Page 107 of Hidden Ascent

“No, sir. Beth’s come down with the flu. They’ve sent me to fill in for her. My name’s Maddy Rochedale. I can assure you I come highly qualified.”

“Very well, Maddy, I’ve got an important meeting coming up. After that, I’ll be heading over to my other offices where I’ll need you to attend.”

“Yes, sir. I’ve been briefed.”

“Excellent. I expect a Mr. Jayden Parker to arrive shortly. When he does, will you show him in and hold all my calls?”

“Certainly.”

He started to his office, then stopped and turned. “Would you bring me a coffee? Milk, no sugar.”

“It’s on your desk. I made it when I was alerted to your return to the office.”

Sharpe smiled. “Very good. I have the feeling you’re going to fit in here nicely while Beth is recovering.”

“I hope so.”

After looking through the rest of his messages, he settled into his chair and swirled around to look out at the city. Jay had come through for him with the attorney general. He hadn’t expected him to pull it off. He’d taken a risk allowing Jay to take back the DEA agent he’d given as a gift, but his entire business had been built around the smart risks, proven once again today. Having Lloyd Whitlock at his service would make several aspects of his business run a lot smoother. The drug trade he’d gotten involved in was already booming, but he had even bigger plans.

His phone buzzed. “Sir, Mr. Parker is here to see you.”

“Thank you. Send him in.”

When the door opened, Sharpe directed Jay to sit. “Thanks, Maddy. Remember, no calls.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jay looked back at her. “New secretary? I thought she was a blonde.”

“Yeah, Beth’s sick apparently. So, that was quick. When you promised me Whitlock, I thought it would take longer to deliver.”

“Longer to deliver? Or not at all?”

“I’m a realistic man. Not too proud to admit I had my doubts.”

“Lucky for you, I’m big on customer service.”

“And Isla Taylor?”

“You’ll understand in a moment the value of allowing me to borrow her. I’ve now got her detained and ready for delivery wherever you like.”

“Can I expect this type of service in the future if we work together?”

“Whenever I can.”

“I can’t wait to see what you’ve got.”

“I have a taste.” Jay stood and placed a photo in front of him.

“A taste?” Sharpe looked at the picture but didn’t touch it until he saw its contents. “My, my. You’re right. I’m pleased with the outcome of allowing our little captive her momentary freedom. When you said Whitlock had a soft spot for her, I didn’t know you meant this.”

“I think soft spot is an understatement.”

“So, Lloyd Whitlock enjoys dipping his hand in the cookie jar after all. It goes to show you can’t always tell with people.”

“No. You never know what’s really under the surface until you start digging.”

“How’d you arrange it?”

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