Page 52 of Shattering Nash

“And if all goes well, I’ll reach out to Anders and Ace to schedule a meeting with Inez.”

Nash stood next to Oz’s table on the balcony, wrapping up the agenda for his meeting tonight. He’d given him a rundown of how he was going to approach Inez about taking the meeting with Anders. Both of them recognized it was a delicate situation, and she’d have to be handled with some finesse. But not too much. Inez could read through bullshit. Nash would stay focused on the money aspect. That was her sweet spot.

“What time are you meeting with her?” Oz asked.

“Ten.Sharp.”

Oz slowly nodded, staring back at Nash. “And the bottle?”

“Belvedere.”

Oz smirked. “That should get you in the door.”

Should being the operative word. Inez was the most unpredictable person he’d ever met, second only to Rogue. They were equal in temper, which would no doubt make for an interesting meeting.

Nash gestured to Caine and Ridge stationed near the bar. “I don’t anticipate any problems. Security won’t be necessary. She’d probably make them wait in the hallway anyway.”

Oz gave a curt nod.

Nash started through the room but halted when he heard his name.

“Nash,” Oz said and waved him back to the table. When he was a few feet away, Oz pointed to the chair across from him.

Nash sat, watching Oz light up a cigar. “Where are we at with your contact in regards to Elodie’s employee?”

Charley.

This was not the topic he’d expected. Nash had briefed Oz after his meeting with Sullivan. There wasn’t much information, but Nash had shared everything he had. Oz didn’t seemed tobe concerned at the time. It seemed odd he’d taken an interest, considering there hadn’t been any new developments.

“He said he’d speak to the officers directly. I should hear something soon.” Nash was giving him most of the information with the exception of one small piece. He’d made a call to Sullivan again, demanding he make it a priority. Nash was growing impatient. It didn’t sit well with him. Something was off, and he wanted answers.

Nash had spent the last couple days thinking too much about the woman. He’d made a pact with himself to steer clear of Charley. Being around her would be too much of a temptation.

Oz took a drag from his cigar, staring across the balcony. Something was definitely on his mind, but it was never Nash’s position to ask. Oz valued his privacy, and Nash respected it.

“I had an interesting conversation with Elodie earlier today. With the renovations at the store complete, the staff is in the process of moving all the inventory from the apartment back into the showroom.”

Nash raised his brows. “Ahead of schedule. That doesn’t happen often.”

“Well, as you know, Elodie isn’t known for her patience.”

Nash battened down his smile. He had no doubt Oz had made a call and put a rush on the job. Being King had its privileges.

Nash clasped his hands and settled in his seat. “Is there anything you need from me?”

“She wants to rent out the apartment above the store.”

Nash furrowed his brows. The last he’d heard, Oz had made it clear in no uncertain terms the apartment would remain vacant. He didn’t want anyone living there. It was a matter of security, which Elodie had agreed with. It had Nash wondering where her change of heart had come from.

“Are you considering it?”

“Initially, no. Elodie is being stubborn and insisting on offering the apartment to” —Oz paused— “Charley Hudson.”

What?Before Nash could ask, Oz continued.

“It seems that in the last few days, Charley has abruptly moved to a complex that Elodie does not approve of.”

Nash furrowed his brows. “Where?”

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