Chapter 6 - THE PRICE OF CALLUM VOSS'S PROTECTION|
Callum's headquarters occupied the top floors of a glass building overlooking Boston Harbor. The lobby was quiet, immaculate, and guarded by men who appeared to know every visitor before the receptionist asked for a name.
Rowan walked beside Callum without slowing.
She had no intention of allowing the building's intimidating atmosphere to make her feel like an intruder.
Dominic met them at the private elevator.
"We've secured the relevant shipping records," he said. "The proposed transaction was submitted through a third-party brokerage. The broker has denied authorizing the final payment."
"Who approved it?" Callum asked.
"We're verifying that now."
Callum nodded toward Rowan.
"She needs to see the documents concerning Meridian."
Dominic hesitated.
"Some of those records are confidential."
"Then give her the records her attorney is entitled to review. Nothing more."
Rowan glanced at Callum.
He had anticipated her objection before she made it.
Inside the conference room, she examined the documents with her attorney joining by video call. Meridian had proposed acquiring a controlling interest in several logistics companies, then consolidating their contracts through a new management structure.
One of the proposed targets was connected to Grant's investment group.
Another supplied freight services to a company owned by Callum.
The transaction would have created a complicated chain of control across several businesses.
"Who benefits?" Rowan asked.
Callum pointed to a diagram.
"That is what we're trying to establish."
The documents showed several layers of ownership. A private holding company controlled Meridian. A corporate services firm handled its filings. Several intermediaries received payments connected to the proposed acquisition.
But the final beneficial owner remained uncertain.
Rowan studied the paperwork.
"Could someone be trying to acquire your shipping contracts without your approval?"
"Possibly."
"Could the same person be trying to take my company?"
"Possibly."
"Then why hasn't anyone stopped them?"
Callum met her eyes.
"Because the documents have to be verified before we can take legal action. Suspicion isn't enough to freeze every transaction."
She sighed.
"I know. I'm just tired of being told to wait while someone else makes decisions about my life."
"I understand."
"No, you don't."
His expression changed.
She immediately regretted the words, but she continued.
"You have men who protect you. You have lawyers, money, influence. If someone threatens your business, you have resources I can't even imagine. I have twenty-three employees and a company account that someone nearly gained access to overnight."
Callum was silent.
Then he said, "You're right. Our circumstances are different."
She had expected him to defend himself.
Instead, he acknowledged the truth.
"I can't make your decisions for you," he continued. "But I can make sure you have access to information and professional advice. If you want my help, I'll provide it. If you don't, I'll respect that."
Rowan looked down at the papers.
"Thank you."
A knock interrupted them.
Dominic entered with a sealed envelope.
"This was delivered to the office ten minutes ago."
Callum opened it.
Inside was a photograph of Rowan leaving her apartment that morning.
On the back, someone had written:
Business is expensive. So is love.
Rowan's stomach dropped.
Callum's expression became dangerously calm.
"Who delivered this?"
"The receptionist didn't see the courier's face. The envelope was left with the building security desk."
"Preserve the camera footage. Notify the building's security team, and have counsel determine whether this should be referred to the police."
Dominic left immediately.
Rowan stared at the photograph.
"Is this because of you?"
"I don't know."
"Callum."
He looked at her.
"I will not lie to you. My business attracts people who use intimidation. I have spent years building legitimate operations while dealing with the consequences of the world I came from. I don't know who sent this, and I won't pretend I do."
She swallowed.
"Are you dangerous?"
He did not look away.
"Yes, Rowan. I can be. But I won't use that danger to control you."
The honesty frightened her.
It also gave her something she had never received from Grant: a clear answer.
She gathered the documents.
"I need to think."
"Of course."
As she walked toward the elevator, Callum remained where he was.
He didn't follow.
He didn't order Dominic to stop her.
He let her leave.
Outside, Rowan called her attorney and arranged to meet with her accountant. She would not let fear force her into hiding, but she would take reasonable precautions and document every suspicious contact.
When she reached her car, she found a small envelope tucked beneath the windshield wiper.
Inside was an old photograph.
She was twenty-four, standing beside Grant outside the restaurant where they had celebrated their engagement.
Someone had circled Grant's face.
Beneath the photograph was a handwritten message.
Ask him what happened the night he left you.
May you like
Rowan stared at the words.
Because for the first time in eight years, she began to wonder whether Grant's disappearance had been more than cowardice.
