Page 105 of Inflame

“How do you think we should go about tightening security?” I ask. If Dan feels like he is on an interview, he pretty much is on one. Every meeting with a security staff member is giving me insight on what is happening here at HH. I need to know what the current system is lacking in order for me to provide some valuable upgrades.

“For one, there’s not enough hired staff members during the off-hours shifts. Second, there are too many ‘essential’ employees”—he makes quotes around the wordessential—“who are privy to details that I wouldn’t consider to be need-to-know.”

I nod. I’ve had similar thoughts. Graham can only manage so many departments in his building without slowly losing control over each one and making costly mistakes when it comes to preventing problems before they arise.

My phone alerts me of a missed call. I finish up with Dan and wait until he is completely gone before checking my messages. Shit. The reason has to be urgent if Tyler is giving me a call. I redial his number.

“It’s Hoffman.”

“I’m outside Miss Nettles’s loft and her date just arrived.”

I tilt my head back and groan. “Thanks for letting me know. Anything else to add?”

“Oh, most definitely, but I’d rather not say.”

“Why the hell not?"

“I plead the fifth.”

I toss both hands up, almost losing the grip I have on my cell phone. “Fucking-A, Tyler. This isn’t an interrogation—just tell me what I’m paying you for.”

He sighs. “Asher did warn me about your mood swings,” he says in a singsongy voice. “Is this one of them?”

“Asher is a piece of shit. I swear you both want me to go ballistic. Just spit it out before I come over and smack some sense into you.”

“Okay, okay. Based on the reservations made, it appears that Claire and her date will be dining at El Pastel in the Parkhouse Plaza.”

“Not surprised. It’s one of the top restaurants in town.”

“One more thing.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“Maxwell also has reservations there tonight.”

“On my way.”

“Oh, snap. Are we going to end up in jail tonight?”

“It’s a strong possibility.”

“Dayum.”

30

CLAIRE

“You look like the best purchase I have made so far,” my date says, leaning in to give me a peck on the lips. There is a compliment mixed into his awkward comment—at least I think there is. He sure seems pleased with himself. This is how some men are from the agency. When they “buy” you, they think they have certain unspoken privileges when it comes to you. It never used to bother me before but right now it does.

I take his offered hand, as he guides me from the sidewalk outside Blake’s loft and into the passenger side of his Aston Martin. It’s a nice car. Freshly waxed and still has the new car smell that I really do not enjoy. It makes me nervous, actually. Like I’m going to smudge up the window or put fingerprints where they don’t belong.

While I have never been on a date with this guy before, I have been on a dozen or more dates with guys like him. They like to flaunt their wealth and utilize the database for arm candy. With my sparkling red knee-length dress and matching heels, I hope I look the part. Having a steady flow of money will help me budget paying off my loans and being able to figure out what I can afford for rent—at least until Angie and I can figure out our pipe dream.

My date isn’t the best conversationalist, which really isn’t that surprising. He also isn’t averse to one-sided discussions where he rattles on and on about how cool his car is and how he didn’t just stick with the base model features that are built-in to all Aston Martins. No, he is an “upgrade kind of man.” His words, not mine. I use my time to polish up on my acting skills and practice showing fake interest, but in the end I just stare out the window as he takes me deeper into the city.

My phone vibrates in my handbag, and I resist looking at it. I play with my identity bracelet, and it feels weird to be wearing it again after so many months I was on hiatus from the agency. I can’t help but wonder if Nic notices that I am back to being active. I shouldn’t care, but yet I’m curious to know his thoughts on the matter. Is he shocked? Happy that his business is still going strong? Or indifferent to the entire thing?

We pull up to the Parkhouse Plaza, one of the high-rise buildings in the downtown area. The building is an iconic structure of Portland and often featured in movies taking place in the city. The top ten floors are reserved for luxury condominiums—definitely not the type that would fit my budget.

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