Close To Her Asian Billionaire

Chapter 5

“Carla? Is that you?”

Carla sighed and looked up, prepared to tell whoever it was to leave her alone. After getting a lecture from her boss about her current lack of information – in his eyes – she had decided to escape the office and work in her favorite cafe. Her table was taken so she had been forced to sit by the window where people could gawk at her. Sitting at the back made sure that she could see everyone and no one could see her work. Being right at the front took that away from her.

So she was worn out, frustrated and cranky when she looked up into the dark smiling eyes in a familiar face. She blinked and stared as she recognized him.

“Oh, my God. Luke!”

Luke Whitely chuckled.

“I thought it was you through the window. You look really different without long hair. That short mop suits you.”

“Thanks.”

Feeling better for seeing him, Carla stood and hugged him, which was returned. She stepped back and surveyed him. Luke had filled out; he had lots more muscles than he had in high school. His hair was still cut military-style as if he had never really left it. He looked good.

“Wow! I never thought I’d see you here. I thought you were in Nashville.”

“I got reassigned.” Luke winked. “Thought the sea air would do me some good.”

Carla laughed.

“Liar. You’ve always hated the sea.”

“Okay, okay. My wife got a new job teaching at a high school in the area and I transferred to the Miami branch when we moved here.” He chucked Carla’s chin affectionately, something left over from the old days. “So, how long has it been since we were face to face?”

“Well over ten years.” Carla indicated the chair opposite hers. “Come sit down.”

Luke obliged, easing his large frame into the seat. Carla sat opposite and surveyed him. They had been neighbors as children and had attended high school together. Luke’s frame had earned him a spot on the football team. People took one look at him and thought he was a little slow. But Luke had been the smartest in his class, graduating as the valedictorian, which had surprised and annoyed several of the girls expecting to take the top spot. He had been with his childhood sweetheart Amy since they were sixteen and were parents to eight-year-old twins.

Carla had kept in touch with him after they graduated, tracking his progress in the navy SEALs before heading into the FBI. While they used Facebook and phone calls to catch up they hadn’t seen each other physically since Luke’s wedding twelve years ago.

“Are you still with the FBI’s drug squad?”

“Not anymore.” Luke sat back in his chair. His jacket fell open and Carla saw the flash of his gun. “I’m in white-collar crimes now. The only position available.”

“That can’t be as exciting.”

“It’s more exciting than you think. I’ve got a case right now and it’s looking like there will be a good arrest shortly.”

They always talked about Luke’s cases. Sometimes they talked about Carla’s but only without giving away names – Carla was bound by her confidentiality agreement. But she did pick Luke’s brains when she needed a new line to go with. It had served them well over the years.

“Who is it? Or are you bound by a confidentiality agreement?”

“I never have been with you, remember?” Luke grinned for a moment before it disappeared. “Ever heard of Jason Liu, the publishing giant?”

Carla’s antennae prickled. Had someone mentioned something to the feds? They wouldn’t be interested otherwise.

“Yes. Why?”

“He’s under suspicion for money laundering. I’ve just been to see him. He was startled to know that someone thinks he’s taking money for the mob and readily agreed to let us look at his company.”

“But you have your doubts.”

Carla knew Luke well enough to know when something didn’t sit right with him. Luke shrugged.

“He’s a rich man and he’s slick. He could have that money hidden anywhere. But we’ll find it.” Then Luke was frowning at her. “What’s wrong? You’ve gone pale.”

“With my skin color?”

“Don’t play silly, Carla.” Then Luke’s frown cleared as he realized the reason. “My God. You’re investigating him as well.”

Carla sighed.

“You know I can’t tell you much, Luke, but I’ve got an inside line into his company.” How she got it she wasn’t going to divulge. Not with the ribbing and the lectures she would get. “I’m going through the employees pretending to be a writer compiling an article on Jason. I’ve spoken to him already.”

Having the FBI involved was not going to make her job any easier. In the past they had hampered her investigation and she had even been arrested for getting in the way. But Luke was an old friend. And he might be of some use for her.

“What’s your take on him?” Luke asked.

Carla looked down at her hands and spoke honestly. It hadn’t gone down well with her boss but Luke wouldn’t judge her decision.

“I think he’s being used as a scape goat.” She said. “Someone in that place is laundering money for them and hiding behind Jason’s name. That way when it gets discovered, Jason will take the fall and the real culprit will get away with the money.”

Luke raised an eyebrow.

“You really think that? You haven’t been hit with the magic he’s been rumored to carry when it comes to women?”

“My bullsh*t meter’s better than that.” Carla rolled her eyes. “Give me some credit, at least.”

“Sorry. But I did have to ask. I respect your opinion, Carla, but Jason is a slippery bugger.”

Carla knew Luke was looking out for her but it still rankled her.

“My gut’s saying that something’s up but Jason’s not involved.”

“Have you talked to him about his publishing house?”

“Quite a bit. Nothing untoward.”

Luke was silent for a moment. Carla could see him mulling it over in his head.

“Fancy teaming up? I’ll deal with our line of inquiry and you question everyone?”

Carla didn’t see anything wrong with that. She nodded.

“Sure. As long as people don’t find it suspicious.” She frowned at him. “But you think he’s guilty and I think he’s innocent. How’s that going to work when we’re conflicted?”

Luke grinned. “Care to bet $200?”

Carla felt her adrenaline spike. She never passed up a chance to have a bet. She always won. “Deal.”