Empire of Lies

“Yes …” Tears fall from his eyes. “Yes, sir.”

“Good.” I tape his mouth once more and slam the trunk shut. Then I look at my watch.

His trip isn’t for another three hours, and I still have more than enough time to do some research for another job.

I start to throw his phone into the trash, but I can’t for some reason. I open his inbox and text Meredith, knowing that I should leave her alone, but I want to be sure this is put to bed.

Jameson (Me): I’m really sorry I had to reschedule on you. What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?

Meredith: Moving on to a guy who won’t cancel on me at the last minute. Delete my number.

I smile. Good girl.

I start to toss the phone, but it vibrates in my hand once more. A new text from her.

Meredith: The only way I would even consider going out with you again—on New Year’s Eve, Mr. “I Own This City,” is if you suggested something other than a bar. Something nice that would truly make it up to me, preferably something that would show a hint of how much you supposedly ‘own’ this city.

Jameson (Me): When exactly did I say that I ‘owned’ this city?

Meredith: Last week. You said you get into all of the best clubs for free because you know all the owners. Would you like me to send you a screenshot?

Jameson (Me): Yes, please.

She sends it within seconds, and his words from a thread he’d long deleted make me roll my eyes at first sight.

Jameson (Me): Trust me, sexy girl. Everyone in this city knows about me or my firm. That’s how I roll. Whenever I do take an off day, I can show up to any of the top clubs here and get into them without saying a word. Every club manager knows me by name and BEGS me to drop money in their clubs.

I shake my head. I’d never heard of him until last week. The moment I saw him on the national offenders’ report and saw he’d be in my city, I’d immediately put him on my club’s never-let-him-in list.

Meredith: Should I assume that you were making that up just as much as our date tonight?

Jameson (Me): Not at all. I have a table for New Year’s Eve at Fahrenheit 900. I’ll send you a reservation confirmation. We can meet there and I’ll make this up to you.

Bad boy…