Page 24 of Jael

“What else would it be?”

“If she married Christopher, it would tie a nice bow around everything now that he’s taking over as CEO. It would keep everything in the family.”

Gregory looked at him and nodded warmly. “Even after ten years, you still see things the same way I do. It’s a breath of fresh air. You couldn’t have returned at a better time. If you were my child instead of Jael, my life would be far less stressful.”

“I don’t know about that. I wasn’t a good kid.”

“But you’re a man. I know how your mind works. I don’t know what to do with a strong-headed woman. If her mother was still here, this would have been smoother. Natalie always knew how to talk to Jael. I’ve done my best, but…her mind is full of all the wrong things. I’ll be glad to have all this behind us.”

“And what if I can’t find anything?”

“You will. It’ll be there. You just have to dig. Every time I ask her to do something for me, she makes excuses. There’s always something more important to do. She’s late to lunch, moody all the time, and so far, she’s been nothing but cold to Christopher, which makes no sense. He is a successful, good-looking man. He’s everything she could ever want in a partner, and she’s throwing it all away. It’s like she’s gotten stuck in a cult. Christopher will only put up with her snub for so long, and I can’t expect more from him. I’ve done everything I can on my end. Now I’m relying on you to bring this thing to an end.”

“I’ll do everything I can to help you and her.”

“Exactly what I want. Be careful with her, okay? She’s a strong woman, but in this, I’m afraid she could crack.”

“Leave it to me. I’ll begin right away.” He stood, and Gregory joined him.

“You know,” Gregory said as he led Danny out, “I was feeling pretty low today, but you’ve changed that for me. And I’ll compensate you accordingly.”

“I appreciate it. And I appreciate you giving me another chance to work with you, but more than that, it means a lot to have you back in my life.”

“Me too— Oh, one more thing.” Gregory stopped him when they reached the door. “I’d like you to join us for dinner tonight if you’re available. Or if you’re not, make yourself available.”

“That’s kind of you to offer, but I remember your dinner parties. Do you really want an ex-con at your table?”

“You think I care about your prison time? It would mean a lot to me if you came.”

“Then I won’t say no. Maybe I’ll even have something to report by then.”

“You’re a good man, Danny Fletcher. No matter what the law says.”

“I’ll see you tonight.”

After a quick phone call to Deborah with the update, Danny bought the necessary gear. He didn’t like the idea of spying on Jael, but if she really was in trouble, he’d do whatever it took to get her out of it. He owed her that much.

Chapter 7

Jael finished typing her report,then leaned back in her chair and stretched. Things were looking good for Becca. The gears didn’t always move this smoothly or quickly. It was always a relief to get more support on board. It had helped that Becca remained firm in her resolve. And as always, Hannah had been a huge part of the process, contacting Becca every day to encourage her and let her know what progress was being made.

There wasn’t a lot about Jael’s past that she was proud of, but it had given her the skills and knowledge to navigate the cat-and-mouse game that some spouses tried to play. And she was better at it than they were.

“I’m getting lunch,” Hannah said, sliding her purse off the back of the chair. “You want me to get you anything?”

“That would be nice. Thank you. Where are you going?”

“The sushi place. You want the usual? Chicken and avocado?”

“Perfect.”

“And what if I told you I was swinging past Harold’s bakery to get a cinnamon roll smothered in cream cheese frosting?”

“I’d say you’d better bring me one of those too.”

As soon as Hannah went out the door, Jael let go of the smile that had been for Hannah’s benefit. Jael didn’t want the cinnamon roll. Her appetite had been almost nonexistent lately, but she knew it would make Hannah worry if she didn’t eat. There were so many things she did to make other people happy. Hannah’s motivations were far different from her father’s, but did that matter when she didn’t know how to just be herself?

Her thoughts inadvertently drifted back to Danny’s sudden appearance. It had shocked her to see him there, no longer the wiry young vigilante always looking for trouble. He’d filled out in all the right ways, and the attraction that remained after all these years was not only unexpected but it was unwanted. She didn’t still hold a grudge for the way he’d treated her back then, but that didn’t mean she was willing to rekindle what should be dead and buried.

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