Chapter 2 - The Logistics of Power
The ride in Roman’s black SUV was silent. Chicago’s skyline glowed in the distance, a sprawling grid of lights and secrets. Harper sat in the passenger seat, still trying to reconcile the woman she was an hour ago with the woman sitting beside the most dangerous man in the city.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she said, staring out at the rain-slicked streets.
“I didn't do it for you, Harper,” Roman said, his eyes on the road. “I did it because I don’t like people who break things they don’t own. Hayes thinks he’s a player because he can manipulate credit card statements and social appearances. He’s a child playing with matches in a gas station.”
“And you? What are you?”
“I’m the one who owns the station,” he replied coolly.
He pulled the car into a private underground garage beneath one of the city's most exclusive luxury apartment complexes. He didn't turn off the engine immediately. He turned to look at her, the dim light casting shadows across his sharp jawline.
“Why are you really in litigation, Harper? It’s not for the money. You don't live like it.”
Harper hesitated. She had never been asked that—not by her partners, and certainly not by Connor, who only cared about the status the firm provided.
“I like winning,” she said finally. “I like taking systems that are designed to be unfair and breaking them until they work for the right people.”
Roman smiled, and this time, it reached his eyes. It was a dark, dangerous spark. “Good. We’re going to need that soon. Someone is trying to sabotage the new riverfront terminal. It’s a multi-billion dollar operation, and I suspect someone from your firm is leaking internal documents to the city council.”
Harper felt her breath hitch. “Davies, Croft and Mercer? We handle all your corporate filings.”
“Which is exactly why you’re going to help me,” Roman said, opening the car door. “I don't need a litigator, Harper. I need a spy. And I think you’re tired of being the woman everyone underestimates.”
May you like
He held the door open for her, his posture suggesting that this wasn't a request.
“Come inside. We have a lot to discuss, and we’re going to start by taking everything Connor Hayes has built.”
