Hustled into the car, Deidara drove them downtown. Looking outside, more and more buildings that Emmie was familiar with rushed past in a gray blur. In the heart of Wall Street, Deidara pulled into a private parking garage with muscle bound security guards talking into walkie talkies prowled about senses alert for any disturbance. The sight of all those men dashed any hopes Emmie had to run away.
"Don't even think about it," Deidara's eyes cut to her as if he read her mind. Emmie looked away. Pulling into a space between 2 ominous SUVs, he cut the engine and both of them got out. Immediately they were greeted by a guard.
"We're expecting you Mr. Iwakure ."
"Yeah let's go." Deidara ignored Emmie's mouthed, "Iwakure?"
The guard led them into an elevator and hit the top button. 21 floors is kind of excessive, she thought and felt a strange flush of defiance when the guard raised a brow at their poorly cuffed hands.
"Mind your manners," the guard warned.
At the topmost office, the guard led Emmie and Deidara down a lavish gilded hall. Expensive paintings hung on the walls while the floors were inlaid with imported Italian mosaics. Reaching intimidating double bronze doors, Emmie took a peek at Deidara. He stood grubby as ever but through his calculated insouciance, she could tell he was on edge. Deidara was staring straight ahead, his eyes like chips of ice and his jaw was clenched.
Emmie was so scared, she wasn't a fool, she knew that they dealing with the mob. These guys were too professional and organized to be anything else. And they needed serious money to get an office building here on Wall Street. The doors opened and they were ushered in.
A red haired man sat behind a large mahogany desk. Everything about him screamed organized; His suit was expensive and tailored to perfection-Emmie suspected that it was a Tom Ford-his red hair was carefully styled, and his desk was perfectly organized. Standing behind him was a tall slim woman with hair so black it seemed blue.
"Unlock them. They will not be a threat," his oily voice slithered out and Emiliana had to repress a shudder of revulsion. The guard behind them pulled out a key and unlocked the cuffs. Emmie pulled her hand away to rub her wrist.
Deidara stepped forward, "Look Pein, I did what you wanted, I delivered the girl, now I get paid, that's the deal." Pein waved his hand and 2 seats appeared. "Sit, sit. You will want to hear this," Pein said smoothly. "Refreshments?" he asked.
"Voss water with a lemon please," Emmie said automatically, his polite question brought the request out reflexively. Deidara shook his head. "Konan, if you please," Pein commanded imperiously and with a nod of her dark head, the tall woman slipped away.
"Now Dr. Einaudi, you must be wondering why you are here. I must apologize for the way you were taken but it had to be done."
Personally Emmie thought that they could have set a meeting with her and talked over dinner. That was the rest of the civilized world got things done but seeing as this man was probably a part of the mob, Emmie wisely decided that she wanted to keep her body parts attached more than giving a sassy remark and gave Pein a short nod.
The woman Konan came back and delivered the water and Emmie took a grateful sip. "To cut to the chase, we have discovered that your brother Antonio has been skimming funds from us. He has taken a total of 5 million dollars from the Akatsuki family." Emmie choked on her water. "Sir, what you are saying must be from false information. My brother would not be involved with this, er, organization. He doesn't even manage his own company! He has no money sense and would absolutely be unable to shoplift, let alone skim that much money!"
Pein steepled his fingers and stared at her amused," So you are insinuating that your brother has been framed?" Emiliana sat up ramrod straight. "I'm not insinuating, I'm saying it outright. Besides, 5 million is pocket change for this organization and for my brother's company. His gaming company is worth several billion." Smiling a reptilian grin, Pein replied, "Oh I do like you. here is what I am going to do. You are right, 5 million dollars is nothing, but no one who disrespects the Akatsuki like that is allowed to live. But like I said, I like you. I will give you a chance to prove your brother's innocence."
Interrupting the conversation, Deidara spoke up, "Yeah that's great but I'm done! Where's my cut?" Pein barely acknowledged the interruption, "Yes, I'm getting to that. Dr. Einaudi needs to be watched and protected." Emmie raised her eyebrows, surprised that her safety was a point of concern. Pein nodded at her, "You are the only one your brother trusts ie you are the only one who can discover the truth. Antonio has been an excellent partner over the years and we would hate to…. Terminate him."