Page 105 of Headed for Home

She insists that I don’t use physical violence or cause bodily harm. Not sure how one happens without the other but thatwould’ve been another argument entirely. Besides, what I have planned is much worse.

But it was in my best interest to agree with Cassidy last night, especially once she whipped open that secret drawer. My ass clenches at the reminder and I smirk. That sexual exploration wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for Shawn swooping in like Gary Poppins and taking the twins home with him. If Cassidy had to procreate with someone other than me, he was a solid choice.

Those thoughts vanish in a bubble of lube when I nearly rip the front door off its hinges. Time to get my main brain in the game. Unfortunately, normal functioning hits snooze as I step into the lobby. A sterile scent burns my nose to the point of frying circuits. The stench matches the stark white appearance. I almost shield my eyes against the offensive glare bouncing off every surface. There’s no trapping a gag while I wade into enemy territory.

The receptionist is on the phone, but she smiles at my approach. That coy tilt to her lips falls flat as I storm past her. She scrambles to stand and gets yanked backward by her headset. Should’ve gone wireless. Cheap bastards.

“Excuse me, sir?” She calls after me. “Do you have an appointment? You can’t just walk in—”

“Watch me,” I bellow in return.

The layout is a standard maze and I follow my gut to the rear wall. A section of oversized offices reward my assumption. I search for the boss, not bothering to knock. Several people are gawking at me from their cubicles and I offer them a gracious wave. Unless Alan is in the audience. Fuck that guy.

As luck would have it, Mr. Sutherland himself is available when I stride into his corner fortress. The view is superb and steals my breath for a moment. Ken whirls around, puttingan end to his putting practice. Alarm registers on his wrinkly features but quickly melts off once he recognizes me.

“Hello, Mr. Granger. This is a surprise. Tracey didn’t inform me that you were stopping by.” He glares at his phone as if scolding the woman remotely.

“I didn’t have an appointment.” My arm swings in an aww-shucks motion.

“Oh, that’s quite all right. My schedule is always open for you. Take a seat.” He motions to a leather monstrosity that probably moonlights as a sticky trap.

“I’d rather stand. This won’t take long.”

Mr. Sutherland rounds his desk and takes a load off. “I must admit that I’m a bit starstruck. The Mustangs are my favorite sports team. I’m a major fan of yours in particular.”

“How nice,” I deadpan. “I’d give you an autograph but that would be too kind.”

Ken recoils at my harsh rebuttal but he recovers like the professional he’s pretending to be. “We’ve been waiting to hear from you. A personal visit is more than I anticipated.” A wide grin flaunts his porcelain veneers. “Alan deserves a raise.”

I cough into my fist. “That’s fucking rich.”

“Precisely.”

“Are you responsible for his actions yesterday?”

“Can you be more specific?” Slippery fucker, this one.

“You’re aware Alan spoke to the mother of my future stepchildren.”

“I’m not sure who you’re referring to, Mr. Granger.”

“Cassidy Brooks.” I snap my fingers, demanding he keep up. “They had somewhat of an altercation last night.”

His loose flesh jiggles when he nods. “Ah, yes. The interaction didn’t sound successful, but here you are.”

Anger rushes to the surface but I choke down the slew of expletives desperate to slap him. This is meant to be draggedout entirely for my benefit. “Agree to disagree on that one, Ken. We’ll circle back in a moment. As Cassidy was recalling the monumental error your dear Alan decided to make, I began to wonder if you sent him to intimidate her. Do you know why that is?”

“Are you suggesting that my employees are engaging in unethical practices to obtain information?”

“No, not at all. That’s none of my business.” I chuckle when Mr. Sutherland has the audacity to look proud. That won’t do. “What’s really piqued my interest is if you understand the clusterfuck you’ve created for yourself.”

Ken straightens in his chair. “I beg your pardon?”

My boots scuff his polished floor as I take a lap of his luxury to delay the inevitable a bit longer. “My lawyer strongly advised me to not get involved and allow him to do his job. In most cases, I’m not even aware when Frank is handling legal matters for me. But this is personal.”

“How so?”

“Let’s not beat around the beaver bush, Ken. You know why I’m here.”

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