Page 12 of Jael

Before she could come up with a suitable response, she heard the swish of the door behind her and turned. “Hey, Hannah, something’s just come up. I’ve got to go, but I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Sounds good. Talk to you then. And look after yourself.”

“I will.” She hung up and smiled at Christopher. “I had to make a phone call.”

“I see that.” He had his hands in his pockets and took his time ambling over. “Everything okay?”

“It is now.”

“Good. You seemed distracted at the start of the night. I was worried maybe I was the cause. Your dad didn’t give me the opportunity to get to the bottom of our earlier conversation.”

She shook her head. “Honestly, my preoccupation has nothing to do with you. I have a mountain of other things to worry about. Mostly I’m relieved it’s not me in your position. There was a time when my dad expected me to step up. You’ve taken the heat off.”

“I’m glad I could be of service.” He looked up at the sky. “You know, it’s strange.”

“What is?”

“That you and I barely know each other.” He took a step forward so she was behind him. “Our families have been friends for decades, but you and I haven’t crossed paths much.”

“We have different lives and run in very different circles.”

He turned to her. “Notthatdifferent. We’ve often been at the same parties, big and small.”

“As I get older, I prefer my own company over a crowd.”

“I can see that about you. You’ve been fantastic tonight though. You always have been. The way you work the room is something of an art form. But I’ve always noticed a distant look in your eye, like you’d rather be somewhere else.”

“Lucky it’s not that obvious to my dad.”

“I don’t think it’s obvious to anyone. They just like your attention. But once I take over at Heber, I wouldn’t mind the opportunity to cross paths with you more often.”

“Why?” she said too aggressively. “Sorry.” She shook her head. “It’s been a long night.”

“Is that all it is?”

She huffed a laugh. “I came here unhappy. And now you’re wearing it.”

“A woman like you amongst the wolves. I don’t blame you.”

“You consider yourself a wolf?”

He gave her a devilish grin. “When the mood strikes. But that’s not what I meant. Everyone here tonight came for something. You’re probably the most selfless person at the table. Your dad has done a good job protecting you and raising you to be strong, but it comes at a cost.”

Her lips flattened into a thin line. “Yeah, Dad has always been protective.” She watched him, wondering how much he actually knew.

His face retained its quiet contentment. He was a man who never gave much away. An important trait when your dad’s a crime boss.

“I want you to know,” he said, shifting closer. “You have nothing to worry about with me. My intentions are all honorable. I promise you.”

“I’ve heard that sentiment stated on more than one occasion, right before a knife is plunged into the other’s back.”

“Your own?”

She shrugged. “I’m still standing.”

“You’re protective of your foundation. Is that what’s bothering you? Vita Nova, is it?”

“Yes.”

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