Page 71 of Accidental Mile High Vows

“The situation has become more complex. Additional consultations are required.”

I set down my fork and look at him so he sees exactly who he’s trying to extort.

“Tell me about your family, Richard.”

He blinks. “My family?”

“Yes. You have a wife, don’t you? Margaret. And two children. Sarah’s at Cornell, studying law. And James is still in high school. Plays lacrosse, I believe.”

The color drains from his face. “How do you?—”

“I make it my business to know these things.” I lean back in my chair. “They live in that nice house in Westchester. The one with the blue shutters. Your wife gardens on weekends. Your son has practice every Thursday.”

“Mr. Volkov, I don’t respond well to threats.”

“I’m not threatening you, Richard. I’m simply pointing out that we all have families. People we care about. People who would be very sad if something happened to us.”

He’s sweating now. “I don’t appreciate?—”

“You don’t have to appreciate it. You just have to understand it.” I take a sip of wine. “Those permits will be approved tomorrow. You’ll accept the hundred thousand you’ve already been paid, and you’ll consider that generous compensation for your services.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then I’ll have to assume you’re not the kind of man who values his family’s safety. And that would be very unfortunate.”

Hayes’s hand shakes as he picks up his wine glass. “The permits will be approved tomorrow,” he says quietly.

“I’m glad we could come to an understanding.” I stand. “Marie will show you out. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Richard. And give my regards to Margaret and the children.”

He leaves without finishing his meal.

21

SAVANNAH

I’m in my office,headphones on, working through market analysis data when I hear raised voices from the dining room. Not quite shouting. But loud enough that the sound carries through the walls.

I pull off my headphones and listen.

Ledger’s voice. And someone else. Maybe the council chairman.

“—appreciate what you’re saying, but I have procedures to follow?—”

“—already been paid a hundred thousand?—”

I stand and move to my office door, opening it quietly. The dining room is down the hall, and if I’m careful, I can hear without being seen.

“Mr. Volkov, I don’t respond well to threats.”

“I’m not threatening you, Richard. I’m simply pointing out that we all have families. People we care about.”

My stomach drops.

Ledger keeps talking, and the other man’s voice shakes when he speaks. “The permits will be approved tomorrow.”

“I’m glad we could come to an understanding. Marie will show you out.”

I slip back into my office and close the door quietly, my heart pounding.