The CEO Above My Desk (Mckenzie Shinabery) novel Chapter 216

Chapter 216

Locke finally stepped fully into the room then.

And unlike me?

Locke had less patience for political games. His voice stayed calm. But colder now.

“Mr. West,” he said evenly, “we’re investigating multiple homicides, widespread police corruption, obstruction of justice, witness intimidation,

and unauthorized database access tied directly to individuals associated with Councilwoman Hargrove.”

Locke continued calmly.

“If cooperation becomes an issue, we can absolutely continue this conversation downtown instead.”

Silence settled instantly across the townhouse. Heavy. Sharp.

Asher studied Locke for a long moment. Calculating.

Then finally stepped back slightly. Not far. But enough.

“Understood.”

Hargrove finally sighed softly like all of this was simply exhausting her personally. “Agents,” she said smoothly, “before we continue, I’d like to know exactly what accusations are being made against me.”

I didn’t answer immediately. Because that wasn’t a request for information.

It was a strategy. She wanted us talking. Wanted specifics. Wanted to measure evidence.

Classic.

So instead I answered carefully. “We’re here to discuss your connections to Detective Calder, Avery Quinneth, and several ongoing investigations involving the local Police Department.”

Hargrove tilted her head slightly. “And why exactly would I know anything about that?”

I watched her quietly for another second before speaking again.

“Avery Quinneth provided a statement.”

For the first time since we arrived… Something flickered across Hargrove’s face. Not panic. Annoyance.

Interesting.

But it vanished almost instantly.

PPPP

Chapter 216

“She worked briefly in my office,” Hargrove replied smoothly. “I can’t control what unstable employees choose to say after traumatic experiences.”

Unstable. Discrediting immediately. Predictable.

Locke folded his arms slowly beside me. “She also provided documentation.”

“Did she?” Hargrove asked calmly.

No reaction. No concern. Just questions. Always redirecting.

Asher finally spoke again carefully from beside her.

“My client won’t be answering speculative questions without formal charges.”

Client.

Interesting choice considering the robe situation.

I stared at him quietly for another second before finally asking, “How long have you been representing Councilwoman Hargrove, Mr. West?”

The room shifted instantly.

Asher asked then. “Legally?”

Hargrove smiled faintly into her coffee.

And suddenly… I understood exactly how she’d stayed one step ahead for so long.

Not because she was smarter than everybody else.

Because she had access.

Direct access.

To the mayor’s legal strategy.

To city development meetings.

To internal disputes.

To permit discussions.

Jesus Christ.

Every single thing Rowan Ashcroft tried to build had probably been handed directly back to her before it ever reached city approval.

No wonder she always looked prepared.

10:01 am

pppp

Chapter 216

My phone suddenly vibrated sharply against the inside pocket of my blazer.

I pulled the phone free while glancing briefly at the caller ID.

Director Graves.

Well.

That couldn’t possibly mean anything good.

“Excuse me,” I said calmly before stepping toward the townhouse entryway.

Hargrove smiled faintly behind me. “Of course.”

I stepped outside onto the front porch before answering immediately.

“Bennett.”

“Tell me you’re still with her.”

No greeting. Straight to the point.

My stomach tightened instantly. “I’m here now.”

“Good.” Papers shuffled heavily over the line. “Do not let Evelyn Hargrove out of your sight.”

My grip tightened slightly around the phone. “What happened?”

“We got enough.”

My pulse spiked immediately.

“Federal warrants are already being processed. Financial crimes signed off thirty minutes ago.” Another pause. “We also just got access to Calder’s deleted backup files.”

Oh.

“What was in them?”

“Enough conspiracy charges to bury half the damn city council.”

Jesus Christ.

Thunder rolled faintly somewhere far off across the city again.

Graves‘ voice lowered now. “Listen to me carefully, Bennett.”

That tone immediately sharpened every instinct I had. “She’s dangerous now.”

ctrl.

10:01 am PPPP

Chapter 216

Not before. Now.

Meaning…. cornered. The worst kind of predator.

“We believe she knows we’re closing in,” Graves continued. “Do not leave her unattended under any circumstances.” More papers shuffled loudly. “Additional agents are already en route.”

Comments

4

Write Comments

< SHARE

10:01 am P p p p