Page 53 of See You There

Dahlia and Victor kept their voices low, neither wanting to attract attention, so Luke couldn’t hear what they were saying. But it was apparent to everyone in the lobby they were having an argument. Luke was sure Victor was doing everything he could to make Dahlia stay.

Luke frowned as the tone of the argument appeared to change. Dahlia’s face grew blotchy, and Victor’s voice had suddenly increased in volume.

Enough was enough.

“You think you’re going to drop me, you white trash bitch? I made you and—”

Luke caught Victor’s wrist, where he had jabbed a finger in Dahlia’s face, and forced the man’s arm to his side. Luke wanted to break it off completely.

“It’s time for you to leave.”

Spittle had formed on Victor’s lips, and his face was a deep, mottled, reddish purple. Aware of the glances they were drawing, Luke released the man’s arm.

“When this contract expires, you will be gone. If you need to communicate with Ms. Everton, inanyway, it will be through her counsel. Me.” Luke bared his teeth in the semblance of a smile. “And if youeveract aggressively toward Ms. Everton again…”

He leaned close to the man’s face and lowered his voice so only he could hear. “I will beat the absolute shit out of you and relish every minute.”

To his surprise, the man didn’t back down. He didn’t even look at Luke, his attention completely on Dahlia. The agent let out an ugly chuckle.

“You better think this through, Doll. When the world finds out about Scott and who you really are, you won’t be able to book an appearance at the state fair.” Victor whirled and stalked out of the building.

“I need to use the restroom,” Dahlia whispered. Luke turned his gaze from where Victor was pushing through the glass doors to Dahlia’s face. Her face was pale, her eyes hollowed.

She looked like she was going to faint.

Luke slipped her ice-cold hand into his and rubbed it with his other hand as he led her to the bathrooms. Dahlia didn’t say a word as she pulled her hand away and shut the door behind her.

Luke leaned against the wall next to the door. What had Victor meant by his threat? He would have passed it off as empty words, but Dahlia had reacted so strongly there must be something in it.

He paced a few steps from the bathroom and pushed the button to speed dial his friend Brady. They’d been friends at UGA, but instead of going to law school, Brady had chosen the police academy. A few years ago, he had left the force in order to become a private investigator.

“Hey, man. I can’t talk right now,” Brady whispered when the ringing stopped.

“Then why did you answer?”

“Good question. Aw shit!” Brady said, his voice at normal volume. “Okay, what do you need?”

“What are you doing?”

“I was following someone, but she’s ducked into a spray tan place, and now she’s on the phone. Damn it! Too far for my remote listening device. I’ve got a few minutes now. What do you need?”

“I’ve only got a second. My client could be back at any minute. I need you to find out whatever you can on Victor Sargent. He’s Lia Everton’s talent manger.”

Brady whistled. “I heard you were representing her.”

“How’d you hear that?”

“Susie. She loves gossip blogs. She saw you onEntertainment Now!”

Luke groaned. “Great!”

“Anything specific you’re looking for?”

Luke eyed the door. “I want the full package but keep an eye out for the name Scott.”

“You want me to tail the guy? I’m pretty thin right now for guys on the ground.”

“No, that won’t be necessary. But financials, potential lawsuits, full background. Anything you can find that might be used as leverage.” The bathroom door creaked, and Dahlia emerged, looking slightly better. “I gotta go. Send the bill to me personally. Don’t go through the firm. Thanks.”