Page 55 of The Chase
I picked up a pen from his desk and leaned over, signing my name along the dotted line.
“Apologize to him,” he said.
I raised my gaze to his.
“Win back Mr. Wilder’s respect for Huntly Pierre.”
“You make it sound like I’m meeting him.”
“You’re taking him to lunch at Sketch.” He waved to the door. “Table’s booked.”
Mayfair? One of London’s poshest areas?
“Today?”
“Elena will give you the company credit card. Put it on that. Express your sincere apology and let our client know they can expect a professional when or if they ever require a field specialist again.”
Maybe, just maybe,I silently mused,you should pay your staff danger money for when the client wants them to get half-naked and run through a—
“We have an understanding?” said Adley.
“Yes, sir.”
He brightened. “I’d appreciate your insight on the Jaeger heist. We’re set to approve the case for their insurance claim. Another set of eyes and all that.”
“Thank you,” I said, feeling a rush of excitement. “I’d love that.”
The Jaeger’s high-profile case was going to be my first chance to shine.
“We have a meeting at two. That’ll be all.”
“Thank you.” I left Adley’s office with mixed feelings.
I’d never visited Sketch until now and realized why as I blinked away to take in the restaurant’s lavish pink seating, pink flooring and, well, pink everything, including the walls, which also showcased drawings by satirical artist David Shrigley.
I saw Tobias and Logan tucked away at a corner table. By the time I reached them my heart was pounding too fast and my hands were trembling. No doubt Logan was going to eviscerate me publicly, and I’d have to endure it until I could get out of here.
I thanked the mâitre d’ and braved a look at Tobias, waiting for his invitation to join them, my breath stilted as his frown deepened further.
Even though he’d dressed down in ripped jeans, a white shirt and black jacket, he still oozed sophistication; his gorgeous face framed by ruffled hair as though perfection just fell in line around him. Those sleek lines of his jaw flexed and his eyes sparked with curiosity as they roamed over me.
“Hello.” I forced my friendliest smile.
With no response from him, I glanced over at Logan. “I have your form. I signed it.”
His glare fell on Logan. “You arranged this?”
She looked triumphant as she held out her hand.
I reached out and gave her the envelope. “Thank you for inviting me.” Though reading his confusion I added, “Or not? Don’t want to intrude.”
Tobias’s eyes searched the table. Clearly he wasn’t expecting me.
Feeling the burn of the attention of the other guests, I said, “May I join you?”
He rose to his feet and I was again reminded how tall he was, how he moved with assuredness. With a slight nod he gestured for me to join them, and then he sat back down.
Classical piano played softly in the background and I vaguely mused over whether I recognized the piece.
