Page 17 of Jael

“He’s one of my best.”

“Thomas Barak is the best you can do?” Danny said.

“Just because you guys didn’t get along doesn’t mean he’s not a good agent.”

“He liked to color inside the lines.”

“And you had a problem with that?”

“He’s got no imagination.”

“He’s a good agent,” Deborah said.

“He’s smart enough not to go after Artus Sisera. I guess that counts for something. But you’re wasting your time with me. Ihave as much chance with Artus as Barak does. I was never part of that circle.”

“I don’t need you to get close to the Siseras. Gregory already is.”

“You think my old connection with Gregory is enough to get my foot in the door with them? Won’t happen.”

“Barak might not have much imagination, but givemea little more credit.”

“Maybe I’ve chosen to forget how clever you always were. You ran rings around me.”

“I brought out the best in you.”

“Is that what you call it?”

She smiled. “Artus’s son will soon be CEO of Gregory’s company.”

“Christopher’s running Heber Industries?”

“And that’s not all. The word going around is that Jael’s about to become engaged.”

He flinched. “To who?” Deborah lifted an eyebrow, and Danny shook his head. “Not to Christopher.”

“The one and only.”

“I don’t know where you got your information, but she would never marry him.”

“My information is reliable. You haven’t seen Jael in a long time. Maybe you don’t know her as well as you think you do anymore. She wouldn’t be the first to accept a match to keep Daddy happy.”

It had been years, but he couldn’t picture Jael stooping so low. “But they’re not engaged yet?”

“No.”

“Then what does any of this have to do with me?”

“I need someone who can get close to the family. And quickly. We expect the engagement to come any day, and we need you inplace. That way, when the time comes, you have some sway over the venue for the marriage festivities.”

“You came all this way to hire me as a wedding planner?”

“See? It’s an easy job, but you’re the only one who can do it. And if you do this one last thing, I’ll lose track of you for good. I promise. You’ll never hear from me again.”

“That’s what you said last time.”

“I chose my words more carefully last time. I never made promises I didn’t expect to keep. Come on, Danny. There must be something you need. Or something you want?”

There was a lot he needed, but he found it hard to believe this was God’s answer to his prayer. Then his thoughts drifted to Jael. The FBI wanted to use her engagement to pull the strings they needed, but all Danny wanted to do was go save her from it. He sighed.

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