Page 128 of Perfect Pitch

Mitch winks as he closes the door. Beckett, meanwhile, resumes his infuriated cursing.

* * *

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

If a celebrity walks by another celebrity on the street, do they acknowledge each other? I mean, after all, even when we offer them a friendly smile, they ignore the rest of us.

#ScrewHolidaySpirit

—Jacques Yves, Celebrity Blogger

“So, it was nothing, just like I suspected?” Kane taunts.

I offer him a relieved smile before sharing, “Some yelling, nothing more.”

He whistles. “Beckett’s going to be pissed you trampled in on his business. You know that man wants as few strings as he can manage.”

I school my features. “Things will work out.”

“You think so? He’s been a bear lately.”

“Wouldn’t you be too?” I ask him.

Kane visibly shudders. While I was in Milwaukee with Austyn last weekend and Kane was visiting his family, Beckett was away. While he was gone, his place was completely trashed. When he returned, he found himself slapped with a noise ordinance violation as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage. Including, I recall with a wince, his Grammy used like a rock to break into his security room giving the intruders the opportunity to shut down the system.

Now, as we wait for Austyn and Beckett to introduce themselves, Colby calls to inform us who the persons responsible are. I’m fairly astounded when informed it’s the same senator’s daughter, Zandra Wade, who Kane saved from having naked pictures appear across the Internet the last time she stalked Beckett. Hell, the last time they caught her, Kane shed the coat of his custom-made suit so the lunatic didn’t get arrested from Beckett’s dressing room stark naked.

Then again, I muse, while many will stop after being arrested, persecuted, and convicted, that doesn’t derail those ready for the loony bin. In some cases, they’ll just shift their focus to someone else. In others, they just become more fixated.

Like Kane’s coat buddy.

A few minutes ago, Kane called to discuss the matter. Colby’s been furiously dictating orders at Kane as if he’s the one in charge. And every other breath, Kane’s been offering his resignation. Like now. I listen with amusement as Kane declares for the eighth time, “I really quit. I am not standing outside Beckett Miller’s fire escape in the middle of a New York winter. In no way am I paid enough.”

Kane’s struggling not to lose his temper at Colby. I try, and fail, to keep my laughter in check. Since Austyn’s okay and she’s apparently willing to talk, I feel like I could take on the world and win.

Deciding to take matters into my own hands, I lean over and offer my services up for promotion, “If Kane quits, does this mean I get a raise?”

I’m close enough to hear a deep laugh in Kane’s ear before Kane shoves me to the side so he can focus on what Colby’s saying. Upon returning from Memphis, every agent guarding his place suffered the heat of Beckett’s verbal disgust. We all need a touch of joviality in our lives.

Some of us who are in love with the boss’s daughter a little bit more than most, I think.

Kane finally disconnects his call and realizes we’re all laughing at his expense. He mutters, “Assholes. I work with a bunch of assholes.”

“I’m wounded, Kane. And here I thought we were getting along so well.”

He turns his back to Angie and casually gives me the finger just before he slips his phone back in his pocket. “What’s your take on Beckett’s little stunt?”

I’m thoughtful as the ramifications of everything run through my head. “No one’s hurt and no one’s dead. At the end of the day, I’d call that a success.”

“Good theory. Did you learn that on the force?”

“No. At home. My brother and I didn’t have the greatest living situation. A family member...,” I break off as the inner door opens to reveal not just Beckett but Austyn.

Instinct has me taking half a step forward, but Beckett’s eyes slice into me.

Kane’s face takes on a pensive cast. “Isn’t that your—”

“If you’re smart, you’ll forget you met her before today,” I hiss as Beckett approaches us.

---