Page 98 of Fierce-Zander

“You’re in the mood for chocolate,” he said. “You said that last night when we were talking.”

“I am,” she said. “Best way to get what I want. Kind of like bribing the hostess before going into a restaurant.”

“You’re a smart one,” he said and then turned when the door opened and two candy bars were dropped on the table between the couch and chairs.

Zander stood up and went to sit in her chair and she sat in the desk chair.

“Sit by me, Betsy,” Miles said. “Couch time. We’ve got ten minutes or less before your next client shows up.”

“That’s right,” Regan said. “So this is short and sweet right now. We know the Fierces recruited you.”

Miles’s face dropped. “How did you figure that out?”

“I knew all along,” Zander said. “I filled Regan in.”

“Have you two been together since before or after you figured out who the Fierces had matched up?” Betsy asked.

“Before. The Chinese dinner that you knew about.”

“I told you he’d figure it out,” Betsy said to Miles. “I wondered if you did that on purpose.”

He hadn’t, but maybe he should have. “It doesn’t matter. They don’t know, but it’s been about two months.”

“We know the Fierces asked you to push us together. We didn’t need help. We don’t need it now. If you want to let them know, that is fine, but I’d like you to do it after the holiday. Let them enjoy the time with their family.”

“Diane and Grant have a new grandson. They should focus on that,” he said.

“So on Monday we could let it slip?” Betsy said. “If they happen to show up at the office.”

“Meaning you want to send them an email or text to come to the office?” he asked.

“Maybe,” Betsy said.

He looked at Regan. “Fine. Monday. I’ll be out of town anyway. As for this letter… I expect you, Miles, to keep an eye on things and keep your ears open. Let Regan know if you suspect anything. She’s agreed to get a gun permit and weapon.”

He turned and saw her grind her teeth. Maybe she didn’t want Miles to know that since she’d said a few times she tried to stay strong in front of him. Oh well, he probably blew it again.

“Yes,” she said. “I’ll do that. Zander said Betsy can notarize it and then I’ll deliver it next week.”

There was no reason to push her to do it faster. She was being responsible for wanting to have a gun and not be able to fire it. He couldn’t even bring her to the range without a permit either and didn’t know anyone who had land for him to use in private this weekend.

“Maybe I should get one too,” Miles said.

“That is your choice but not necessary,” Regan said. “Not to have here.”

“I’ll think about it,” Miles said. “I’m not sure I see either one of us holding a gun.”

“I’ve got a permit and gun,” Betsy said.

She did and he hated it but understood why she felt the need for it too.

“I didn’t know that,” Miles said.

“If we are done now,” Regan said. “I’ve got a client coming in and would prefer not to have a group standing around.”

Zander reached for both candy bars. Two Milky Ways and handed one to Regan. “We are done. Let’s go, Betsy. Regan, I’ll talk to you later.”

“Aren’t you going to give her a kiss?” Miles asked. “Otherwise I’m going to think you’re yanking my chain.”

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