Page 39 of Donovan Blake: Adrenalin

“Wait…where are you going?”

“I’m calling Sam, then you’ll be getting into a cab and taking the next flight—hold on—” he muttered, pausing his step. “How did you get here so quickly?”

“I flew into the local airport on a private plane.”

“Of course you did,” he groaned, rolling his eyes.

“What does that mean?”

“I know who you are, Phoebe, or rather, I know who your father was.”

“Oh…well…I was going to tell you, but I didn’t want you making any assumptions. People always do when they find out.”

“Assumptions like, you’re stubborn and do what you want regardless of anyone else and the possible consequences?”

“I honestly came because I want to help. I really do. You know what I can do. Please can’t we at least talk about this?”

“Right now I’m calling Sam to let him know you’re safe. I’m sure he’s worried sick, then I’m going to have my dinner. You can save your excuses and justifications and whatever else you have to say until I’m finished.”

“Aren’t you even the littlest bit glad to see me?” she asked softly, gazing up at him. “The house was so empty after you left, and I was so worried something awful would happen to you.”

He felt himself melting. Fighting the temptation to take her into his arms, he marched into the bedroom, picked up his phone and placed the call.

“Donovan! How is everything?”

“Good question. Phoebe just showed up.”

“When Nadia arrived at the lodge and found it empty I assumed she’d followed you. Thank God she’s okay.”

“Why didn’t you let me know?”

“Donovan…think about it. You have enough on your plate. The last thing you needed was a distraction. But since she’s there...you probably don’t want to hear this,” Sam said solemnly.

“Go ahead. What are you thinking?”

“She might be useful. If you show up with Frederick Beaumont’s daughter on your arm, even if Manny recognizes you, which I doubt, but even if he does, he won’t touch you. It’s too high risk, even for him. Phoebe could be your saving grace tomorrow night.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

An idea suddenly popped into Donovan’s head. It was completely at odds with the current plan, but it was one he’d never been a fan of anyway.

“Donovan? Are you there?”

“Yeah, Sam. I need a few minutes.”

“I know that tone. You’ve just had a brainwave. This is exactly why I wanted you on my team.”

“I’m not on your team,” Donovan retorted “I help you from time to time…or did you forget that?”

“Don’t get touchy. Okay, you’re not on my team, but you and that brilliant brain of yours is still why I wanted to work with you. Call me when you’re ready.”

“You know I will,” he said, then ended the call and looked across at Phoebe. “Roll that trolley into the dining room and set the table.”

“Excuse me?”

“Show me you can follow simple orders.”

“Sure,” she said excitedly as she jumped to her feet. “Does this mean—?”

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