Page 19 of Hitched to My Enemy
"What's your assessment so far?" he asked directly, tension evident in his clipped tone.
"Still analyzing," I replied carefully, noting how his jaw muscle twitched at my non-answer. "Mr. Hardwick has provided complete access to all systems."
"Of course," Bryce said, something discordant in his response. "I should review the financial implications—"
His phone buzzed, and visible relief washed over him. "Urgent call from our insurers. I'll circle back later."
He retreated before anyone could respond, leaving me with the distinct impression of someone fleeing further questioning.
"We need security footage from the past week," I told Torres. "Cross-reference access logs with personnel files. And keep this investigation contained."
"Why the discretion?" she asked.
"Because our saboteur is someone within Easton's inner circle," I replied, watching his expression darken. "Someone with legitimate access who wouldn't trigger security protocols."
***
"Mr. Hardwick!" Liv Chen's voice cut through the corridor as we approached Easton's office less than two hours after discovering the sabotaged machines. She materialized with her camera crew in tow, ambush gleaming in her smile. "Perfect timing. I'd like your statement on this morning's irregularities."
My stomach tightened. The information's rapid leak confirmed my suspicions—someone with immediate knowledge had contacted her almost instantly.
"Ms. Chen," Easton replied, maintaining his composure despite the tension radiating from him. "I'm not certain which irregularities you're referencing."
"The gaming machines discovered to be rigged in the house's favor," she said, barely containing her excitement. "Sources indicate this could represent a broader pattern of compliance issues." Her gaze shifted to me with calculated interest. "And Ms. Clarke, what fortuitous timing. I hoped to follow up on last night's events."
Someone had deliberately fed her information within minutes of our discovery.
"Actually," I stepped forward, professional smile in place, "this presents an excellent opportunity to highlight the gaming commission's innovative oversight approach."
Liv's expression sharpened with journalistic interest. She sensed a story, though not the scandal she'd anticipated. "Your presence is related to an active investigation?"
"The commission employs comprehensive compliance verification," I explained in my practiced media voice. "When Mr. Hardwick identified potential system irregularities, he immediately requested commission oversight for collaborative investigation."
"Collaborative investigation?" Liv repeated, her recorder capturing each word.
"As you witnessed at last night's gala, Mr. Hardwick specifically requested the investigator who previously identified violations at his former establishment," I continued, watching understanding transform her expression. "This demonstrates exceptional confidence in his current compliance measures and commitment to transparency."
Easton nodded with appropriate gravity. "After my previous... educational experience... with regulatory matters, I prioritized ensuring the Jade Petal exceeds every standard.Inviting commission oversight during our pre-opening phase reflects our dedication to complete transparency."
"Regarding the machines reportedly rigged—" Liv probed.
"They were identified during our proactive compliance review and immediately secured," I finished smoothly. "This exemplifies the collaborative oversight model that protects consumers and legitimate operators alike."
I watched Liv recalculate as she realized her potential scandal had morphed into an innovative business strategy story. "This collaboration formalized after last night's gala?"
"The event provided an optimal environment for comprehensive operational assessment," I replied. "Mr. Hardwick's invitation to commission oversight during his preview event demonstrated remarkable strategic foresight."
"Your attendance was strictly professional?" Liv pressed, clearly recalling the photographs she'd captured.
"The commission routinely requires investigators to observe establishments under authentic operating conditions," I stated truthfully. "Last night's event provided exactly that professional development opportunity. When issues emerged this morning, we were positioned to respond immediately."
Twenty minutes later, we'd delivered what might be the most consequential interview of our careers. As Liv's crew packed their equipment, cautious optimism replaced my earlier alarm.
"Brilliant," Easton said once we reached his office, admiration evident in his expression. "You transformed a potential disaster into positive coverage. That performance just saved us millions in damage control."
"Partnership," I replied, his appreciation warming me more than it should. "We're effective together."
"We are." His gaze intensified, shifting from professional to something far more personal. "In more ways than one."
