Thread: The Heiress and the Hacker [[Silva & Quix]]

Karl kept his distance, but didn't allow Alexandra out of his sight for the remainder of the evening, however the woman's demeanour appeared no different from normal. Either the exchange with the intruder had been nothing of import, or Ms Huntington was extremely skilled at maintaining her composure. Most likely the latter, the way the man had exited via the back door had spoken of subterfuge. Karl had run the licence-plate number through a contact at the DMV the next day, but it had come back a blank registered in the name of a company, owned by a Mr John Smith. An alias if he'd ever heard one, and further to that, no address had been provided, simply a Post Office Box. With Blair Huntington accompanied by his regular bodyguard, cum chauffeur, during the working week, Karl was left to finalise the security plans, and arrange 'extracurricular activities' for Huntington's imminent visit to Los Angeles. Ostensibly to attend a conference on Gun Control, the planned week would mostly be spent by Mr Huntington fucking women who weren't his wife, in the privacy of a less grand, but still luxurious, manor for which he'd paid cash, away from the glare of publicity which he attracted in his own domain. Karl had in mind a surprise that his employer would be sure to enjoy. As would Karl. It also allowed him to maintain surveillance on Alexandra, and as she departed the mansion, caught by a camera placed over the front door, and displayed on his laptop monitor, Karl quickly left the comfort of his office. She'd reached the corner when he entered his black Ford Taurus. His heart began to race as, following at a crawl so as not to be noticed, she hailed a taxi a few blocks away. Why not call a limousine service from the mansion, or have one of the staff drive? His vehicle came to a halt as the taxi pulled up in front of a residence, where a man he recognised as the same from the night of the function walked up to greet her. Karl withdrew his camera, and after surveying both of them with his own eyes, snapped some close up shots, including the kiss, chaste as it was, before their backs were turned. It finally registered where he'd seen the man before, and as the camera dropped to his lap, Karl chortled and shook his head. Richard Fucking Treloar. Last time he'd seen the kid, he'd been on his knees, throwing up and gasping for air as Karl's steel-capped boot had sunk into his gut. His initial inclination was to step out of the vehicle and give the prick a second beating, even worse than the first, but that thought was quickly discarded. Why announce himself before he had to? Karl had never known Blair Huntington to take such an immediate and instant dislike to anyone as he had with that boy. If he were to discover that O'Meara had re-entered his daughter's life, there'd be hell to pay, and the more liaisons Alexandra had with the asshole, the more control Karl would be able to exert. He idly wondered if the woman enjoyed it rough. Not that it mattered, Alexandra wouldn't be given a choice. What Karl did know, however, was that he'd wouldn't be calling her Ms Huntington when he screwed the bitch six ways to Sunday. Unless it was to mock. Richard returned the kiss to Alexandra's cheek, and pressed his palm more firmly to the small of her back. Though his demeanour had changed, and he'd begun to feel a sense of foreboding, he enjoyed the touch and the feel of her warm skin through the fabric, and was reluctant to let go when they entered the house. He nodded in recognition of the compliment, and his gaze followed hers around the room. Thanks, it's all I need. The living room, which they'd entered, was sparsely furnished two three-seater white leather sofa's, a solid oak coffee table on which sat a couple of personal computing magazines, a ceiling high-book case, stacked to the brim, in one corner, and a large flat-screen television in the other. His eyes returned to her when she spoke again, and a look of disappointment crossed his features. I was hoping you could stay longer. Richard had missed Alexandra in more ways that one, and he stared silently at his ex-lover for a few seconds before he reigned in his thoughts, took a deep breath, and contemplated her question. My profession? Richard exhaled, and his lips pursed. He'd never revealed it to anyone, and hesitated momentarily before deciding to answer with full honesty. If he couldn't trust Alexandra, who could he trust. I'm an information broker. I hack networks, personnel files, computer systems, business accounts, government and private databases. You name it, I access it obtain what information I can, and sell it to the highest bidder. Richard shrugged. Or I'm contracted to dig up dirt Politicians, CEO's, Business rivals, the usual suspects. Nothing's secret in cyberspace. I guess I deserved that Technology scholarship after all. It's a pity I didn't get to complete it. A smile accompanied that last line, intended to break some of the tension, and Richard's eyes darted back and forth in an attempt to read her emotions, then he continued. Every man has his secrets, Lexi, and your Father is no exception. I'm aware of exactly what his associates are capable of, those men at the function the other night drugs, prostitutes, embezzlement, bribes, Senator's getting off as they beat women half to death. I have the evidence. Richard's hand idly waved in the direction of his home-office, where his encrypted digital files were secured. I know he's not clean. I've heard rumours, from sources I trust implicitly, but Blair Huntington is smart. As yet, I've been unable to obtain concrete proof of anything which may stain his reputation. However, with your help, I'm sure I could, and gain your independence. The freedom to be with me if that's what you choose, or just the freedom to be yourself. Or with James Astor . Richard almost choked on the man's name, but Alexandra's current relationship status couldn't just be ignored it was another factor both needed to take into consideration. I promised you that I would never to resort to blackmailing someone I once used to love and still do but as to your Father, all bets are off. I despise the man, and always have. Richard's hand touched Alexandra's wrist, and his demeanour softened as he leaned in closer an expression of care writ across his face, voice lowered to a whisper, and eyes which scanned his ex-lover's features. However, Blair Huntington is your blood, not mine, and I'd do no harm without your consent. How badly do you desire your liberty, Alexandra, and what are you willing to do to obtain it? That's what you need to decide before we take this any further.