Page 131 of Heist

She opened her arms for a hug, and he accepted. “You look a little glum, Master Garrett,” she whispered, knowing his title would at least put a little gleam in his eye.

It worked, and he tipped back his glass after flashing her a genuine smile. “Sorry. I should probably leave, I know I’m bringing the party down.”

“Nonsense,” Patrick said. “What’s on your mind?”

Garrett dragged a hand through his hair.

“One of my manufacturing facilities is bleeding funds and I can’t figure out a way.” His index finger traced the rim of his nearly empty glass.

“Technically the numbers make sense on paper, but they shouldn’t. It’s putting me in a really tough position where if I don’t figure it out, I’m going to have to lay some people off.”

Patrick frowned. “I’m no financial expert, but sometimes having a fresh set of eyes helps. Is there anything I can look at?”

Garrett shrugged. “I’m not sure. I’ve got forensic accountants digging through the books trying to find where the issue started but none of ads up. Well, it adds up, but again, it shouldn’t I’m not a suspicious man, but it feels like someone might be sabotaging me.”

He sighed and shook his head. “This is no place for this conversation. Apologies for unloading on you. It does make me feel better having gotten it off my chest though. Just do me a favor and keep it between us, please.”

Patrick clapped him on the shoulder. “You got it, friend. Let’s plan to talk next time we’re all in the same place. Lance cleared everyone we thought might have outed Austin, but something isn’t sitting right with me. It might be time to start being a little more suspicious.”

He winked at Austin and said, ‘For now, I’m going to take my fiancé for a spin around the dance floor before I take her home and remind her that she may have stolen my heart but I still own all of her.

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