Page 139 of Jaked

"Unfortunately."

"I looked over your qualifications," he said. "You've got the degree. You've got just enough experience. You're perfect." He grinned. "And, you came highly recommended."

I didn't bother to hide my skepticism. "By who?"

"Bianca."

I rolled my eyes. "Very funny."

"It's not a joke," he said.

"That's whatyouthink," I said. "Either way, the answer's still no."

"Hey," he said, "we do billions in revenue a year. We're a good company. We represent some of the biggest names in sports entertainment. We've got a great team. You'd like it there."

My gaze narrowed. "Where exactly is 'there'?"

He gave a small shrug. "Here in the states, we've got offices in New York, L.A., satellite offices all around the country, including here. It's just a few blocks away, in fact. You wouldn't even have to move."

I tried to laugh. "Well, I'd have to move out of here, that's for sure." I glanced around. "Speaking of which, Jake will be back any minute, so…"

"No he won't," Vince said. "He's got a meeting 'til noon."

"And you know thishow?" I asked.

"I've got my sources."

"Bianca again?"

"Sorry," he said, "I don't kiss and tell."

"Right," I said. "Well anyway, this has been interesting and all, but I've got to go." I started to close the door.

Vince held up a hand. "Wait."

I crossed my arms and waited.

"I know what you're thinking," he said.

I gave him a dubious look. "Do you?"

"Sure," he said. "You're thinking this is a setup. That the offer's a scam. That if Bianca starts bad-mouthing you, you'll be gone with no notice." He met my gaze. "But that's not the way I roll."

It was almost funny, because hehadknown exactly what I'd been thinking. Then again, all things considered, it wouldn't be too hard to figure out. "Want to know what I think?" I said.

"Sure, hit me."

"I think that you want to get back at Jake for how much money he's cost you. I think you've already hired away Bianca, and now you want to put a little more salt in the wound by recruiting the girl youthinkis Jake's girlfriend. I think you want to hit Jake where it hurts, and you want to use me to do it."

At this, Vince laughed. The sound was oddly pleasant and missing the malice I'd been expecting. "Hell yeah, that's what I want," he said.

My jaw fell open. "Huh?"

"You think I'm gonna deny it?"

"Well, actually, yeah."

"Why would I?" he said. "You're right. Iamtrying to hit Jake where it hurts. The guy's cost me a lot of money. And if I don't start hitting him back, he'll cost me – and my clients – a whole lot more."

"So I was right?" I said. "The jobwasa fake."

"Nope," he said. "It's a real offer and a real job. And if you're worried about job-security, we can sign a contract." He gave me a speculative look. "Or I'll give you a nice signing bonus, make it worth your while."

If it weren't for loyalty, I might have almost been tempted. But I was loyal. To Jake. Not to Vince. "Thanks," I said, "but the answer's still no."

"Just think about it." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a printed business card. He handed the card over. "Here. In case you change your mind."

Reluctantly, I took the card. "I won't," I said. "But thanks. I guess."

Somewhere behind Vince, I heard the ding of an elevator. A moment later, the elevator doors slid open, and I spotted something else I hadn't expected to see this morning – Trey. And if I wasn't mistaken, those things with him were my two missing suitcases.