Page 82 of His One True Wish

“You still hiding out in the cabin in the woods?”

“Sure am.”

“I don’t get why you don’t just buy the place?”

“It’s not for sale,” I said, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

“You know, anytime you get tired of roughing it on the prairie, you can pack up and move into one of the houses in Beaver Creek, Sun Valley. Hell, I think Sebastian just purchased a property in the Dolomites.”

“That doesn’t sound right,” I said laughing. “Does Seb realize that is a hell of a long way from Vegas.”

“Yeah.” Miles laughed. “Sebastian does not like being far from Sin City, does he?”

I sighed, realizing it was good to hear my old friend. Long before Miles and I were in business with each other, we were friends. I did wonder what he wanted. “So, what can I help you with, boss,” I said.

“Quit with the boss shit,” Miles said. “You quit and left and I respect your decision.”

“Well, I appreciate that,” I said. “But you know I’m here if you need something.”

“I do,” Miles said. “Well, I might. I’m wondering if you would come fly for me. Short term. I’ve got a project in the works that requires discreet travel.”

I sighed. Miles knew the one way to get me out of my cave was to draw me to the skies. “Domestic? International?”

“Both,” Miles said. “I need someone next week.”

“Flying out of Lauderdale?” I asked.

“Yes, and your house is ready and waiting.”

I glanced down at Cam, who looked up at me with soulful eyes. It was as if she knew I was making a plan to leave her. “I need to board Cam.”

“Got it covered. Beau will take her,” Miles said.

Beau was the youngest Decker brother. In his early twenties, he still lived on what I liked to think of as the Decker compound with his parents. Beau was the surprise baby, a good fifteen years younger than Miles and me. I felt more like his old uncle at times, but I knew he had a good heart and he loved my dog.

“All right,” I said, sighing. “I’m in. I think it’s about time I get out of here.”

“You want me to tell Ronnie to get your fridge stocked?” Miles said. “You know she will be over the moon to have you back. All my assistants like you better than me.”

“How long do you need me?”

“Three months,” Miles said. “Tops.”

“So six,” I sighed.

“Yeah, probably.”

“You fucker,” I said. “You know things always take longer than you expect.”

“And you are the only person in the world who always calls me on my bullshit,” Miles said. “I need you on this trip, man, or I wouldn’t ask.”

“I know,” I said. “I’m in.”

“Great,” Miles said. “How soon can you get here?”

“Weather is shit,” I said. “I need to pack up, tie up some loose ends. I’d like to fly Guinevere and stow her in Orlando while we are gone.”

“Whatever you need,” Miles said. “Ronnie will call you. She can arrange packers, movers, whatever you need.”

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