Read Online Hard As Ice (Fortis Series 1) by Raven Scott - Free Book Online Page B

same year that St. Clair was charged with attempted murder.”
    “Then they both moved to his hometown within a year of his release from prison. It can’t be by chance,” mumbled Evan.
    “No way,” Tony agreed.
    “Okay. Find me everything you can on St. Clair’s prison associates,” demanded Evan. “Three years in state lockup is plenty of time to learn more criminal skills and make long-term friends. We may have just found our connection between Flannigan, James, and the heist.”

    Nia stared at the signed contract with Evan DaCosta. It was after four o’clock that afternoon, and she was quickly running out of time to let him know her decision about dinner. After the stress of the investigation on top of work, she should just want to go home to watch mindless television while curled in the fetal position for the evening. But that would only make her feel more helpless and vulnerable. More alone. All feelings she hated.
    In comparison, a dinner date with a very attractive man seemed so normal. Isn’t that what girls her age should be doing? Going to fancy restaurants, trying to meet the man of her dreams? Or at least that’s what Lianne always says. It was just dinner, conversation. It was harmless.
    Before she could change her mind, Nia picked up her office phone and called the number on Evan’s business card.
    “Evan DaCosta,” he answered in a deep, blunt tone.
    “Mr. DaCosta, it’s Nia James.”
    There was a brief pause.
    “Nia,” he replied a little softer. “Did everything go okay with the contract? I signed it this morning.”
    “Yes, it’s fine. I have it and we’re all good.”
    “Great. So, what can I do for you?”
    Nia wrinkled her nose. He must have known why she was calling, but he obviously wasn’t going to make it easy for her.
    “Well, it turns out that I am free for dinner this evening. If your offer still stands,” she added.
    Silence followed. She squeezed her eyes tight, but waited.
    “Of course the offer still stands. What time do you finish work?” he asked smoothly.
    She tried not to let him hear any sign of her relief.
    “I should be done by around five-fifteen, maybe five-thirty?”
    “Good. I’ll have a car pick you up at five-thirty.”
    “That’s not—”
    “Good-bye, Ms. James.”
    His voice was laced with teasing humor before he promptly cut the line.
    “ Really? ” she mumbled to herself, only a little annoyed at his high-handedness. Now that their plans were confirmed, Nia felt lighter, even a little excited.
    At a quarter after five, she was in the bathroom freshening up, and once again thankful that she wore her favorite dress. The bathroom door opened as she was reapplying her lipstick.
    “Hey, Nia,” said Tara Silver, her most senior account manager.
    “Hi, Tara. How did the meeting go with Norman Appleby?”
    Tara specialized in contemporary art. Her latest client was the senior partner in a national law firm. They were renovating several of their offices in Boston and Connecticut, and had hired Tara to sell their current art collection.
    “It went well. I’m pretty stoked,” Tara replied as she fluffed her dark brown hair in the mirror. “Some of the pieces are only worth a couple of thousand dollars, not much more than when they were bought back in the nineties. But they also have three original minimalist paintings. I’m sure each of them would fetch at least two to three hundred thousand at auction.”
    “That’s fantastic,” Nia replied with a big smile.
    “I know! I’m telling you, Nia, this is going to be my year!”
    “Well, you’re certainly off to a good start.”
    “Yup! Between the ruby earrings for the summer auction, and this art collection, I’m feeling pretty good.”
    Nia held her smile, though it dimmed a bit on the inside. As instructed by Edward and the investigators, none of the other Worthington employees knew about the theft as of yet.
    Except the person involved.
    “Hot date?” Tara added as Nia pulled a