Hard to Handle by Raven Scott

agents and analysts, with Evan as a silent investor.
    Now, two years later, the three men had a strong business relationship.
    Lucas waved a dismissive hand. “It’s still under consideration. But Ice has a huge family in Brazil so we can have an even bigger party there. Enjoy the local dishes.” His pretty, golden-brown face held a big grin.
    Sam raised a brow to the man next to him. Evan’s smooth, reddish-brown face held the look of exasperation, but he just shook his head tolerantly. He and Sam were of similar size and stature, with Sam just an inch taller. Lucas was the smallest at around six feet, two inches tall and had a more slender frame that neither of his best friends let him forget about. But the computer geek was just as lethal.
    â€œThe wedding is still two months away,” Evan told his best man, Lucas. “Plenty of time to work everything out.”
    â€œNot for the party I’m planning, my friend. But we can discuss it later. You said you spoke with George Clement?” Lucas asked with more seriousness.
    Sam knew that the DaCosta and Clement families were close friends and neighbors, and that Evan was engaged to their daughter, Mikayla.
    â€œYeah, I called him earlier to ask about the situation at the Baltimore Journal .
    â€œHe told me this morning that he wasn’t moving forward with any further investigation into the matter,” Sam said, a little confused. “Holt claimed not to know who paid the bribe, so Clement considered the matter closed.”
    â€œI know. I saw the update when my flight landed,” Evan said, uncrossing his arms to plant them on his hips. “That’s why I called him. The man I know would never let a situation like this go unresolved.”
    â€œWhat did he say?” Lucas asked.
    Evan looked at the two men with sharp intensity.
    â€œThat he was resigning as CEO of Clement Media, effective immediately. He’ll only remain on the board of directors.”
    Lucas sat up.
    â€œWhat’s going on, Ice?”
    â€œI don’t know exactly. But I think we’ve stumbled into something bigger than a bribe in the media,” he replied. “George just turned fifty, and he loves his work. Every instinct I have says he’s being coerced.”
    â€œSo, we’ll be looking into who is applying pressure,” Sam concluded.
    â€œNo.” Evan sighed while the other man looked at him with obvious surprise. “He’s made me promise not to have you guys work on it any further. The assignment is closed.”
    â€œAre you sure about this, Ice?” Lucas asked.
    â€œNo. I think we should complete an investigation, find out who’s involved and neutralize the threat. But we won’t because I promised,” Evan replied with obvious internal conflict. “But I did convince him that we should continue to monitor the Journal and all the other Clement publications for any other corruption. So that’s something.”
    Sam nodded. “We have a full security review under way from the Journal . Raymond should have the results today or tomorrow morning. We can implement a similar plan across the whole firm.”
    â€œGood,” Evan replied with a sigh.
    â€œYou boys want to grab a meal when we’re done here?” Lucas asked, always trying to lighten the mood.
    â€œThanks, but I have plans for the evening,” Sam told them.
    â€œHuh. You do clean up pretty good, Sammy. Who is she?” Lucas teased, but Sam ignored him. “What about you, Ice? You look like you could use a drink.”
    â€œYeah, all right. Tomorrow, I have to tell Mikayla that I told George she shouldn’t work at the Journal anymore, and it won’t be pretty.”
    â€œClement’s daughter works at the paper?” Sam asked, surprised. That information had not been shared with him or Raymond, nor had they seen the name Mikayla Clement on the employee list.
    â€œYeah, for the last year or