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The tension in the office slowly dissipated after Detective Martinez’s departure, though an uncomfortable atmosphere lingered like smoke after a fire. Pervis made his way back to his assigned desk, settling into the chair with the same calm composure he’d maintained throughout the entire ordeal.
Linda fidgeted at her desk, her eyes darting between her computer screen and Pervis. Finally, she cleared her throat and spoke up, her voice slightly higher than normal.
“I just want to say,” she began, her tone carefully measured, “that I always believed you were innocent, Pervis. I never really thought you were a thief.”
Alicia’s head turned sharply toward Linda, her expression one of pure disdain. “Is that so?”
“Yes!” Linda insisted, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I was just… shocked when the police came. But deep down, I knew there had to be some mistake.”
“Really?” Alicia’s voice dripped with skepticism. “Because I distinctly remember you saying you ‘never expected Pervis to be a common thief‘ and moving away from him in the elevator.”
Linda’s face went bright red. “I was just… it was the heat of the moment! I didn’t mean—”
“It’s fine,” Pervis interrupted calmly, not looking up from the orientation documents on his screen.
Alicia turned her attention to him, her expression softening slightly. “It’s good that it was just a misunderstanding. False accusations can ruin careers before they even begin.”
“They can,” Pervis agreed quietly.
Across the room, Gerald Roden sat behind his desk, his face flushed red with a mixture of embarrassment and rage. His hands clenched into fists on the desktop as he watched Pervis calmly resume work as if nothing had happened.
The humiliation burned through him like acid. He’d been made to look like a fool–first by Detective Martinez, and now by having to sit here and watch the man he’d declared a criminal working peacefully at his desk.
This couldn’t stand. These newcomers–especially Pervis–needed to learn their place. They needed to understand that crossing Gerald Roden came with consequences.
As the workday drew to a close, Roden stood up from his desk with deliberate theatricality. He adjusted his tie and walked out into the main office area, his expression one of arrogant authority.
“Tyler, Morrison, Brennan,” he called out imperiously. “A word.”
The three new employees looked up from their work.
“I’ve arranged for us to attend an important business function this evening,” Roden announced loudly enough for the entire floor to hear. “You three will accompany me.”
Pervis frowned slightly. “What kind of function?”
“The kind that could bring significant business deals to this company,” Roden replied with obvious satisfaction. “As new employees, you should consider this a learning opportunity.”
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“At this hour?” Alicia asked, glancing at the clock that showed 5:45 PM.
“Important business doesn’t wait for convenient hours, Miss Brennan,” Roden said condescendingly. “Now, collect your things. We’re leaving in five minutes.”
Linda stood up eagerly. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see when we get there,” Roden replied with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
Pervis studied Roden’s expression carefully, noting the barely concealed malice beneath the professional veneer. Something felt distinctly off about this situation, but he was curious to see exactly what Roden was planning.
“Alright,” he said finally. “Lead the way.”
Twenty minutes later, Roden’s car pulled up in front of a garish nightclub in the city’s entertainment district. Neon lights flashed across the building’s facade, and a steady bass beat could be felt even from the parking lot.
Linda looked uncertain. “This is where we’re meeting a business contact?”
“Some of our most important connections prefer… relaxed environments,” Roden said smoothly, leading them toward the entrance.
The bouncer at the door nodded respectfully to Roden, clearly recognizing him as a regular patron. They were ushered through the crowded main floor, past the bar where scantily clad dancers performed on raised platforms, and down a hallway lined with private rooms.
“Mr. Roden!” a voice called out. “Right this way, sir. Your party is already here.”
Roden’s smile widened as he gestured for the three newcomers to follow. “This is going to be very educational for all of you.”
He opened the door to one of the private rooms, revealing a space decorated in tacky velvet and gold trim. Loud music pulsed from hidden speakers, and the air was thick with cigarette smoke and expensive cologne.
A man in a gaudy floral shirt sat sprawled on a leather couch, one arm around a woman whose dress left very little to the imagination. Empty bottles littered the table in front of him, and his eyes were slightly unfocused
from alcohol.
“Roden!” the man called out, his voice slightly slurred. “About time you showed up!”
“Luke, my friend,” Roden greeted him warmly. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with us tonight.”
Luke’s gaze swept over the group, and when his eyes landed on Alicia and Linda, they lit up with unmistakable interest. He sat up straighter, his attention completely focused on the two women.
“Well, well, well,” Luke drawled, his tone becoming overtly lecherous. “You didn’t mention you were bringing such lovely company, Roden.”
Alicia’s expression went cold immediately, while Linda shifted uncomfortably.
“Luke here is one of our most valuable connections,” Roden announced proudly. “He controls several businesses in this district and has access to… shall we say, unique opportunities.”
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“Is that what we’re calling it?” Luke laughed, standing up unsteadily. The woman beside him pouted at the loss of his attention but remained on the couch.
Pervis observed the scene with growing understanding. This wasn’t a business meeting–it was a setup.
Roden turned to face Pervis directly, his expression openly provocative. “Luke is a very powerful man in this city. He has connections to people who can make or break careers.”
“Does he now?” Pervis asked mildly.
“Absolutely,” Roden continued, his voice taking on a mocking tone. “In fact, I’m curious to see how you’ll handle protecting your colleagues this time, Tyler. No police officers here to bail you out.”
Luke had moved closer to Alicia and Linda, his eyes roving over them with obvious ill intent. “Roden’s told me all about you three. Fresh meat in the company, huh?”
“We’re here for business,” Alicia said coldly, taking a deliberate step backward.
“Oh, we’ll get to business,” Luke replied with a leer. “But first, let’s get comfortable. You ladies want to sit down? Have a drink?”
P
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
