Page 27 of Beau and the Beast

"That's an understatement."

"It's... not about to getlessstrange, Beau," he said, fixing him with a serious look. "I can guarantee you that."

"If Wolfram is so eccentric, why do you all keep working for him? Why did you agree tolivewith him?"

"It's complicated. I think you'll understand once you meet him."

"That's what everyone keeps telling me," Beau said, flat. "You know, he's not the first billionaire I've ever met. Working for The Ledger, I've met all sorts of weirdos—truly some odd ducks. I seriously doubt that Wolfram is going to throw anything at me that's all that shocking."

Geoffrey gritted his teeth and grimaced, as if the statement had put him into real physical pain.

"I really doubt that," Geoffrey said.

Beau rolled his eyes.

"Listen, I don't want to tell you how to do your job," Geoffrey said, "but just... write down whatever he says. He's not the kind of person you want to disagree with. I know Violet has high hopes for this book you're going to write about him—and I get it, we all want it to be... really great—but do what's best for yourself. Just get the project done quick, get the money, and run in the opposite direction as fast as you can."

Beau puffed a laugh through his nose. "Nobody likes having a reporter around. I get it. It makes people jumpy—"

"It's not that."

"—But like I said yesterday, I understand the difference between something that's off the record and something that's needed for a story. You all don't have to censor yourselves around me so much."

"I promise—it's not you. Just write down what he has to say."

"That's not what I was hired for. I'm here to tell a story, not take dictation."

Geoffrey sighed again. "That's what I was afraid of."

There was movement from one of the hallways. Violet stepped out, perfectly put together in a charcoal suit, her hair styled differently from the day before.

"Beau, Mr. Wolfram is ready to meet you now."

A shiver played up Beau's spine.

"Let’s do it," he said.

He was shocked when Geoffrey clapped him on the shoulder, holding his big hand there and squeezing.

"Wolfram’s not the worst guy once you get to know him," Geoffrey said. Violet gave him a funny look. Beau searched his eyes, trying to understand why he was suddenly encouraging him.

"Geoffrey..." Violet said in a cautioning voice.

"Be brave," Geoffrey said. "Stand your ground."

“This is the weirdest pep talk I’ve ever gotten before an interview,” Beau said, eyebrows raised. But Geoffrey just nodded and gave his shoulder another squeeze before dropping his hand.

Violet began a path toward a wing of the penthouse that Beau hadn't toured the day before and Beau fell in behind her.

"I briefed Mr. Wolfram about the situation with your brother."

"Can't imagine he was too pleased about that," Beau said. "I guess you had to tell him, though."

She nodded. "Trust me, he was more upset at our internal security lapse than he was at your brother. Don't worry about that part."

"Ok," Beau said. "What partshouldI be worried about?"

She stopped and fixed him with a weak smile. "None of it. Ignore Geoffrey. You don't have anything to worry about."

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