to make that one more comfortable.”
“Tell her I said thank you but everything is fine. Vanni, please follow me.”
Vanni smiled at the woman but received a frown in response. Her dark gaze wasn’t pleasant either. She hustled to follow Justice. Two men waited inside, both seated on a couch. They rose to their feet when she entered.
“This is Fury and Slade.”
She couldn’t help but gawk at Fury. She’d recognize him anywhere after all the news coverage of the press conference that had turned violent. For weeks footage had been shown of him saving the woman he loved by scooping her into his arms and running for safety after a gunman had opened fire. He’d been shot protecting Ellie. The couple had become an icon of true romance to a lot of women. “It’s an honor to meet you,” she managed to get out.
His eyes widened but he stepped forward and offered his hand. “Thank you. I think.”
“I’m sorry. It’s just that you’re Fury.” She managed to offer her trembling hand.
He had a firm grip and a brisk handshake. “I am.”
Vanni sealed her lips to avoid embarrassing herself further by having a fan-girl moment. She turned her attention on the second guy. He appeared to be canine with jet-black hair and striking blue eyes. He nodded but didn’t offer his hand.
“Why don’t you sit, Vanni?” Justice rounded his large desk and indicated she should take a seat in one of the leather chairs.
She gratefully collapsed into the nearest one. Justice took the lead. “Vanni didn’t willingly offer to participate in the Woods Church press conference. They held her against her will and made threats. Have you heard anything regarding their current status?”
“We did.” Fury resumed his seat. “They have delayed speaking to the press. We’ve gotten a lot of calls asking for comments. The Woods Church looks bad after not delivering what they promised.”
“Good.” Justice reached up and loosened his tie. “Tell them who drugged you and Smiley, Vanni.”
She swallowed and held Fury’s dark gaze. He had nice eyes and he didn’t glare at her. “The bartender. Gregory said they paid him to do it and he even told me the name of the drug.”
Justice growled softly and Vanni glanced at him, alarmed. He looked furious. “You didn’t tell me that part.”
“Sorry. Gregory said they paid someone almost seven hundred thousand dollars for B-47. He didn’t tell me the actual drug name but that’s what he called it. He said something about a batch and he made it clear that he didn’t think much of the guy he bought it from. He never said a name.”
“The bartender worked there for three years with never any complaints against him. I double-checked all employee records for anyone working in the room at the time of the incident.” Slade removed his cell phone from his shirt pocket. “I’ll text Tim to pick him up.”
“Do that,” Justice agreed. “Quietly.”
“Of course.” Slade focused on his phone.
Justice cleared his throat. “Are you well, Vanni? You’re pale.”
“I’m out of my element,” she admitted. “Am I under arrest? I swear I didn’t know anything about what they planned to do at the hotel. I only found out about the bartender and all that last night after Carl and his father refused to let me leave.”
“You’re not our enemy. We’re willing to believe you and you’re currently our guest at Homeland.” Justice’s words were comforting until he spoke again. “Unless we discover you’re lying to us.”