Page 47 of Truth

“I’m sure you will. Now, I’ve sent you over Mr. Pierce’s financials to look over via courier. You should be getting them sometime today.”

“I’ll let my assistant know to expect them.”

“Call me if you need anything else, Stephan. I’m going to go help some clients who might actually take my advice.”

“Thanks, Oscar.”

He grunted. “You’re welcome.”

Since I already had my phone in my hand, I decided now was as good a time as any to call Ross. Looking up his office number, I dialed.

There were two rings before a woman answered. “Ross Builders. How may I help you?”

“Is Mr. Ross available?”

“I’m sorry, sir. Mr. Ross isn’t in the office much anymore. His son has taken over running the business for the most part. Would you like to talk to Cal?”

I closed my eyes and begged for patience. “Yes, please.”

“One moment.”

At that point, I was forced to listen to some of the strangest music I’d ever heard. It wasn’t jazz, although that was the closest genre I could fit it into. Instead, it had an abrupt start-and-stop feel to it every thirty to forty seconds. I had to wonder who had selected the hold music.

“Thank you for holding. This is Cal.”

“Nice hold music you have there, Ross.”

“Why thank you, Coleman. Our receptionist picked it out. She loves jazz. Thought it would soothe the customers.”

“That’s not jazz.”

“Did you call to insult my receptionist or to talk about Anna?”

“She told me you invited her to a concert.”

“I did. Are you going to tell her she can’t go?”

Twisting in my chair so that I was facing the window, I looked out over the city toward the building that housed my condo... and Brianna. “No, but I’d like some more information. Where is it and who’s playing?”

“It’s at a club downtown. My girlfriend’s brother is the manager of the club, and he can get us tickets. The band’s local, but they’re rumored to be in talks with a couple record labels, so they’re good. I know what you’re thinking, and I’ve already talked to Brian, the manager, about getting us a booth in the back so Brianna won’t feel so crowded. There’ll be a lot of people, but most of them should be up front, closer to the band.”

“Seems you’re starting to pay attention.”

“I know you don’t like me, Coleman, and quite frankly, I’m not a big fan of yours either, but I do care about Anna. I think she needs to get out and socialize, make friends.”

“So it will be you, your girlfriend, me, and Brianna?”

“And three other friends.”

“Who?”

“Calm down. They’re friends. I wouldn’t do anything to intentionally put Anna in danger.”

I stood and walked to the window. Spending the evening with Ross and his friends wasn’t my idea of fun, but I’d do it for Brianna. Plus, he was correct on one thing—Brianna needed to socialize.

“When, and what time?”

“Next Friday night at Crazy Lewie’s. Seven o’clock.”

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