Page 56 of The B-Team

“Give me an example, and we’ll see if that helps,” David suggested.

His lawyer interrupted again to address his client. “I must insist that you reconsider your decision here.”

In other words, his lawyer wanted him to shut up. Maya watched David smile and suspected they were all being played.

“I have to do what’s right for me and Elle,” he said before turning back to the commander. “You were saying?”

Maya’s instincts demanded that she stop the interview, but she had no clear justification for doing so. All she could do was watch while felling like she was witnessing a slow-motion collision.

“You want an example—how about this?” The commander clasped his hands on the table in front of him. “Say Benson Security came across some incriminating information about a government official. Would Lake Benson use it to influence government policy?”

David shrugged. “I would. I assume you’re talking about terrorist activity here. As in, Lake influencing the government for some bad actors overseas?”

Fitzwater jerked back slightly in his chair. “Yes, yes, of course. What else would I mean? After all, weareinvestigating terrorism charges.”

“True. I’m just not sure what kind of information Lake could gather that would allow him to exert that type of pressure. It’d have to be something pretty heinous.” David shook his head, frowning. “I just can’t imagine Benson Security coming across anything that would allow that kind of influence.”

Maya was about to ask if he read the UK tabloids because they were full of scandals that’d brought members of parliament down—taking bribes, padding expenses, mistresses on the side. Hell, off the top of her head, she could think of at least ten secrets a politician wouldn’t want to get out.

A flash of impatience crossed her boss’s face before he assumed an expression of benevolence. He obviously assumed he was dealing with someone who wasn’t too bright. “People are brought down by their indiscretions all the time,” he said. “Something like a sex scandal would make perfect blackmail material.”

“In this day and age?” David seemed skeptical, and Maya’s internal warning system was in full screaming mode.

“I’m afraid so. There’s many a man who’d want to cover up something like that. Our newspapers have a field day with those sorts of rumors.”

“That’s true,” David said thoughtfully, as though he was genuinely considering the possibility.

“And Lake Benson has contacts in some of the seedier areas of London,” the commander continued. “Who knows what kind of dubious information they’ve handed over to him.”

David nodded slowly. “I can see where you’re going with this. Lake does know some shady people, that’s for sure.”

The commander leaned in, a hunter watching his prey about to take the bait. “To your knowledge, has he used any information gathered from his sources to influence the British government? To blackmail anyone on a client’s behalf or perhaps for some self-serving need?”

David frowned, concentrating. “I’m not sure. I’ll need to think on this some more.” He sighed, resigned. “Guess Elle and I aren’t getting out of here tonight.” He looked the commander in the eye, oozing sincerity. “Let me spend some time thinking this over, and we’ll talk again tomorrow. I want to be sure I’m giving you the right information. But you have to give me your word that if I help, you’ll release me and Elle. Do you swear?”

“I give you my word,” the commander said solemnly.

Maya couldn’t help but think he’d just made a deal with the devil.

“You’ve no idea what a relief it is to hear that. Looks like I’ve got a lot of serious thinking to do,” David said.

A look of triumph flashed across Fitzwater’s face before he nodded brusquely. “Interview suspended at ten twenty p.m.,” he said for the recording before he got to his feet. He glanced at Maya. “Please ensure Mr. Knight is returned to his cell.”

With that, he turned and left the room.

David looked at Maya, all innocence and charm. “I haven’t had my phone call yet. Would it be possible to make that before you lock me up for the night?”

His lawyer snapped to attention, ready to argue his client’s rights if they were denied.

“Sure,” DI Singh said as she stood. “Let’s get you sorted.”

She gestured for him and his lawyer to go ahead.

Maya didn’t want her back to David Knight.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Harvard had taken Rachel home, reminding her they could just as easily go through the Benson Security files there as at Julia’s house. She’d been dead on her feet, only remaining upright by sheer stubbornness and her immovable iron will. But Harvard was worried. She’d been in pain off and on all day and had dark circles under her eyes from the strain. Unlike Rachel, he’d read the pregnancy books Isobel gave them and had begun to believe these weren’t Braxton Hicks contractions but the real thing. Of course, trying to convince Rachel to see her obstetrician was pointless. She was still in denial about becoming a mother.