Page 33 of Hunt Me

I remained standing. “Let me guess. No one was ever able to convict them of any crimes. Right?” When I’d been growing up, my father had kept both me and Callie in the dark about his cases. He’d done his best to remove us from the seedy underbelly that he worked hard to convict. When we’ve moved to Las Vegas when I was a teenager, my parents had purchased a home in a quiet neighborhood outside the city limits and far removed from the hustle and bustle. Since moving here, he’d been involved with politics and not the law directly, the shift surprising almost everyone who knew him.

He’d adored putting away the bad guys.

“As with various crime elements and syndicates, the family members rarely got their hands dirty, using lower ranking soldiers to do their dirty work.”

“You’re saying that in general, of course.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t allow the Dmitriyev family to fool you. Their polished exterior appears highly legitimate, but their enemies have a way of disappearing.”

Was my father trying to scare me?

“Whatever the case, they seem highly respected, even revered.” Not that I knew but so much about Vegas politics. I’d purposely ignored that aspect of my father’s life since moving to Connecticut to attend college. I’d even toyed with trying to get a job in the northeast. I was beginning to think I should have followed my instincts.

He nodded and moved around to the other side of his desk. “Yes, they’ve changed, or so I’ve heard. Now, they are legitimate businessmen.” His voice dripped of sarcasm.

“But you still don’t believe it.”

“As you should know, looks can be deceiving. They are vipers in disguise. As I said, my observant daughter. Don’t be fooled by them.”

“Trust me, Daddy. I’m no fool.”

He laughed genuinely. “No, you are not. However, they are only one element of crime in our city. There are others.”

“That you plan on fighting.”

His smile persisted. “Please sit down. We haven’t had a long chat in a few weeks.” His mood was brighter, but I’d caught a brieflook in his eyes. Something about the Dmitriyev family troubled him that was entirely personal.

“Two weeks ago, Dad, when you tried to get me to come work for you.”

I’d been in town only five weeks and this was the third time I’d been to his office instead of visiting my parents’ home like a normal child would. While I’d gone to see my mom several times, he’d been working as usual. Granted, as the mayor of Las Vegas, he had a heavy agenda, but I felt more like a commodity than his daughter.

He cocked his head, giving me his usual ‘how could you think that about me’ look.

“Yes, well, time does fly. I apologize; I’ve been very busy. Your mother and I want to have you out to dinner. How is the job hunting going?”

I eased onto the plush leather seat before answering. “It’s not going as well as I expected. I had no idea so many firms embraced the gray areas of law. In truth, I didn’t know there were any. I was so excited to obtain an interview with Jenkins, Riley, and Smith, but Mr. Jenkins is…”

“A jerk?” He laughed and sat down slowly behind his desk, immediately sitting back.

“Yes. My God, the man reeks of arrogance. From what I can tell, he doesn’t think much of you either.”

He nodded. “We’ve had our run-ins. I don’t mind telling you that I don’t think his firm is the best fit for you. They’ve been known to work with… criminal elements.”

“Funny. That’s exactly what he said about me not being the right fit. What he wants is a seal who he could lead around on a leash, performing for a crowd while upholding the firm’s agenda.”

“Sadly, there are more gray areas than you’re aware of even inside the law and men like Jenkins prefer a hefty paycheck versus doing the right thing. I’ve learned that lesson since obtaining office. However, not every firm caters to the rich and famous while ignoring the letter of the law.”

“Wow. A change in heart.”

“More like an awakening.”

Why did it seem like he was remembering something from his past? I could tell by the faraway look in his eyes.

“I wish I had your faith in the firms in town. I’m beginning to wonder if staying in Las Vegas if the best idea for me.” I wasn’t going to lay blame on my dad for being who he was. That wasn’t fair. However, I’d underestimated his worth and reputation when deciding to return home.

With the same concerned look on his face, he leaned over his desk. “I would still like you to come to work for me, Bristol. I know what you’re going to say, but we’d make a great team. You’re tenacious and much more intelligent than I am. I need people I can trust implicitly. Plus, I’m not getting any younger. I could use your investigative skills and youthful exuberance.”

“Buttering me up won’t do you any good, Dad. Besides, you have a team of lawyers and from what I’ve read, they’re damn good.”