The Betrayal Page 14

  “Unauthorized access to confidential police files. The agent works in the Child Protection Unit, so you can understand the serious nature of the charges.”

  Her uncle nodded and Chloe continued. “Despite Agent Munro’s protestations of innocence, there’s enough evidence pointing to the contrary. His best friend and fellow agent, Charlie Stanford, is the one who brought it to our attention.”

  Her uncle glanced surreptitiously at his watch. Chloe plowed on, speaking quickly.

  “Stanford’s the prosecution’s main witness. He was also mentioned on the news.”

  Her uncle shrugged. “I’m not familiar with the name, but Sandra may have spoken about him this morning.”

  Chloe continued. “The committal hearing finished about an hour ago. Agent Munro’s been committed to stand trial. The media will be all over this soon.”

  The Minister spread his arms wide, his expression curious. “Naturally, I’m concerned that an officer under my control will be tried for something so heinous and of course, I’ll give a statement to the press, but I have full confidence in our legal system and I’m sure justice will be done. My attitude surely doesn’t come as a surprise to you, princess, so what are you here for?”

  Chloe took another breath. “You’re right, uncle. There’s more. Today, I discovered a member of your staff accessed Agent Munro’s personnel file, along with some other files. Coincidentally, it happened about a month before the allegations were made.” She paused and then said in a rush. “I think someone from your office is setting him up.”

  His eyes widened in astonishment. “You can’t be serious?”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  He shook his head. “No, it’s not possible. I handpicked each member of my staff. I would vouch for every one of them.”

  Chloe’s gaze remained steady on his. “I understand, but the truth is, someone by the name of Eric Stoltenberg requested access to Agent Munro’s file a month before the allegations were made. It’s been noted in the record book kept by the HR Manager, Marcia Slater. I understand from Ms Slater that Eric Stoltenberg came from your office.”

  Her uncle looked mystified. “She’s right. Eric works in my office, but why in the world would he do something like that?”

  “According to the HR Manager, Eric said you were putting together a new funding initiative and needed to see the files for some of the more recent recruits. Agent Munro has only been an agent for twelve months.”

  “Funding initiative? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  Chloe was at a loss. She’d been sure her uncle would be able to clear things up.

  “You don’t? B-but…? I don’t understand. What does Eric Stoltenberg do, anyway? Who does he report to?”

  “He’s a junior in the office. He works with Sandra. Runs errands, fields phone calls, that kind of thing—a general dogsbody. I guess he ultimately reports to me. They all do.”

  “What need would he have to access personnel files?”

  The Minister shook his head. “None that I know of and I’m completely mystified that he’d tell anyone he was acting on my behalf.” He cleared his throat. “Leave it with me, princess. I’ll talk to Sandra. Maybe she knows something about it.”

  Their meals arrived and they picked up their utensils. Silence fell between them while they enjoyed their lunch. After a few moments, Chloe broke it by asking about her cousin.

  Her uncle smiled. “Maria’s great. So independent these days. She’s already halfway through her degree at the Australian National University. It seems like we only see her when she needs a change of clothes.”

  A chuckle escaped Chloe’s lips, remembering the days when she was similarly consumed. “Is she still keen on horses?”

  “Yes. More than ever. I thought when she started Uni, she’d lose interest, but she’s even worse than you were at that age.”

  Chloe smiled at the memory. Horses had been her life a decade ago. “Does she still have my old riding crop?”

  “You bet. I saw it the other night when I went to tell her goodnight. It has pride of place on her nightstand, always within easy reach.” He winked.

  Chloe laughed and finished her lunch. It was good to spend time with her uncle. She always walked away from a meeting with him thinking nothing was too hard to deal with, after all. She loved that about him—that he could lighten her load without even trying.

  When he glanced at his watch again, she swallowed the last of her coffee and bent down to collect her briefcase off the floor.

  “Thanks for lunch. I appreciate you making the time to meet with me.”

  He smiled. “I’ll always make time for you, princess.”

  “Let me know about Eric, won’t you?”

  “I promise. I’ll speak to Sandra as soon as I get back upstairs. At the moment, I’m as perplexed as you are, although I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation.”

  “Thank you,” Chloe replied, knowing he was probably right, but hoping for Declan’s sake he wasn’t. If there was nothing suspicious about Stoltenberg’s actions, the conspiracy theory lost most of its momentum and they were back to square one.

  Even so, that she now believed Declan’s protestations of innocence didn’t surprise her. She wasn’t sure when her attitude toward him had changed, but it was probably somewhere between his arrival in a bright lime-green tie on the morning of their first meeting and the warm kiss he’d bestowed on the inside of her wrist last night.

  Either way, she needed to find out who was behind all this. Someone inside the CPU had created the access trail on Declan’s computer. Someone else had downloaded images on his laptop—and deleted them. If Declan hadn’t done it, who had?

  She smiled grimly. It was time she had another little chat with Charlie Stanford.

  * * *

  Declan paced the generous confines of his apartment and did his best to control his frustration. Knowing there was nothing more they could do, Brandon and Tom, along with their wives, had left to return to Sydney. Riley had flown back to Grafton. As the Local Area Commander of a large rural command, he didn’t have the luxury of too much time away from the job. On top of that, his wife, Kate, had her hands full with twelve-month-old twins. From what Declan could recall of them, Daisy and Rosie were more than a little challenging and he understood Riley’s need to return home. Declan appreciated the time Riley had given to him. Riley’s support, along with the rest of their family, had kept him sane.

  Clayton and his parents occupied the couch. Varying degrees of concern and strain had etched itself onto their tired faces.

  “What did Roger say?” Clayton asked.

  Declan turned to face him. “He’s going to review the evidence. See if he can find another angle to pursue at the trial. He told me I had to find out who stole my login details. Without that, I’m fucked.”

  “Declan,” his father admonished him quietly, “not in front of your mother.”

  Declan looked at the woman in question, his chest tightening with emotion at the shock and disbelief that still lingered on her face. She’d aged overnight.

  “Sorry, Mom.”

  “It’s okay, Declan. I can understand you might misplace your manners under the circumstances.”

  “At least with the magistrate committing the matter for trial, we have a few more months to come up with a strategy,” Clayton said. “Did Roger say anything about when he expected to receive a trial date?”

  Frustration surged through Declan anew and he clenched his fists. “No, he didn’t. I have to speak to Charlie. He’s not returning my calls. I rang the squad room. He’s been transferred. No one will tell me where he’s gone.” He paused for effect. “I’m going to ambush the bastard at the gym. He goes there every other day, like clockwork. He should be there first thing tomorrow.”

  Clayton frowned at him in concern. “Is that a good idea?”

  Anger ignited inside Declan. He turned on his brother. “No, Clayton,” he bit off. “It’s probably not a goo
d idea, but if you can come up with some other way I can force the asshole to explain to me why the hell he perjured himself yesterday, I’ll be happy to hear it.” Declan’s breath came hard. Rage tinged with panic burned from every pore of his skin. He turned away, ashamed of his outburst. The people on his couch cared for him, were hurting for him. That’s why they were here. And he was treating them like shit.

  He drew in a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Clay. I didn’t mean—”

  “It’s all right, Dec. I know you didn’t.” Clayton ran his hand through his hair. “Christ, I can’t imagine what you must be going through. You’ve devoted your entire adult life to upholding the law and keeping society safe and this is how they repay you.”

  “I agree. It’s not right, son,” Duncan Munro stated, weighing in at last. “But we have to fight fairly. Let’s not stoop to their level, whoever “they” are. Didn’t you say this Sabattini woman was following up some leads?”

  Declan nodded, refusing to acknowledge the tiny spark of hope that ignited low in his gut at the mention of Chloe’s name.

  “Chloe Sabattini. She’s the senior investigator working for IA,” he said. “She’s the one who did the initial investigation and recommended the charges.”

  “And now she’s on your side?” His father shook his head, his scepticism plain to see. “How does that work?”

  Declan offered a grim smile. “It’s a long story, Dad. Hopefully, when I tell you about it one day, we’ll look back and laugh.”

  “Yeah, well right now, laughing’s the last thing on my mind,” his father said.

  “You and me, both, Dad,” Declan replied grimly. “You and me, both.”

  * * *

  The Master flicked the leather switch in his hand, enjoying the raspy sound of it against the fine cloth of his suit pants. Earlier, he’d enjoyed a thoroughly pleasurable hour with his office junior. It had been much too long since he’d availed himself of the boy’s talents. The boy was more than eager to please a boss who could do so much for his career.

  A word in the right ear could make the difference between permanent employment and all the benefits that came with it, or having to go from one temporary contract to another. Applying for a bank loan to purchase a house, or even a car, could be extremely difficult without a permanent pay packet.

  The intercom on his desk buzzed and he strode over to answer it. His secretary announced he had a visitor: Federal Agent Stanford was waiting for him.

  A smile tugged at the Master’s lips. The day was about to get even better.

  “Send him in and hold all my calls.”

  * * *

  Charlie glanced around the dim interior of the Master’s office and surreptitiously wiped the perspiration off his hands. He always felt nervous when he came there. It had more to do with excitement than fear, but he couldn’t deny a visit to the Master caused a little apprehension. He never quite knew what mood he’d find the man in.

  “Chip, come in. It’s good to see you.” The Master came toward him and flung an arm around his shoulders. Charlie relaxed slightly and savored the other man’s nearness. He closed his eyes briefly and breathed in the Master’s scent.

  The man’s arm dropped and he took a seat behind his desk. Leaning back, he looked up at Charlie expectantly.

  “What can I do for you? I hope the transfer’s working out?”

  Charlie nodded. “Thanks, it’s working out fine. The Fraud Squad is happy to have me. The commute to the office is even shorter. But that… That’s not what I wanted to see you about.”

  The Master raised a single, bushy eyebrow. “Oh?”

  Heat exploded across Charlie’s cheeks. “I-I wanted to see you. I wanted to see you.”

  A knowing smile spread slowly across the Master’s face. “Why, Chip, I’m flattered, but I did meet with you a couple of days ago, right before the hearing. You know we’re not due to get together again until Friday afternoon.”

  Charlie’s desperation ratcheted up another notch. He was prepared to do anything for the Master, even betray a man he’d considered a friend, but he needed to know his sacrifices were truly appreciated. Lately, it had begun to feel like the Master’s attention had waned.

  Stepping closer, Charlie grabbed hold of the other man’s sleeve in an effort to convey to him the depth of his feeling. The Master stared at Charlie’s hand and then slowly reached up to remove it.

  “I don’t have time for you today, Chip. I have several engagements that need my attention. You’ll just have to wait—I’ll see you on Friday.”

  “I can’t wait that long,” Charlie shouted. “I need to be with you, to touch you. Ever since this thing with Munro started, I’ve been a mess. I can’t eat; I can’t sleep… I’ve done everything you asked. I need to know it was worthwhile. I need to know you appreciate it. All of it.”

  The Master stared at him thoughtfully—at last seeming to realize the depths of Charlie’s despair. Sliding his chair backward, he beckoned him closer.

  “Come here, Chip.”

  Charlie trembled with excitement and relief. He stepped forward and fell to his knees, his head bent low. The Master reached out and caressed his cheek. Charlie gasped at the gentleness in the other man’s hand. He leaned into the Master’s touch, silently begging for more.

  “Of course I appreciate it, Chip,” the Master murmured tenderly. “There’s nothing about you I don’t appreciate. You’re my right-hand man, Chip. You know that. Your evidence at the committal hearing was nothing short of brilliant.”

  “Y-you were there?” Charlie whispered hopefully.

  “No, Chip. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it, but I have my sources. I heard all about it, including the fact Agent Munro was committed to stand trial, just like I wanted.”

  The Master’s fingers had continued to caress Chip’s face while he spoke. Then his fingers wandered higher and tangled in Chip’s thick, fair hair.

  Charlie groaned at the pure deliciousness of it and his body burned with need. “Please, Master,” he gasped. “Please.”

  With a sigh, the Master stood and reached for the riding crop. Charlie’s cock pulsed with desire.

  “All right, Chip, but we’re going to have to be quick. As I said, I have pressing matters to attend to.”

  Charlie bobbed his head in agreement, grateful for whatever attention the Master chose to bestow.

  “Of course, Master, of course. All I want to do is please you.”

  “Then pull off your pants and show me.”

  Charlie struggled to his feet. With trembling fingers, he undid his belt. He loosened the button on his pants and undid the zip. His gaze remained fixed on the thin hard piece of black leather in the Master’s hand.

  “Turn around.”

  The order was issued in a voice that was as soft as steel. Charlie hastened to do as he was asked.

  “Bend over.”

  The kiss of the whip sent fire across his ass. The agony of it was excruciating. He bit his lip against the pain, even as his cock stood to attention.

  “Stroke yourself, Chip. I want to see you stroke yourself.”

  Another stripe across his buttocks and Charlie flinched and reached for his cock. His hand tightened around the thick shaft. He stroked slowly, rhythmically, in time with the riding crop until his desire had reached a fever pitch.

  “Show me, Chip. Turn around and show me how much you love what I do to you. I want to watch you come.”

  The Master’s words sent him catapulting over the edge. He spun on his heel. An arc of white fluid spurted out of his cock and filled his hand. He shouted in relief. Gasping, he fought to regain his breath.

  “Well done, Chip. I hope you now realize how much I appreciate you. I’ll always appreciate you. Don’t forget it.”

  Charlie kept his head bowed, his eyes fixed to the floor. “Yes, Master. Thank you, Master. I promise, I won’t forget.”

  The Master loosened his pants and dropped them to the floor. His underwear quickly followe
d. His cock sprang thick and hard from his groin. “Good. Now, clean yourself up and get over here. I have something else you need to attend to.”

  * * *

  Eric stared through the crack in the opened door, his eyes wide with shock. His boss stood half naked behind Agent Stanford, his cock thrusting rhythmically in and out of the younger man’s pale ass.

  He’d known the Minister was gay, of course, or at the very least, bi-sexual. The Minister had never pretended he wasn’t married, but Eric had been under the impression his boss had chosen him and him alone for his pleasures, not this buffed up try-hard that looked like he had a decade or more on Eric.

  Hurt and disbelief flooded through him. How could the Minister prefer Stanford to him? And how could his boss go from loving Eric deep and slow on the couch less than two hours ago and whispering sweet platitudes in his ear, to fucking this wannabe Arnold Schwarzenegger like an animal?

  It wasn’t right and if he hadn’t seen it for himself, he’d never have believed it. For nearly a year, he’d been at the Minister’s beck and call, fulfilling his every need and he’d loved every minute of it. The Minister continually assured him of his appreciation of all that Eric did for him and Eric was more than happy to deliver.

  But that was when he’d thought he was the only man in the Minister’s life. Now it was clear that wasn’t the case.

  He thought back to when he’d first come across Agent Stanford in the Minister’s Office and realized it was more than three months ago—about the same time his boss had approached him with the task of attending HR and obtaining access to a list of personnel files. He’d been given strict instructions to pay particular attention to the file of one Agent Declan Munro, including photographing every page of the file.

  At the time, Eric hadn’t questioned the order. He did what he was told and he gladly waited for his reward. The Minister hadn’t failed to deliver. The memory of their encounter after Eric had downloaded the photos onto the Minister’s computer still had the power to make him hard.