“Yeah, but not on the back door.”
“So you could have left.”
“But I didn’t.”
“Can your brother get the press to back off?”
“Sin’s working his magic. So far, no one has called me or shown up outside my house.”
“The spray paint is bad enough.” Luther parked at the curb in front of Goode-Luck. “But this young man’s death was a targeted hit. Someone saw that video and decided to take advantage of the situation.”
“I hate that you’re right.” He got out. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Keep a low profile.”
After Luther pulled away, Dakota scanned the parking lot. He didn’t know who or what he was looking for. “Pain in my fucking ass,” he grumbled as he walked inside.
The second he entered the reception area of his company, the swarm of realtors gathered around the front desk stopped talking. All eyes on Dakota.
“Good morning.”
Some replied, most just continued to stare. His attorney, Warren Hott, hadn’t called him back yet, so he wasn’t going to say anything. Rather than get into it, he strode to his office and called Warren. After a brief conversation, Warren advised him to address his employees with a simple statement.
He opened his email, typed a draft, and read it to Warren.
“I, along with all of you, am shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of our colleague, Matthew Hastings. During the year that Matt worked here, he was a valued employee of the Goode-Luck family. Because of the ongoing investigation, I am not at liberty to discuss the situation. Rest assured, I am complying with law enforcement to ensure the person responsible for Matt’s death is caught, arrested, and brought to justice.”
“That’s good,” Warren said, and Dakota sent the email.
“Can you and Ms. Reynolds meet me tonight at eight?” Warren asked.
“I’ll check with Providence. Your office?”
“No, the club. I’ll need you to walk me though your evening.”
That oughta be interesting.
“Do you need the address?” Dakota asked.
“Sinclair gave it to me. See you tonight.” Warren hung up.
Knock-knock-knock.
“Come in,” Dakota said.
Juanita stepped in, shut the door behind her, and eased into the chair across from his desk. Normally polished and composed, she looked like she hadn’t slept all night. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m fine.”
She hitched a brow. “Seriously? Your picture is all over the news.”
“Unfortunately.”
“You have my full support,” she continued. “I’m very sad about what happened to Matt, but I am confident you didn’t kill him. Having said that, I’m concerned about the negative publicity, not to mention how this is affecting the team.”
Dakota didn’t like what he was hearing, but he wouldn’t fight her on this. She was protecting their business. “I’ll work from home.”
“I’m sorry.” Juanita rose. “But you know it’s for the best.”