“Well, that was interesting,” Jon snapped as Essie let one man into the office. “Usually they wait until they get into the office before they start with the sneers and insults over my pedigree.”
“I apologize for my boss.” The handsome wolf introduced as Bryce took the seat offered him and politely asked Essie for a cup of coffee. “I don’t know what got into him. He was desperate for this appointment. He’s given me the authority to fill you in on all the details of our situation and answer any questions you might have.”
“No disrespect for all the hard work I am sure you do,” Jon said, scowling at his now closed office door. There was something fishy about the man’s hurried exit and his dog was keen to get out into the hallway and have a sniff around. “It’s just that I generally prefer to interview the man in charge. You’d be amazed at how many company directors and officers send in their underlings thinking I won’t investigate them personally. That’s why I insist on meeting the bosses first.”
“I understand, I do.” Bryce reached over and placed a folder on Jon’s desk. “Can you at least look at our problem? If you can help, then I’ll see about dragging my boss’s sorry ass back in here.”
There wasn’t anything sorry about the ass I saw leaving the building. “Why don’t you tell me about it?” Jon leaned back in his chair and even managed a smile for Essie as she came in bearing coffee. She’d arranged some dried dog treats on a plate for him, served on the same fancy plates as Bryce’s biscuits. She really was a gem, and Jon made a mental note to give her a day off.
“The Hollingsworth company has been in family hands for generations,” Bryce explained as Jon nibbled on one of his snacks. “Dirk, the man who behaved so rudely earlier, is the sixth Hollingsworth to take over the company after his father retired last year.”
“What breed of paranormal are the Hollingsworth family?” Knowing the paranormal type would help get a gauge on what was considered typical behavior. No matter how shifters, vampires, and fae all screamed they were individuals, most of those individuals resorted to commonalities when trouble occurred. Jon knew that because he was the same. The difference was he didn’t try and fight his nature. Instead, he used it to his advantage.
“The Hollingsworth family are dragons. They arrived in the States three centuries ago from Europe. I am surprised you haven’t heard of them. They are one of the ruling families in Europe.”
Snobby lot, Jon scribbled on his notepad. “Okay,” he said, “then I imagine we are dealing with theft. Dragons are notorious for being protective over their hoard.”
“There are seven hoards involved.” Bryce’s face looked stricken. “Dirk is the oldest of three brothers. The other four hoards belong to his cousins. They have all been stolen from; considerable amounts.”
“I can see why this is such a grave concern,” Jon admitted. Someone had balls of steel to steal from one dragon, let alone seven of them. “But I don’t see how I can be of any help. Most dragons collect their wealth in gold, gems and real estate. Surely the police would be more helpful if this is a physical theft?”
“You are right in one respect. All of the dragons affected have half of their hoard hidden away somewhere,” Bryce admitted. “But when Dirk took over from his father, he insisted that his American family put half their money into investments; bonds, stocks, and term deposits. Each family member has their own trust account with the company. It’s that money that’s going missing.”
“I see,” and Jon did see. Someone was out to ruin Dirk Hollingsworth’s reputation or possibly the Hollingsworth name. For dragons, protecting their hoard was a life’s mission. Every single treasure was strictly accounted for. He’d once seen a dragon throw a major fit over some lost coins. It turned out his son had been playing with them and dropped them in a lake. The dragon concerned had the lake drained so not only could he regain his lost treasure but also so it wouldn’t happen again.
“Will you take a look at the file?” Bryce asked. “You come highly recommended. Your friend Raoul said you were the best in the country. Dirk needs to get that money back and find out who’s responsible.”
For more reasons than one, Jon imagined. But he wasn’t sure he wanted the case. Dirk’s behavior was strange enough but dealing with dragons wasn’t something he enjoyed. The rare few he’d met socially epitomized their species – rude, arrogant, and treating everyone around them like servants. “You claim the family comes from Europe. Why hasn’t your boss contacted his father to send someone from there? Perhaps a family friend. I presume the older Mr. Hollingsworth still has a vested interest in the company?”
Bryce scratched his chin and then fingered behind his ear. If he was in his wolf form, Jon wouldn’t have been surprised to see the man’s foot thumping the floor. “Dirk’s father has been making a lot of noise about Dirk accepting his responsibilities to the clan. When he retired, Dirk took his position on the understanding he’d be married within the year. His bride-to-be is currently staying with Dirk’s father and is expected here within the month. That’s why solving this case is so urgent.”
“Losing this money will make Dirk appear irresponsible among clan members? Surely his fiancée will stand by him?”
“It’s an arranged marriage. Dirk knows of her, of course, but hasn’t spent any time with her. She’s from another wealthy family. But yes, if Dirk’s father finds out money entrusted to him has been stolen, he’ll be stripped of his position and probably lose his chance at making a good marriage as well. Dirk is trying to keep this as confidential as he can, but if the others find out, his father will learn of this situation within hours.”
And if he lost his position and the merger between families through marriage, Dirk would be shunned and isolated; a kiss of death for a dragon.
“I can’t promise anything,” Jon said reluctantly. “I will look over these files and see if I can see a pattern in the thefts. I assume I can be granted remote access to your company computers? If I agree to take the case.”
“Well, yes, I suppose so. But won’t you need to be in New York? Interview people and see the offices concerned?”
That would be helpful, Jon thought, but he had no interest in flying to New York to hobnob with snobby dragons, all of whom would see him as inferior. He loved how access to the right technology would allow him to conduct his search in the comfort of his own office.
“I’ll be able to do it all from here, I imagine. If there are questions I need answered about individual access to files and accounts, I presume I can call you?”
“Yes, my card and Dirk’s is in the folder I prepared for you.” Bryce stood and held out his hand. “We really appreciate this.”
“Well, I know you do.” Jon smiled as he shook Bryce’s hand. “I’ll reserve my opinion on your boss for another time. Let me show you out.”
By the time Jon walked Bryce to the elevator, he and his dog realized the case had just got a lot more complicated. He just hoped Bryce didn’t notice his erection and get the wrong idea. Helping a mate wasn’t an issue. Jon would have taken the case for free if he’d known. Helping a mate who was due to get married within a month was a different situation entirely. Jon was glad he’d already decided not to go to New York and at least now he knew why Mr. Dirk Hollingsworth hightailed it out of his offices. His dragon obviously had a sensitive nose.
He allowed himself a smirk as he recalled the look of horror that flashed over Dirk’s face when he ran. Unlike Jon, Dirk had probably never been with a man, especially one from another species. Oh, Jon knew he’d be hurting later; his dog was all keen to get out, track the man down, and mark him. But pushing his animal half aside was easy. Jon planned to work on the case and the Gordon mess so hard his animal side would be too tired to fret. Provided he kept from shifting until he was certain Dirk was back in New York, he shouldn’t have any problems. Even a loyal Shepherd couldn’t track a man on a plane.