ChapterForty-Four
Ruby
As soon as we step foot into the bar, David greets us. He hovers uncertainly and then bends to give me a quick kiss.
I smile up at him.
“So is it allowed?” he asks.
“Of course,” I say. “But maybe not all the time.”
He nods, happy with that and says, “I’ve swept for insects.”
“Did you come across any?”
“Nope.”
“Okay,” I say and push open the door to my office. I’m greeted by a massive bouquet of flowers on my desk. I turn to David. “Who are these from?”
“Your appointment. He’s running late because of the checkpoint. He wanted to stay on your good side, it seems.”
“Nice,” I mutter and walk over to inhale the pretty scent. I see that they’re from the florist down the road, which is how they got here so quickly. “Send him in when he gets here.”
“Will do. Also, the Banker swung by and left you a parcel in your bottom drawer.
“Thanks.”
“Ah, the fish food?” Declan asks.
“Yeah. My appointment is for a loan,” I say and sit down. I open my laptop and instantly it dings for a message.
I frown at it and then roll my eyes.
Thanks for throwing me under the bus, Rubes.
I ignore Rex’s comment for a moment as Declan is giving me a curious look.
“Ask your question,” I say.
“I didn’t know you were also a loan shark,” he says, a smile playing on his lips. “You’ve kept that quiet.”
“It’s not that well known. You have to know someone to get an appointment. That way I know who I’m dealing with, and if they don’t pay, both parties go down.”
“Nice,” he says, his eyes lighting up at that nugget of information. “So it’s kill the messenger as well?”
“Yep. That way referrals are given out only to those that the current loaner knows can pay. If they don’t, they all find themselves without kneecaps.”
“Interesting. What is your repayment on time rate?”
I furrow my brow at the question, but I trust him, so I continue to answer his questions. “Ninety-eight percent.”
“Wow,” he says, noticeably impressed. “Do you mind if I pass this on to someone I know back in Ireland?”
I nod slowly.
“I won’t give them your name, obviously,” he says with a tut, knowing the source of my hesitation.
“Can I ask who it is?”