Page 131 of Thorns of Malice

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Dax

My office phone beeps and Michelle states, "Mr. Carrington, Richard Lyman Sr.'s office is on line two."

"Thanks," I reply and then pick up the phone. I hit the button and say in greeting, "Dick, where are we at?"

"You're good to go," he claims.

My adrenaline spikes. "You're sure? I don't have room for any mistakes on this," I remind him.

He grunts. "Since when do I make mistakes?"

I can't pinpoint any time he has, so I chuckle, adding, "That's why I pay you the big bucks."

He grunts. "That you do. I'll have my office send the bill over."

"I'm sure you will. Thanks." I hang up and get out of my chair. I walk over to the safe. I unlock it and pull out an accordion folder that's securely shut with an elastic string around it. I relock the safe and set the folder on my desk, then pick up my phone.

Me: We need to meet.

Avery: Fuck off.

Me: I've solidified something big with Avery Carrington Scents.

A few minutes pass. The dancing dots appear and disappear on the screen several times before a message finally comes across.

Avery: Whatever you need to say, you can call or email me the details.

Me: No, I can't. Now get your ass over here.

Avery: Sorry, I'm at the spa.

I laugh out loud. Avery's running out of money and can't afford an attorney, yet she's at the spa. It's so very Avery of her.

Of course, she probably convinced some more-than-willing man to pay for her services.

Me: All right, I'll come to you.

Avery: Sorry, I'll be in my treatments. Maybe later we can talk.

My ass, we will.

I grab the package and leave my office.

Michelle asks, "Will you be back, Mr. Carrington?"

I shrug. "I'm not sure."

"What should I tell people when they call? Should I say you're out for the rest of the day or just busy?" she frets.

I huff. "Michelle, I've told you this. It doesn't matter if I'm here or not. I'm never available unless I tell you I'm available for somebody before they call. Do you understand?"

She nods. "Yes, Mr. Carrington," she says and then writes it down on her notepad for the eightieth time.

Jesus, she's an idiot.

I can't wait until my normal assistant is back. I offered Katrina a lot of money to return early from maternity leave, but she wouldn't budge.

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