And we suspect your ex-boss.
“I couldn’t bear to lose you,” she says.
“Five people have been fired because of that, Ana. It won’t happen again.”
“Five?”
I nod.
She frowns. “That reminds me. There’s a gun in your desk.”
How the hell does she know that?
The scissors.
Shit.
“It’s Leila’s.”
“It’s fully loaded.”
“How do you know?” I ask.
“I checked it yesterday.”
What! “I don’t want you messing with guns. I hope you put the safety back on.”
She looks at me as if I’ve grown an additional head. “Christian, there’s no safety on that revolver. Don’t you know anything about guns?”
“Um, no.”
Taylor clears his throat. He’s waiting for us at the entrance. I check my watch; it’s later than I thought.
That’s because you made love to your wife this morning, Grey.
“We have to go.” Standing up, I don my jacket, and Ana follows me out to the hallway, where we both greet Taylor.
“I am just going to brush my teeth,” Ana says, and Taylor and I watch her retreat toward the bathroom.
I turn to Taylor. “That reminds me. It’s Ana’s birthday in September. She wants an R8. A white one.”
Taylor raises his eyebrows.
I laugh. “Yeah. Surprised me, too. Can you order one?”
Taylor grins. “With great pleasure, sir. A Spyder like yours?”
“Yes. I think so. Same spec.”
Taylor rubs his hands in ill-disguised glee. “I’ll get onto it.”
“We need it by the latest September 9.”
“I’m sure I can source one in time.”
Ana returns and we head into the elevator. “You should ask Taylor to teach you how to shoot,” she says.
“Should I, now?” My tone is wry.
“Yes.”
“Anastasia, I despise guns. My mom has patched up too many victims of gun crime, and my dad is vehemently antigun. I grew up with their ethos. I support at least two gun-control initiatives here in Washington.”
“Oh. Does Taylor carry a gun?”
I glance at Taylor and hope that the utter disdain I feel for firearms doesn’t show on my face. “Sometimes.”
“You don’t approve?” Ana asks, as I usher her out of the elevator.
“No. Let’s just say that Taylor and I hold very different views with regard to gun control.”
In the car, Ana reaches over and grasps my hand. “Please,” she says.
“Please what?”
“Learn how to shoot.”
I roll my eyes. “No. End of discussion, Anastasia.”
She opens her mouth, but closes it again, and folds her arms and gazes out of the window. I suppose being an ex-soldier’s daughter will give you a different perspective on guns. Being a doctor’s son formed mine.
“Where is Leila?” Ana pipes up.
Why is she thinking about my ex-sub?
“I told you. She’s in Connecticut with her folks.”
“Did you check? After all, she does have long hair. It could have been her driving the Dodge.”
“Yes, I checked. She’s enrolled in an art school in Hamden. She started this week.”
“You’ve spoken to her?” Ana pales, her voice quietly ringing with shock.
“No. Flynn has.”
“I see,” she mutters.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
I sigh. This is the second time this morning she’s done this. “Ana. What is it?”
Communicate and compromise.
She shrugs, and I have no idea what she’s thinking. About Leila? Maybe Ana needs reassuring. “I’m keeping tabs on her,” I say, “checking that she stays on her side of the continent. She’s better, Ana. Flynn has referred her to a shrink in New Haven, and all the reports are very positive. She’s always been interested in art, so…” I stop, trying to find a clue in Ana’s face as to what she’s thinking. “Don’t sweat this, Anastasia.” I squeeze her hand, and I’m heartened when she returns the gesture.
“Nice haircut, Mr. Grey.” Barry is effusive as he opens the glass door to Grey House.
“Er, thank you, Barry.”
Well, that’s a first.
“How’s your boy?” I ask.
“He’s great, sir. Doing well at school.” Barry glows with paternal pride.
I can’t help my smile. “Good to hear it.”
Ros and Sam are in the elevator.
“Haircut?” Ros asks.
“Yes. Thanks.”
“Looks good.”
“Yes,” says Sam.
“Thanks.”
What the hell has gotten into my staff?
After my update with Barney on the tablet prototype, I send an e-mail to Ana. I take a gamble that she’s managed to have her e-mail name changed.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Flattery
Date: August 23 2011 09:54
To: Anastasia Grey
Mrs. Grey
I have received three compliments on my new haircut. Compliments from my staff are new. It must be the ridiculous smile I’m wearing whenever I think about last night. You are indeed a wonderful, talented, beautiful woman.
And all mine.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I’m delighted when it doesn’t bounce, though I don’t get an immediate answer.
I’m between meetings when her response arrives.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Trying to Concentrate Here
Date: August 23 2011 10:48
To: Christian Grey
Mr. Grey
I am trying to work and don’t want to be distracted by delicious memories.
Is now the time to confess that I used to cut Ray’s hair regularly? I had no idea it would be such useful training.