Page 49 of Legal Attraction

Rand’s face went very still. Coral knew he’d just heard that part of the message.

I left the meeting feeling confident in Muskanza and suspicious of our firm, but then they pulled me into the security offices. And I felt like I was talking to Lucan. They have state of the art systems. They knew all about Othello. They filled me in on the latest intel in their own systems to track the terrorists. They warned me of the dangers and advised me to let their own men stand watch outside my apartment. They also warned me against a possible breach in my security detail. They asked me about my meeting with Muskanza. And then warned me against them. They had details, proof that Muskanza has interacted with known members of Othello.

Rand coughed. “Oh sorry. I’m getting some disturbing news. Just a moment.” He stood and started pacing.

I don’t know what to do Rand. I don’t know where to go. I need your help.She had hung up after that.

Rand lowered the phone. “Wow, that was some message. I’ll have to address some of that in just a minute. I can’t stay much longer. I just wanted to give you the news. Oh, and Coral. This might sound a little forward, maybe even more than you’re wanting right now, but learning we get to work together was great news for me. Want to get dessert after karaoke tonight with the others?”

“Dessert?” She wrinkled her nose. What was he getting at?

“Sure. I have a whole set up for fondue and ice cream at my place…” He smiled like he was flirting with her. Hadn’t she just explained the whole being bugged thing? What was he doing?

He put a hand down on her table so he could lean in closer. “We can talk work…or not. Up to you.” When his face was close enough, no one else could read his expression, his eyes turned very serious.

So she nodded. “Great. I’ll pack my bags early then, maybe stay at your place?” She flipped her hair and suspected she looked ridiculous. She had no way of knowing how to flirt when you felt like you were in danger so that your boss thought you were serious.

But he grinned and then nodded. “Excellent.”

He turned. “I’ll deal with this and get things in order. I think the email says we will be out five days.”

“Yes, you’re right. Looking forward to it.”

“Me too.” He rested a hand on her door frame, looking like he wanted to pull her into his arms.

She would have gladly accepted one of his strong hugs. But that could come later. “See ya.”

He opened his mouth and then closed it and nodded. “See ya.”

The rest of the day went as long as it was possible to go. Every moment seemed to drag on.

Trey stepped into her office right before dinner. “You in tonight?”

“I am, you?”

“Yep, but I’m always in. Where have you been?”

She sighed. “I actually went to visit a client. And then had some kind of orientation with security.”

“Wow, will we all have that?”

“I don’t know. It might be related to my family situation. I’ve had security briefings before about all kinds of things.”

Trey stared at her a moment like she was odd but then let it go. “So, karaoke? Do you sing?”

“Absolutely not, but I love to dance and it’s fun to try to sing, right?”

“I guess. Unless you can’t carry a tune….” Trey looked worried.

“Oh stop. You’re probably one of those choir/theater boys who can totally belt out Les Misérables or something.”

“How did you know?”

“Wait, seriously?”

“Maybe a little bit, but karaoke isn’t about show tunes.”

“But it could be. This is too good.” Coral laughed at his embarrassment. “I’m excited to hear what you got. And don’t worry. No one listens too closely. They’re all getting drunk and dancing.”

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