Page 98 of Shadowed Obsession

Waking up with my Doe in my arms has been both a beautiful and painful reminder that I needed to make a decision yesterday. It’s so easy to get enraptured in her and forget the task at hand, but I need to secure another client to make up for this loss with the Hales.

There’s an anniversary party tonight at the Divin Distillery, and she invited me, despite the whole “let’s be a secret” thing. I said yes, because I’d enjoy nothing more than to spend the evening with her in the place she’s dedicated herself to. She guarantees her family won’t be in attendance, and that puts me at ease.

While the Klarkes are intimidating, I’d expect them to be more cautious of whoever Deirdre dates moving forward.

She swears her father is the hardest to impress, but something tells me that Regina would be the biggest challenge and the one to worry about. Especially when it comes to finding out what led me to Deirdre.

I kiss her goodbye, and those beautiful brown eyes watch me as I get dressed and head out for the day. I have to be careful around her, because if I am not, I won’t leave that bed.

I hop in my truck and pull out of her driveway to be on time for a debrief with one of my clients who’s hired me to find out if there best friend and husband are sleeping together. This case should keep me busy today.

When’s the right time to tell her?

Not tonight.

I’m thankful for the distraction when my Bluetooth announces a call.

“Incoming call from Dax Hale. Answer it?”

“Answer it,” I say.

“Morning, Dax. Is everything all right?” I ask, nervous he’s calling me so early in the day.

“Hey, mate. Would you mind dropping in today? There’s a new development with the Klarke bid, and I’d like for us to have a plan,” he informs me.

“Of course. I can stop by around noon. Does that work for you?

“See you then,” he says before the line goes dead.

Noon rolls around quickly, and as always, I arrive early, running into a security guard standing outside of Dax’s office door. Which is odd, considering I’ve never seen him before. He holds the door open and announces me when I approach.

“Thanks. Come in,” Dax says. “Can you let Dara know I don’t need her for this conversation?”

Why not?

I take in the room as I enter and train my facial expressions. He’s sitting behind his desk eating a cookie, which seems harmless. But the energy in here is off. More than usual, anyway. I often feel uncomfortable around Dax, and Dara is so skittish that I assume she’s afraid of me, but this is different.

“Have a seat, mate. Fancy a biscuit?” he asks, taking a bite of his, pointing to a box of sugar cookies on his desk.

“No, thank you. What’s this new development you mentioned?” I ask, taking a seat in front of him.

“Hmph. All work and no play. We both know that isn’t true, innit?”

What is this idiot on about?

He picks up a manilla folder and reaches inside to retrieve something. When he tosses a handful of photos down between us, I don’t need to flip through them all to know exactly what they’ll show. Me and Deirdre photographed every time we have been in public together.

Fuck.

“I found it odd when ourbestprivate investigator suddenly came up short. How couldyounot findanythingincriminating on a familyfullof criminals? I didn’t want to suspect anything, because Theo speaks highly of you, but there’s a million dollars on the line. You must understand that I need to know I can trust my private eye.” He takes a moment to chew his cookie before continuing. “I must admit that I hadn’t expected to find you in such acompromisingposition with Deirdre Klarke.”

Watch your fucking mouth.

“You will not disrespect her,” I threaten through gritted teeth.

“Easy, mate. I don’t fault you for shagging her. She is a looker. I like mine a bit leaner, but she has quite the arse,” he adds with a wink.

Motherfucker.

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