“Oh?” This was highly unorthodox. Olivia usually didn’t meet with potential business partners on her own—that was something all the members of the practice did together, to ensure everyone had equal input on decisions that might affect them all. “Can we reschedule this meeting so the other doctors can hear your proposal? That’s generally how we do things here.”
“There is no need,” Mr. Martinez replied smoothly. “This proposal is for your ears only.”
That was unusual. Olivia had joined the office five years ago, but she was far from being the senior doctor on staff. What could this man possibly want with her?
“All right,” she said, deciding to hear him out. His eyes held a glint that told her he was determined to say his piece. Better to listen and usher him out the door as quickly as possible so she could get on with her day.
“I understand you travel to Colombia every year, and spend a month doing pro bono work there.”
“Yes.” She leaned forward, excitement making her fingertips tingle. Did he want to donate? The medical charity she partnered with was always in need of funds for supplies, and the more money they raised, the more patients they could treat in Colombia and elsewhere in the world. The need for their services seemed to grow every year, a fact that broke her heart. “Are you interested in making a contribution?” It was a bold question, but subtlety had never been Olivia’s strong suit, especially when children in need were concerned.
“In a manner of speaking.” He spread his hands out, palms up, as if to say I’m a reasonable man.
“I have a proposal that I think will benefit both of us,” he continued.
“And what does it involve?” Would he just get to the point?
“What I am suggesting is merely that you act as a courier for my employer.”
“A courier?” Olivia felt the fine hairs on the back of her neck rise, and she suppressed a shudder. The man in front of her looked polished, but his continued use of euphemisms was suspicious.
“My employer has a business arrangement with partners in Colombia, but what they lack is a reliable transporter. If you accept this offer, you will simply carry funds and once there, exchange them for product. Upon your return, you will deliver the product to me.”
Olivia leaned back, wanting to get as far away from this man as possible. He hadn’t said anything overtly incriminating, but she wasn’t stupid. Product was just a nice word for drugs. “No,” she said flatly, faking a confidence she didn’t feel. She couldn’t afford to show weakness—it was clear the man in her office had unsavory connections, and she didn’t want to be seen as a target. “I’m not interested.”
“I think you will find our offer is very generous,” Mr. Martinez replied, ignoring her words. “I know you have extensive debt, both from your medical training and your parents’ hospital bills. We can make that go away.”
Olivia felt a spike of pain at the mention of her parents. Two years ago, they had been driving home in the middle of a storm when her father had lost control of the car and slid off the road into a tree. Both her parents had been seriously hurt and had lingered in intensive care for weeks before finally succumbing to their injuries. Losing them had almost broken Olivia, but over time, her blinding grief had morphed into a determination to live a life that would make them proud. Her pro bono work in Colombia was one way she found comfort, going back to her father’s home country to help those who needed it most.
The fact that this man was asking her to corrupt the work of her heart triggered a black wave of anger in her chest. How dare he try to use the loss of her parents against her? Did he really think she was so desperate for money that she would resort to carrying drugs to pay her debts? She wanted to lash out, to scream at him to leave and then call the police to report him.
But she didn’t. Despite her swirling emotions and racing thoughts, she was very aware of the man in front of her. His gaze was locked on her, and though he appeared calm, there was a predatory gleam in his dark eyes. He looked like a snake, waiting and watching for the right time to strike. A trickle of fear skittered down her back, and she realized that she needed to tread very carefully. Something about his demeanor told her that this was not a man who accepted the word no.
“I appreciate your offer,” she said slowly, almost choking on the lie. Just get him out of here! her mind screamed. “But I don’t think I’m the right person for this job. My medical supplies are inspected both going to and coming from Colombia. I don’t see how I’d be able to bring your product back into the country without attracting the wrong kind of attention.” It was the truth, and hopefully he’d accept it.
Her heart sank when he waved away her excuse. “We have provisions in place to make sure that doesn’t happen. I assure you, this job is entirely safe. We chose you because you are the last person anyone would suspect. You have a history of travel to the region, and your reputation as a selfless healer puts you above reproach. We will ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your efforts.” Then he named a figure that sucked the breath out of her lungs. “We’ll pay you half up front, and half upon delivery of the product.”
She looked away and ran her hands down her thighs, stopping to grip her knees tightly. Did her fear show on her face? Could he tell how scared she was? She tried to keep her expression neutral, hoping she wasn’t giving anything away.
Her mind raced, scrambling for a response. Carlos was an unknown quantity, and she didn’t want to make him angry. But really, said a small, subversive voice in her head. What can he do to me? She’d already lost her parents, she had no siblings and her two best friends lived in different states. He could always hurt her, but somehow she doubted he would try that tactic. If he wanted her cooperation, she had to be healthy enough to travel. And it would take more than a few bruises to convince her to work for this man.
A strange calm settled over Olivia as she realized that she held all the power here, not the man in front of her. Yes, he worked for drug traffickers, and she watched enough news to know those were dangerous people. But he had come to her, which meant he needed her. And he had no leverage to force her to accept his offer.
She met his gaze. “No.”
He smiled, as if he’d expected this reaction. “Dr. Sandoval, I think you should reconsider.”
“No,” she repeated. “I will not be a part of your business.”
Carlos leaned back, his brows lifted in surprise. “That sounds very final.”
“It is.”
He shook his head. “In my experience, such answers never are.”
Olivia opened her mouth to reply, but he waved it off and stood. She rose as well, unwilling to let him tower over her. “It was a pleasure meeting you today. I will give you a little time to think about your answer.” He reached into his suit jacket, and Olivia froze, adrenaline making her heart kick hard against her breastbone. Oh, God, was he going to shoot her?
Carlos caught her expression and smirked. He withdrew his hand slowly and set a card on her desk. “My number,” he said. “I expect to hear from you soon.”
“You won’t.” The words sounded strangled, and she cleared her throat. “As I said, my answer is final.”
He smiled, but his eyes remained cold.
