Page 25 of Disciplining Dana

“It is,” Kurt said quietly. “This must be a bonus play area. Like the playground we saw earlier with the larger-than-life equipment. That was clearly for Littles. This”—he gestured to where the man brought down the crop again—“is obviously the playground for Bigs.”

Dana shot him a look, and he returned it with raised eyebrows. It was, as Dana had said earlier, disconcerting. And, as they both agreed—not at all what anyone would expect from the dude ranch Gary had referenced. That didn’t mean it wasn’t impressive, because it was. A lot of work had gone into everything they’d seen so far, and it was hard not to admire what had been built here.

It was three-fifteen in the afternoon by the time they made it back to the main building and asked at the front desk for Erika.

“Oh, let me get her,” a different young woman behind the counter said politely. “Is she expecting you?”

“Yes,” Kurt replied. “Roman spoke with her earlier today.”

“Okay, no problem, I’ll find her.”

The woman picked up a phone, and a short, hushed conversation later she was smiling back at them.

“Erika’s finishing up something and then she’ll be right here. If you want to wait…” She indicated a pair of the deep leather chairs that dotted the lobby.

“Thank you,” Kurt murmured, and he and Dana both sat down to wait.

Not long afterward, a small-statured, slender woman stepped out of a nearby office and approached them.

“Ms. Aziz, Mr. Ellery?” She extended her hand.

“Yes,” Kurt answered, standing. He didn’t remember Roman mentioning their names in his phone conversation, but this woman somehow knew who they were.

“I’m Erika, Master Derek’s personal assistant. I’m told you wished to see him about a matter concerning the mine?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Kurt replied.

“Is there an issue I should be aware of?” For such a small, pixie-esque woman, her tone was polite but no-nonsense. Whatever she did for Mr. Hawkins, she took full charge.

“No, ma’am. We’d just like a few minutes of his time to discuss something.”

Erika smiled briefly. “I see. Well, come with me, then. He’s in his office.”

They crossed the lobby and headed into the office she’d emerged from. Once inside, she knocked on another door before directing them into an adjacent room.

A tall, handsome man with striking blue eyes and neatly trimmed brown hair shot through with silver strands rose as they entered.

“Master Derek, I’d like you to meet Ms. Aziz and Mr. Ellery,” Erika said.

The man came around his desk, hand outstretched. “Pleasure to meet you, folks.”

Kurt and Dana shook his hand then sat in nearby chairs he indicated.

“If you don’t need me…” Erika asked as the man returned to his desk.

“We’ll be fine, Erika. Thank you.”

She murmured farewells, then closed the door behind her.

“So,” Mr. Hawkins began, “Roman tells me you have a business opportunity you want to discuss.”

“Well, not an opportunity, per se,” Kurt replied.

“We need your help,” Dana cut in.

“Need my help?” Mr. Hawkins repeated, furrowing his brow.

“We work for a company called McKerr-Dennison. We’re here representing a prospective client who has asked us to investigate the potential of enlarging their segment in the precious gems market. Specifically, sapphires.” Kurt went on to patiently explain everything they’d told Roman earlier. As he did, Dana pulled out a pair of business cards and laid them on the desk. Mr. Hawkins glanced at them quickly before returning his attention to the conversation.

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