The kompromat to order

11.

 Rob's black car was already at the gate. He was sitting inside and looking for me in the crowd through the open window. When I got closer to the car, he noticed me and looked away. "Am I really that disgusting to him?" - I thought to myself.

Walking up to the car, I opened the door with trembling hands and got into the passenger seat.

- Are you hungry? - he asked and started the car.

- No, - I barely managed to squeeze out.

- I'd like to eat something, - he replied and started the car.

We didn't say another word until the car stopped at a restaurant. He turned off the engine, got out of the car, and I followed him.

When we went inside, a friendly waiter greeted us. He and Robert exchanged a few words and then the waiter spoke:

- Please follow me. I'll show you to your table.

He led us to the end of the hall, where we could see tables separated by wide curtains. Once inside, we saw a more refined interior, a round table and several chairs. We sat down at the table, the waiter gave us a menu, but Robert refused and immediately ordered something.

- And the lady? - the waiter asked, turning his attention to me.

Although I was sitting with the menu in my hands, I didn't even open it. Perhaps noticing this, Robert said:

- She'll have the same as me.

The waiter nodded and left the room. We were left alone, sitting across from each other. Only now I forced myself to look up and look at Rob. He was sitting and looking at me carefully.

- Don't be so scared of me, because when I see you so scared, I get scared myself, - he said with a smile.

His words made me relax and smile.

- Have you told Evan everything yet?

- No, - I said, trying to make my quiet voice sound confident.

My answer caught Rob's interest. He put his elbows on the table, resting his face against mine, and asked with more interest:

- Why?

- I don't know... - I said, almost in a whisper.

I wanted to hide from his gaze, but I forced myself to be brave and not hide my eyes. After a few seconds, he spoke:

- It's for the best.

- For the best? - I asked again.

- You work for me now, - he said confidently.

- No, - I was indignant.

- I'm afraid you don't have many options. You're involved with a very dangerous man, Emma. He would do anything to find dirt on me and keep me quiet.

- He said the same thing about you, - I calmed down and my brain started to work.

- You choose who to believe. But your predecessors are either behind bars or in a coffin. And keep in mind that the latter option is not my doing. I work only within the law.

- What do you want from me? - I said coldly, mentally feeling his shackles slowly squeezing my hands.

- See this case through to the end.

- What do you mean?

- You will meet with him. You will say that you have done everything and hand over the flash drive. After that, you'll need to hide for a while. I'll take care of it.