Chapter 7 - A dangerous alliance

Cassidy has always understood that she was treading a fine line between the truth and the lies people wished to keep hidden. But now, as she stood face-to-face with Alexander Cross in the chilly rain, she understood she wasn't just on the brink; she was going to jump right into the void. She held the USB drive in her pocket, and her fingers curled around it. It was still wet from where she had held it too firmly. The video changed everything. She had made Alexander out to be a bad guy, but he wasn't. He was something else—something more dangerous. A man who lived in the shadows and played power games that went beyond her first probe. And now he wanted her to set fire to Vaughn's house. Cassidy didn't know what bothered her more: that she had been incorrect about him or that she was really thinking about taking him up on his offer. She crossed her arms and glared at him. "Why me?" Alexander didn't answer right away. His bright blue eyes looked at her closely, as if he were deciding how much to tell her. "Because you don't believe me." Cassidy made a face. "That doesn't make sense." He said, "It makes perfect sense." "I need someone who doesn't work for me and who Vaughn doesn't expect to work with me. He'll see it coming if I send my own guys after him. But you? He turned his head. "He perceives you as a threat, but one that is apart from him. That's why I value you so much. Cassidy laughed dryly. "Okay, let me get this straight. You think Vaughn is behind all of this, and instead of taking care of it yourself, you want me to do it for you? His lips turned into something that wasn't quite a smile. "You make it sound like I'm asking you to do something you weren't already going to do." Cassidy's jaw tightened. Damn him. He was right. Vaughn had always been a snake, and now she had confirmation that he was behind the issue she had been looking into. It was no longer only about demonstrating Alexander's innocence; it was about getting justice. But working with Alexander Cross? That was a whole other thing. She said, "I don't work for you." "And I'm not your weapon." "Good." He moved closer, and even in the open area, he was too much to handle. "I don't need a gun." "I need someone I can trust to get this right." Cassidy despised how those words made her feel. Believe me. It shouldn't have mattered that a man like Alexander Cross trusted her. But there was a small part of her that enjoyed how that sounded, even though she didn't want to. She pushed the notion away. "And what happens when I tell Vaughn?" His eyes blazed with something dark. "Then I'll make sure he never gets the chance to build again." There it was. The subtle, deadly vow that made her realize Alexander didn't just want justice; he wanted revenge. Cassidy didn't move. "Okay," she said. "But I meant what I said before. I do my work by myself. "Don't bother me or my people." His lips moved. "Of course." She squinted. "That was too simple." He let out a sigh. "Because I know you, Miss Lane." You don't like it when people tell you what to do. You don't like taking commands. You don't like it when strong men tell you what to do, either. His eyes got sharper. "That's why you'll do it your way." And I'll be right there when you realize you need me. That cocky bastard. She turned aside before he could see the flash of something frightening in her face. "Don't wait for me, Cross." She didn't turn around. But she knew he was watching her the whole time. She could feel it. The Setup For the following forty-eight hours, Cassidy went through the files that Alexander had provided her. Everything pointed back to Vaughn: his offshore accounts, his ties to shell firms that helped trafficked victims, and the bribes he sent to politicians and police to keep it all quiet. It was bad. It was enough. But she needed more. Vaughn was smart. There was no way a man like him could have been in the shadows for years without leaving a trail. She needed something that would be impossible to deny, something that the public couldn't ignore, and something that even Vaughn's strong friends couldn't twist. And there was only one way to do that. She had to get close. Going into the Fire The high-end event was a place for the rich and famous to meet, with a sea of designer suits and sparkling gowns. Vaughn was here; her contacts had confirmed that. Cassidy tried not to frown as she looked at herself in one of the tall mirrors. She adjusted the sleek black dress she had borrowed from a friend. She detested these gatherings and how easily money and corruption intertwined. But she had to play the game if she wanted to beat Vaughn. She had gotten an invitation by using a fake name, which was one of the many things she had learnt as an investigative journalist. Vaughn wouldn't know who she was in this setting—not yet. She easily blended into the crowd, champagne in hand, and looked around the room. Vaughn was at the back, talking to a group of men she knew were high-level investors. They were probably the ones who were paying for his work. Her stomach turned. All of them are monsters. She stepped closer, being careful not to be seen, and listened to Vaughn talk. Vaughn stated in a calm voice, "Everything is going as planned." "We're currently making plans for the new shipments." Our sales will go up by at least 20% by the end of the next quarter. Cassidy's fingers wrapped around her glass. Deliveries. He was talking about other people. She made herself keep calm as she got further closer. She could bring him down if she could acquire one piece of solid proof, like a tape or a mistake. Then Vaughn turned, as if he could feel her. Cassidy held her breath when he looked at her. He slowly smiled and raised his glass to her in a silent toast. Crap. Did he know her? Her thoughts were racing. He couldn't have done it. She had done things to make sure she didn't stand out. Her hair, cosmetics, and even the clothing she wore were all carefully chosen to do this. But there was something in his gaze that made her think he knew something. He turned his head and pointed to the unoccupied seat next to him. "Come with me," he urged in a loud voice that made the others turn to stare at her. Cassidy paused for a split second before moving ahead and sitting down with the same grace as the socialites around her. He said, "Cassidy," and his voice was full of humor. "Or is it Miss Lane tonight?" Her blood froze. So much for not being seen. Vaughn leaned closer and spoke more quietly. "I know why you're here." Cassidy made a smirk. "Is that true?" His smile never changed. "Yes." And you should know something in return. He leaned forward and spoke in a low voice. "You're already too late." Cassidy's stomach sank. Then, before she could do anything, the lights flickered and everything went dark.