Chapter 11: The Ex Shows Up
Axel's news wasn't good. James Porter was still in town, staying at the executive suite at the Riverdale Inn. He'd been asking questions, showing Valentina's picture around. Worst of all, he'd hired local muscle—two ex-cons with reputations for doing anything for the right price.
"Can't touch him legally," Axel explained, sprawled on Duke's couch. "Guy's got all his papers in order. Here on 'business,' he says."
Duke's jaw tightened. "What kind of business?"
"Finding his wife." Axel's eyes flickered to Valentina. "Says you took some important documents when you left. Stuff that could hurt his company."
"That's a lie." Valentina clutched her mug of tea. "I didn't take anything."
"Doesn't matter what's true." Duke paced the length of the living room. "He's b
