Liar Liar Billionaires

33. Password?

"Good, we are all here." Nathaniel faced the Markings, whose smirk almost grew bigger when Chloe made eye contact with him. "Tell us the particular reason you're here.”

"In due time, Mr. Stone." Markings nodded his head toward Chloe, who positioned herself between Amir and Nathaniel. “Is she your maid?"

"How is that your business? Is that what you're here for?” Amir retorted.

"Mr. Cook. No need to be so defensive. It’s already quite obvious that she is some maid. Boys," he beckoned to the eight men in SWAT-like uniforms.

As they came closer, he explained. "We are from the Department of Special Crimes, and we have a search warrant for this house."

"Your hands are empty,” Gabriel said.

“Right.” Markings reached into his pocket and flashed a paper. “All you need is your cooperation. We'll be done before you know it.” He laughed. “As long as we find nothing.”

Nathaniel scoffed, then said, “Let's see this warrant of yours.”

"Why not?" With a nauseating smile, Agent Markings handed it over. "There, enjoy reading. If you are found guilty today, it might be the last time you get to read anything. So-"

Nathaniel glared. Markings kept shut.

As she watched him read, Chloe hoped that they really didn't have something incriminating in those boxes.

Nathaniel returned the paper. “Mr…”

"Please call me Wood."

Chloe's brows quirked as her arms folded.

His full name was Wood Markings? How original.

"Sure. Normally, we'd need to have our lawyer here, but we are too busy for that, so go ahead. Just prepare to take responsibility if you don't find anything.”

It seemed Markings didn't care about the unspoken repercussions.

With a mocking smile, the man replied, “You are such a gentleman.” And with a hand motion, he ordered the men to start the search.

Chloe at least appreciated that he wasn't stupid and reckless enough to head for the basement first.

"Don't leave anything unsearched!" he ordered.

"I thought he came for the shipment," Amir said.

"Let's just watch how this turns out," Nathaniel replied, his eyes fixed particularly on the annoying man as he walked away.

"How did they even find out about the shipment? I thought it was discreet," Gabriel butted in.

Chloe gulped. It was closing in. The moment she would get revealed was so close.

"Oh, you know how loose some people can be with information. Have you found anything yet?" Nathaniel asked Markings, who had just come back from one of the rooms.

"In due time, Mr. Stone. Don't tell me you're in a hurry to get arrested.”

"Please do not waste my time.” That sounded like the most polite Nathaniel desired to be in that moment.

"Certainly." Markings arms raised in surrender. "I understand that you have a basement."

"Doesn't everyone have one?"

"Well, let's head down there."

"All of us?" Amir asked.

"Do you have a problem with that?"

"You shouldn't be testing our patience, Wood," Gabriel warned with a tone Chloe wasn't familiar with.

Resisting the urge to nibble on her thumb, her eyes travelled to Agent Markings, who flashed a small, sarcastic smile before calling his men together.

Finally, as they all headed to the basement, Chloe spoke, "Is there something in this shipment that could get you guys arrested?"

"Trust me, Chloe..." Nathaniel rested his hand against her back. "There is nothing to be worried about."

'I wish.' Chloe thought as they moved even closer.

"Nice place you have here," Markings commented once they trooped into the basement.

“Just search for your s**t and leave,” Amir lashed.

"Okay, Mr. Cook. Boys..." He gathered the officers and quietly gave them orders. As soon as they dispersed, Markings faced the standing four. "I couldn't help but notice the chemistry between you two earlier."

Chloe and Nathaniel shared a look.

Markings moved closer to Chloe.

Immediately, the NAG brothers shifted closer to pounce on him if he moved funny.

"Mr. Stone, from the gossip out there, you're not a player. Don't you think having fun with your maid is a bit too much?"

Nathaniel gritted his teeth, his head tilting slightly. "What Chloe does in this house is none of your business."

"So, she is your maid."

Chloe frowned at him. What stupid game was he playing?

Markings scoffed. "It won't be surprising if you're all having a taste of her. She's quite pretty.”

Chloe was almost spitting a response into Markings’ face when he gripped her chin.

Quickly, the NAG brother enclosed the space, fury in their eyes.

“Let go of her this second,” Gabriel warned. There was nothing cute about his gaze. It was very fiery.

“I'm just trying to see how pretty she is. I-”

A loud slap on the back of his neck cut his words short. With his upper body stiffened by pain, Markings turned to see Nathaniel’s blazing eyes.

“You've crossed a line, Wood. Don't think you will get away with this shit.”

Agent Markings couldn't speak. Nathaniel’s shoulder viciously pushed him away and carefully caressed his thumb over Chloe's chin.

“Do you feel okay?” he asked. Chloe nodded. “You sure I-”

"Sir. We’ve found it,” one of the uniformed men announced.

Grabbing the back of his neck, Markings turned and grinned, "It is show time."

Staring back at them was the discovery Chloe had found the previous night. Now that the contents were about to be revealed, whatever was in those boxes would determine what would happen next.

“Gentlemen, shall we check these boxes?”

Chloe snickered in disgust at the Agent's excitement. Her disgust was trampled on when Nathaniel slid his arm across her waist, making her heart thump a bit.

“We will need a password, sir,” the man inspecting the glass box notified.

"Well?" Markings questioned the NAG brothers, who were silently watching. "What is the password?"

"Password?" Amir said.

"Yes, the password."

"Password?!" Gabriel grunted.

"For heaven's sake, I need the password." Markings was now visibly frustrated.

"Moron, the password is 'password?' with a question mark behind." Amir shook his head.

With a click of his tongue, most probably because he felt a bit stupid, Markings turned his attention to his officers and gave a nod of approval.

Soon, a click followed and as the glass fell open, Markings said again, this time his voice dragging the sentence, "It is show time."