Page 56 of Jael

“Have you run your ideas by the deputy director?”

“Not yet, but I did do a job with Christopher the other day.”

Barak nodded. “I read the report. I didn’t sound promising.”

“It didn’t turn out how I’d hoped, but there may still be opportunity. I could still talk my way in.”

Barak looked skeptical. “How?”

“Christopher’s cocky, and he likes anyone he sees as a threat to know he’s in charge.”

“You think he believes you’re a threat?”

“Not now, but I can change that.”

“Won’t he just kill you if he doesn’t like you?”

“Not if I make myself valuable.”

“And how will you do that?”

“I’ll think of something. All I need is a little time.”

“You and I both know that Deputy Director Mills won’t settle for anything less than solid evidence to bring Artus and Christopher down.”

“I know. I’ll find it.”

Barak shrugged. “I guess you can go for it as long as it doesn’t interfere with our original plan.”

Danny didn’t expect him to agree so easily. He’d take an easy win, even if Barak only said it because he didn’t think there was any chance of finding anything.

“Great,” Danny said. “I’ll keep you updated.”

“But you had better tread carefully. If you put one foot out of line, you’ll have to answer to me.”

“Aw, Thomas, you sound worried about me.”

Barak stepped closer. “Don’t forget why she chose you.”

Danny narrowed his eyes. “My life’s not worth as much as yours. I’ve got it.”

“Good. See you around.”

“Always a pleasure working with you.”

Danny didn’t move until he heard the buzzer sound when Barak left the store. He lifted his eyes to the ceiling in a mock plea to God. He knew God was in control, but this added testing didn’t help.

“Is my anger that much of a problem that you have to give me so much opportunity to strengthen my self-control?” he mumbled.

But now, he had Barak on board for another plan. And once Gregory’s will was read and word of Jael’s inheritance made its way to the FBI, he was sure Deborah would give him whatever he needed to find the required evidence.

Chapter 15

Jael sat quietlynext to Christopher as they waited for everyone to arrive. He was on his phone, but his hand had wandered over and rested on her knee. She left it there. Over the past week, she’d found it easier to accept his affection than to push him away. But once they got through today, that would all change. She’d already decided to sell her apartment and move somewhere cheaper to save money. Running the foundation had taught her a lot about budgeting, and she was confident she could use her inheritance for many years to come by living a simpler life. It sounded like a dream.

“We can talk about it on Thursday,” Christopher said into the phone while his thumb rubbed on her leg.

He wouldn’t mourn her loss. He’d have everything else he wanted now that her father was gone. He could run the company however he wanted.

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