I also trust my gut, which is why I had Theo reach out to Barrett Security—owned by Connor Barrett, who hosted last week’s charity event—to have one of his private investigators look into Anthony Ford’s life.
Many of Connor’s team are former Marines with high-tech experience.Digital warfare is a real time threat in the Western world, and Connor has gained a reputation for being a go-to guy in the state.
While Anthony’s income and how he spent it might appear to be none of my business, I wanted to know if there was anything criminal going on...and why he left his pretty young wife with a business knee deep in debt.
Correction, with debt up to its ears.
I had a strong suspicion, and Theo had already messaged me saying my thoughts, which I shared privately with him, were correct.
Fuck.
It would matter.
Theo finished going through the numbers, with Robin interjecting where required, and my patience started running out.
“Okay.Let’s jump to the Barrett report.”
Theo’s shot me a look and nodded.“Yes, sir.”
Knock, knock.
I glance up as Chloe opens the door.“Mrs.Ford wanted to let you know she’s here and will be in her office.”
Crap.
Damn you, Gemma, you should’ve taken my offer.
“Thank you.”
I grind my teeth, not surprised by the tenacious, sexy woman who has turned my emotional world into chaos.
When the door closes, I glance at Theo to continue.
“Anthony Ford was having multiple affairs.”Theo says, looking uncomfortable.“He was gambling, buying drugs, and associated with some dangerous underground people.”
He slides a report across the table, and the names are listed.I’m not intimately knowledgeable about who they are, but the Barrett Security investigator has added details which I’ll read later.
A headache appears at the base of my head as I consider the danger he put his wife and daughter in.
“So he was paying debts for drugs and gambling?”
“It could also be blackmail.There’s an account for Ms.Sally Wallstone.Could be an alias; they haven’t confirmed, but have offered to dig deeper,” Theo shares.
Clearly, there was a line drawn for a reason, so I simply nod for now and will decide down the track.
“Did they include the names of the women he was involved with?”
“Yes.One of them he paid half a million dollars to,” Theo shakes his head.“God, this guy...looks like she has a son.Could be hush money.”
Jesus, fuck.
“Who is she?”
“Works for a large publisher.She’s an editor, so say her social profiles.Single, lives in Hell’s Kitchen.Is also an author, although the book doesn’t seem to have had huge success.”
Yeah, well, when you get paid that much by a multi-millionaire for having his kid, why spend time marketing your book?
Maybe I’m cynical.