About Max.
About who he’d blackmail with that insurance I’d kept.
About the past, and Tag, and all the piggies that said “wee wee wee” for him.
But more so, I think of all the big shots in the government that Tag worked for. People with a lot to lose if that program were to be exposed. I grab a pad and pen and start writing down everything I remember about the mission locations. It’s all foggy, but there were at least one of those big shots I know I documented in my insurance. He is now the former NSA director, Jacob Allen.
I grab my notebook and google him. He’s started a business with Ned Walters, the CEO of one of the top tech firms in the world. Not working, I amend. Jacob now has a lot to lose.
“You’re up early,” Candace says, heading down the stairs, already dressed in black jeans and a pink T-shirt she bought from a gift store right after moving here. And like all proud tourists, it proudly reads, “I Love New York.” Only it turns out that she really does. Enough to stay with me.
I shut the computer and walk to the stove. “How about omelets?”
“Yes, please,” she says, setting her sketch pad down on the island and perking up. “And coffee.” She walks to the counter behind me and grabs a cup. “Someone has had a few cups,” she comments, noting the pot is now half empty. “I predict you will be wired today and that many a wickedly bad joke will follow.”
“I’m never wicked about anything,” I assure her. “I’m a perfect fucking angel.”
She laughs. “God thinks so. You weren’t struck down by lightning in the church.”
“Ex-fucking-actly,” I say.
She grins and joins me at the stove, helping to finish up the preparation of the omelets. We sit down at the island and dig in. “I got inspired.” She slides her drafting pad in front of me. “That’s an idea for a house with a porch. I know we were just talking. The Hamptons is expensive, but it was fun imagining something for us.”
I glance down to find a design for a house and then look up at her. “We have shit tons of money, baby,” I say because I put her on my bank accounts months ago without any hesitation. She doesn’t want my money. She has never been about money.
“Yes. It’s an insane amount of money.”
“That you don’t spend.”
She laughs and points at her notepad. “This suggestion would argue otherwise.”
I wink. “Let’s do it. We should call a realtor and look for some land.”
“Really?”
Her voice has this hopeful lift. I want to turn hope into reality, which is why I say, “Hell yes. We both loved it when we stayed at Royce’s place a few months back. And I’ve been telling you we need something we pick together. And we need a place that is just about us. An escape from everything.”
“All right then.” Hope sounds like excitement now. “I’ll make some calls after the wedding. What’s our budget?”
Her cellphone rings from the table where it rests, and she glances at the caller ID. “Robin,” she says, grabbing it. “From the museum.” She answers the call. “Hi, Robin.” She listens a moment and then says, “That’s great news.” Another pause, and, “Today? You do know I’m getting married Saturday, right?” She listens a minute and then says, “Give me a moment.” She hits mute and sighs. “The investor came through, but he won’t write the check until I sign my contract.”
“You want the project. It can’t take that long.” I study her a moment. “What’s up, baby?”
“The investor said he wouldn’t pay them unless I sign. I just get weird vibes from him.”
“No worries. I’ll wrap his legs around his head if needed. And once he signs the contract, it won’t even matter.”
She laughs. “My hero.” She unmutes the phone and says, “It has to be quick. I have a final fitting today.” Her and Robin talk back and forth, and she ends the call. “She wants to have lunch. I’m going to try to get out of that.”
“I have to meet with Blake today at noon.” I grab my phone and text Smith before I add, “I’m going to have one of the guys take you.”
“I’ll be fine on my own. It’s daylight and I’ll be with Robin.”
My text messages ping and I glance down, before saying. “Smith is already confirmed.”
She pushes off the stool and I rotate to allow her to step between my legs. “You’re overly protective.”
“Says the woman who’s been feeling like she’s been watched, and fending off the advances of some creepy rich guy. Which by the way, are always the most dangerous ones. They think they’re entitled.”
“I’ll just shoot him if necessary,” she says, her tone and expression serious, but then she smiles. “I think it might be less painful than you wrapping his legs around his neck.”
“But I’ll enjoy it less.”
“You’re crazy.” She kisses me. “I need to go change.” She hurries away and when she reaches the stairs she calls out, “Don’t forget. Tomorrow morning you’re going to Adam’s place. And really, you should go tonight. It’s bad luck to see the bride-to-be the day before the wedding.” She turns and hurries up the stairs.
I want her cute little ass, but I hold my tongue.
I’m not going to go to Adam’s place. Leaving Candace is bad luck.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Candace
I choose an emerald green long-sleeved dress with black tights and boots for my meeting. Rick walks me downstairs and to the front of the building where Smith is waiting for me. Once I’m in the front seat of the SUV Smith is driving, Rick leans in and kisses me. “Tell Kirk the perv to keep his hands off of you,” he orders.
My lips curve and I say, “Thankfully Kirk is not supposed to be at this meeting.”
“Until he shows up.” He leans down to eye Smith across my lap and says, “Keep her close or I’ll kill you.”
“I’m shaking in my boots,” Smith replies dryly.
“As you should be,” Rick assures him, but of course, he’s just joking. Mostly, I think.
Rick kisses me again and then shuts me inside the vehicle with Smith.
“I think he wants me to keep you close,” Smith says dryly.
“Ya think?” I tease.
A few minutes later, we arrive at the museum, and with my portfolio on my shoulder, just in case Robin wishes to review the designs, I walk into the museum’s grand foyer.
The offices are upstairs and to the left, just past a giant dinosaur and several smaller ancient reptiles, and it’s not long until I’m standing at Robin’s office door. I peek inside her small but cozy office. Robin is indeed sitting behind her desk where it faces a wall, her gaze intently on a document, while bookshelves line the wall behind her.
I knock on the doorframe and her gaze jerks up and to me. She instantly pops to her feet. “You’re here?! I’m so excited. Are you excited?” She motions to my dress and then hers, which is also emerald green, and laughs. “This is how on the same page we are. This was meant to be.” She pats the arm of the guest chair next to her.