Page 40 of Jael

“I wouldn’t call it babysitting. He wants me to see what I can dig up.”

“If she knew, she’d have your head.”

“She does know,” Danny said matter-of-factly, hoping Christopher would drop it.

“She’s playing you, man.”

“Actually, I think she’s resigned to it. She knows Gregory doesn’t approve.”

“Exactly. She knows he doesn’t like it, but she keeps pushing ahead anyway. Don’t let her fool you.”

“You think she’s hiding something?”

“That’s not the point. If Gregory wants the foundation dismantled, it’s not that hard to find a way. If he’d give me control already, I could do it in an afternoon.”

“He won’t let you touch it?”

“I think he wants to take credit when it crumbles.”

“Is that what you would do if Gregory did hand it over to you? You’d end it?”

“Don’t know. Haven’t decided yet. It makes me uncomfortable, but if it gets me on Jael’s good side?—”

“Helping battered women makes you uncomfortable.”

“Allegedly battered. You know how women can be. They make stuff up to get what they want.”

“Maybe some do, but what about the ones who don’t? Shouldn’t they get help?”

“In a perfect world. But in this world, you have to decide whose side you’re on.”

“I’m not convinced that the best outcome for anyone is the demise of Vita Nova.”

Christopher stopped at a red light and looked at Danny with delight. “You have a thing for her. Don’t you?”

“No,” Danny said a little too adamantly. He was saying it to himself as much as to Christopher. He couldn’t afford to get attached.

“Come on. I can see it on your face. I don’t know why I didn’t notice before. That’s not why you’re back, is it? To hook upwith her? Man, you must be hating me right now, knowing she’s mine.”

“I used to have a thing for her. Not anymore.”

“I bet you did. The boss’s daughter. You two ever…” He bit his bottom lip suggestively.

“No.”

“Didn’t look twice at you, am I right? You’re not really her type. I never saw much of her in those days. What was she like?”

“Not much different. There’s always been something melancholy about her. Like she knew too much of the world.”

Christopher snorted. “Listen to you, all profound. I doubt she thinks too deeply about it. What about Gregory? What was he like?”

“He had an edge about him he’s lost.”

“No kidding. Softer in some places but harder in others.”

“I guess your interactions with him have been different from mine.”

“I shouldn’t be surprised that he’s holding tight to his company, poor guy.” Christopher shook his head. “Chances are he’s going senile. He’s too belligerent not to be.”

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