Detectives Justin Beck and Collins Hallman pushed through the large glass doors of The Summit, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors as they moved into the low-lit luxury of Leo's club. The place was practically empty this early in the day, the lights dim and the tables neatly arranged, as if waiting for nightfall to wake it up. Beck scanned the room, taking in the opulence—the leather couches, the gleam of polished wood, the subtle scent of expensive cologne lingering in the air. It was a place that spoke of quiet wealth and darker dealings beneath its classy veneer.
At the far end, Leo was waiting for them. Dressed in a charcoal suit and standing by the bar, he looked entirely at ease, an air of confidence in the way he held himself. His gaze met theirs as they approached, and he offered a polite but guarded smile.
"Detectives," Leo greeted, his voice smooth as he extended a hand to each of them. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
Hallman exchanged a quick glance with Beck, his expression cool as he took Leo's hand, noting the strength behind the polite shake. "Just some questions, Leo," Hallman replied. "We're investigating a few things in the area and thought you might be able to help."
Leo nodded, a slight crease forming between his brows as he motioned to the seats at the bar. "Please, make yourselves comfortable," he said, taking a seat himself, his gaze never leaving theirs. "Happy to help in any way I can, though I'll admit I'm surprised. The Summit is usually above reproach, or so I'd like to think."
Beck leaned in, resting his forearms on the polished counter as he eyed Leo. "The Summit might be spotless, but it's not just about the club, Leo," he said carefully. "We've been noticing an increase in counterfeit currency circulating in the area—large bills, skillfully done."
Leo's face remained impassive, though a flicker of something dark crossed his eyes. "Counterfeit money, you say? Sounds like quite the problem." He lifted his glass, taking a measured sip. "I'm not sure how I could be of assistance with that, Detectives. My business is above board."
Hallman tilted his head, studying Leo's relaxed demeanor. "We're aware of your reputation. It's part of the reason we're here, actually. Given your... influence, we thought you might have insights into any potential sources," he said, voice steady. "A man in your position, with your connections, usually knows what's happening in his own backyard."
Leo's mouth curved into a slow smile. "Ah, so this is about my 'connections,' is it?" he replied smoothly, letting the words hang in the air. "I'm afraid I can't give you the names you're looking for. You know how rumors can be."
Beck's jaw tightened, his gaze intensifying as he pressed forward. "We aren't here for rumors, Leo. Let's not play games—we're aware that money has a way of flowing through your establishments. You're a businessman, and you know how easy it is to get mixed up with the wrong crowd."
Leo met Beck's gaze, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "With all due respect, Detective, any money flowing through my establishments is accounted for, as my books will prove. Besides," he added, pausing with a slight tilt of his head, "you make it sound like I'm involved in something unsavory. I don't appreciate the assumption."
Hallman kept his tone calm, but his eyes were unwavering. "Let's put it this way—if someone were laundering counterfeit bills, they'd need somewhere with substantial cash flow. A place where the funds could be cleaned up and then reintroduced into circulation," he said, his gaze narrowing slightly. "That could happen in any number of high-end establishments. It's a method we're familiar with."
Leo set down his glass, clasping his hands on the bar in front of him as he leaned forward slightly. "Detectives, let me clarify something—I run a legitimate business. And while I can't control the perceptions people might have of me, I assure you, I'm as transparent as my glass of scotch." His voice was calm, but a glint in his eyes suggested he didn't appreciate the veiled accusations. "You're welcome to look around if you think there's something to find."
Beck leaned back, folding his arms as he considered Leo's words. "We're not here to search, Leo," he said. "But we are here to make it clear that if there's any involvement on your part, even tangential, we'll find it."
Leo's smile returned, though it held an edge this time. "Of course. Just doing your jobs, right? I wouldn't want to stand in the way of that." He looked between the two detectives, his expression unreadable. "But you won't find anything here. I keep my affairs in order."
Hallman nodded, though his gaze remained skeptical. "Good to know. We'll be in touch, Leo."
Leo watched them leave, his face settling into a thoughtful expression as he let the tension dissolve from his posture. He didn't like the look of those men one bit. They might not have the evidence, but he wasn't stupid, he knew that they were onto him and he had to get them off his trail. This wasn't the first time the cops were coming for him, and he was going to handle it, but he wasn't stupid either and he knew he had to take precautions. The earlier, the better for him.
And that meant he was going to have to pause the money washing business for the time being. Pulling out his phone, he began to reach out to his people. He'd gotten through to four of them, and then it was just Susan left.
He paused as he stared at her name on his phone. Memories of her tangled up in bed with him flashed through his mind. He'd completely lost himself in that moment with her, and while he tried to deny it, he knew he was becoming fond of her. He liked her way more than he ought to.
Why then had he taken the time to buy her that necklace on her birthday. He'd even gone shopping for it himself, and before he knew what he was doing, he was driving to her apartment to give it to her in person. The fact that she'd liked his gift gave him pleasure, and now as he thought about her he felt something stir inside him.
On his way back home that night, he'd decided to put some space between them and he'd deliberately stayed away from her, making sure Asher made the next delivery to her so she wouldn't have to come over to pick it up. He didn't have a choice now though. She had the real cash with her and he needed to talk to her about the new developments.
He shook his head, as if trying to clear all thoughts of her out of his mind. It didn't work though, and he sighed as he shot her a text.