Page 16 of Embrace Me Forever

Rob asks, “What did you find about Obsidian Moon itself?”

“It’s all aboveboard. Legitimate operations, real clients.”

Clayton sinks into his chair. “This isn’t looking good.”

“A person with no history is a risky proposition,” I say. “But someone who doesn’t seem to have a life is more than an enigma. They’re a wild card you don’t want to play.”

Clayton says, “I concur.” Then his fighter-jet pilot eyes hone in on me like he’s targeting a rogue cloud. “And like you, Blake, I want her to bereal.”

I flatten my lips, feeling like a magician caught with a hidden card up his sleeve. The younger Hartley knows my thoughts are straying far from the professional realm. I want Georgia-May to be real beyond the boundaries that these brothers are debating. An apologetic look is all I can muster, trusting it conveys, ‘Sorry, the outcome isn’t what we’d hoped for.’

Rob decides, “Let’s assume a high-dollar player is backing her. One of our competitors, perhaps? Or a newcomer trying to get a piece of our pie?”

“I haven’t found anything on that, strangely. Maybe it’s an underground company operating under the radar or one based overseas using different channels to avoid detection,” I reply.

“Keep digging, Blake,” Rob says. “Clay and I will be in Europe for the next few weeks. We’ll snoop around and see if we can detect any bad blood, though we know you’re the real bloodhound here.” He winks.

I scoff, but I like their idea.

“In the meantime, I’ll continue touching base with Rocky and Thomas to unwrap exactly what we’ve bought for 30G,” Clayton says.

“I do want her to be legitimate, Blake. Believe me,” Rob says, looking into my eyes. “But let’s treat her like any other potential supplier. Or may I say, possible threat.”

“I’m on it, Rob,” I assure him. “And because I regard you as more than just my bosses, I’m going to address the elephant in the room.” I dart a look at Clayton. “You might think I’ve got a soft spot for Ms. Williams, but my loyalty is rock solid. Always.”

“We know, tough guy.” Clay taps my shoulder firmly, the trademark gesture saying he trusts me.

“We should invite her back when you return from your trip,” I propose.

Clay smiles. “Are you suggesting we do that regardless of Rocky’s and Thomas’ findings?”

“Yes. Let’s flush everything out of her,” I press. “I may find her puppet master, but there must be a reason why she’s in this position. Maybe she’s trying to protect someone, or perhaps she’s been coerced into this role. Understanding her true motive could reveal a lot about the bigger picture.”

My bosses give me the green light to run with the idea.

As I leave the office, I pull out my phone and call the cab driver who took Georgia-May.

“So, did she stop anywhere? Make any phone calls?” I ask, bracing myself for the answers.

“No. We went straight to the airport. She got on the flight to Denver without looking back.”

A good sign, albeit a small one in the scheme of things. “All right,” I say. “Did she say anything unusual during the ride?”

“No, sir. She was quiet all the way. Although, at one point, she was in tears.”

“Tears? Did she mention why?” I probe.

“She simply said she was all right when I asked, nothing more.”

“Have you got a clue why?”

“Well, I’m just a driver, Mr. Blake. That’s all I can tell.”

This guy usually has a theory for everything, especially when he suspects someone might be up to no good. Clearly not this time.

I swivel in my chair, imagining the possibilities. Could she have been releasing all the nerves she’d been carrying? Was she grateful it was all over and the money was hers? Or was it the pressure of facing what’s next?

“What was playing then?” I ask.

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