chapter972

Josh pulled out his phone, shot Connor and Lydia a nervous, eager-to-please smile, and moved a few steps away to make the call. The line rang again and again, but nobody picked up.

After another failed attempt, Josh turned back, looking helpless. "Mr. Jefferson, he is probably busy right now. Maybe he left his phone somewhere."

Connor didn't even blink. "Keep calling."

Lydia chimed in, her voice calm but firm. "Or try someone who's with him. Just get through."

Josh nodded frantically. Offending Connor just wasn't an option. If it had been anyone else showing up today, he would have kicked them out without a second thought.

"Right, right, I'll keep trying."

He kept at it, calling over and over for almost five more minutes before someone finally answered. Greg's voice came through, deep and rough, not bothering to hide his irritation. "What the hell? I'm busy. This better be good."

Josh rushed to explain, Boss, it's Mr. Jefferson. He says he needs to speak with you. He told me to do whatever it took to get you on the phone."

Greg snapped, "Mr. Jefferson? I don't know any Mr. Jefferson."

Josh's voice turned desperate. "Mr. Greg, it's Connor from the Jefferson family in the Capital."

There was a beat of silence before Greg seemed to realize what happened. Then he let out a string of curses. "You idiot! Connor comes to see you and you don't roll out the red carpet?"

Connor shot Josh a cold, impatient look. Enough. Tell him why we're here."

Josh felt a shiver run down his spine and hurried to explain what Connor wanted. On the other end, Greg loudly insisted he was innocent, then turned his anger back on Josh. Useless! I run a legit business. Where am I supposed to find someone for you? If I was there, I'd smack you upside the head."

Lydia took the phone from Josh, her voice icy Enough. You have thirty minutes. Find out where he is and tell me. If you don't you'll be spending the rest of your life on

vacation in Vegas."

Greg's tone changed instantly, switching to smooth and agreeable. "No need for that. I'm all about legitimate business. But I can ask some friends, see if anyone's heard anything."

"Make it fast," Lydia said.

"Of course. I'll get right on it."

When the call ended, Greg leaned back against his leather couch, a girl draped across his lap. She was wearing almost nothing. It was Sandy.

He looked down at her, smirking. "So, sweetheart, can you tell me how your loser brother ended up knowing Connor Jefferson?"

Sandy sat up in a rush, practically crawling to his feet. She kept her head bowed, voice small and shaky. "Greg, really don't know. Maybe it was Lydia. She must have asked Connor for help content

She was clearly shaken. The last thing she'd expected was for Lydia to bring Connor to look for Luke. With Connor involved, things were about to get a whole lot messier.

Greg noticed how pale she'd gotten. He pulled her back into his arms, running his hands lazily over her curves. "Relax. I just wanted to know."

Sandy's shoulders trembled, but she tried to steady herself. Greg never liked girls who acted too scared.

"But... with Connor involved, I'm just worried this could end badly for you."

Greg laughed it off. "What's there to worry about? I haven't done anything illegal.

And even if I had, he's got no proof. What can he do?"

Guys like Greg always lived on the

edge, playing with the rules like they were just suggestions. Things like laws justice logic, or even conscience didn't mean a thing to people like him.