Page 10 of Savage Seduction

Silently praying the doctor’s impatience doesn’t cause the elevator to stop altogether, trapping us inside this ever-shrinking box, I say, “I believe I met him this evening. Originally from Texas, but an expert in Ancient Linguistics.”

“A hick from what I understand.” The disgust in Paul’s voice surprises me.

Bretton didn’t seem like a hick to me, but I’d better play this right if I want to stay on the doctor’s good side.

“So, you’ve had the pleasure of meeting him?” The door finally slides open, and we work our way down the hallway toward the back entrance where we will receive the delivery.

Leaving out the part where he was lying on the floor completely nude in the shower, I nod. “Briefly.”

“Keep him out of my way, would you, Salgado? Other than when we need him, of course.”

“Of course.”

“Good. Now let’s receive this treasure trove of history.”He checks his watch again. “They should be pulling up within the hour.”

We reach the shipping and receiving dock. Austin types in his security code and pushes the large door open wide.

“Watch what you’re fucking doing!” Bob yells as he dodges the door.

I put my hand to my mouth and look from Bob to Dr. Austin. The two men are having a silent standoff. Dr. Paul Austin is one step down from Dr. Nakamura here at the museum. If Bob doesn’t back down, he can kiss his career goodbye.

Bob puts his hands on his hips and doesn’t look away.

“My apologies,” Austin says. “Oh, look.” He points to the delivery truck approaching.

Bob walks away with a silent glare exchanged between them.What the hell was that all about, and why did Dr. Austin not verbally kick his ass?I watch as Bob reaches the far corner of the building where he turns around and stares for an uncomfortably long time. I look away as the truck backs in and stops. The little hairs on the back of my neck tingle. I turn to see if Bob is still there, but he’s gone.

“Salgado, pull the truck ramp out and secure it to the landing.”

I do as I’m told, but I can’t shake my unease. After a quick glance over my shoulder, I shrug and get to work.

CHAPTER 5

Bretton

Istand under the hot shower, letting the water pound against my skin until I'm sure Max has left the locker room.How embarrassing was that?Definitely not how I expected to meet someone for the first time. If it weren't for the flat tire on the freeway this morning, I wouldn't have been covered in road grime and needed a shower in the first place. I sigh, stifling a laugh. Balls up, flat on my back, in a public space—definitely not something I’ve experienced before, and definitely not something I’d like to repeat anytime soon.

It’s not like I haven’t played football in high school and college; hundreds of other men have seen me naked, but this feels different. There's no sense in dwelling on it, though, or it'll just be awkward the next time I see him.

The glow coming through the frosted glass into the shower goes dark. Max must have left the locker room long enough ago that the automatic lights turned off. Thank God, I'm definitely alone.

Finally. Time to get back to what needs to be done. I turn off the water and towel-dry before leaving the shower. As I step into the room, the automatic lights flicker back on. I makea quick search to ensure I’m indeed alone before getting back to business. Approaching the large, well-lit mirror, I glance at my back, noticing a large red area darkening smack dab between my shoulder blades. That fall is definitely leaving a mark. “Speaking of marks,” I mutter as I look at my face in the mirror. I reach up and touch the small lines around my eyes that seem to have appeared out of nowhere this past year. Grief has a way of doing that to a person. I shake my head.Not now, man.

The sick feeling in my stomach deepens as the lump in my throat tightens against rising emotions. Maybe my therapist was right. Maybe I did return to work too early.

I let my arms hang at my sides and shake out the tension. After a few deep breaths, I manage to pull myself together. I turn to walk away from the mirror but pause to flex my biceps for a second. My abs, chest, and arms have really benefited from the aggressive workouts I’ve used to fill the hole in my heart. I smile. “Looking good,” I say, smirking at my reflection. “God, I’m such a douche.”

I open my locker, pull out my bag, and dig around in the front pocket for my phone. My finger hovers over the send button before I place the call I never enjoy making.

“What do you have for me, Wolf?” my real boss answers without a hello. “Time is of the essence.”

“I know, sir.”

“Well?” he asks. I imagine him sitting behind a desk, antacids spread across paperwork that should have been filed days or weeks ago. A vape pen clutched in his palm since cigarettes are no longer allowed indoors.

One thing’s for certain, the large throbbing vein in the middle of his forehead would be engorged and ready to burst. “We met briefly, but I don’t have anything to report at the moment… I wasn’t in a position to start digging into the guy’s past. It’s going to take some time.”

“There’s a lot riding on this, and I don’t think I have to explain that to you… do I?”

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