Page 86 of A Life Imagined
Amina appeared at her father’s side, a half-eaten apple in hand, and Farhan tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.He turned to Rayan and shook his head, perplexed.“Rayan, you’ve done so much already.”
Now it was Rayan’s turn to shake his head.“There’s more to do yet.”
Chapter
Twenty-Eight
Elise had been skittish around Mathias ever since Marsela’s lackeys had shown up at the warehouse.He hadn’t bothered with much in the way of an explanation, but she was smart enough to draw her own conclusions.The last few days, she’d been handling him with a nervous caution, sometimes forgetting long enough to make the occasional witty quip, only to catch herself and throw him a panicked look.He’d grown tired of her awkwardness, so when she arrived at the office that morning, he beckoned her over to his desk.
“Sit.”Mathias gestured toward the chair across from him.He reached for the bottle of scotch and poured two small glasses.
Elise’s eyes widened as she took a seat.“You’re here before ten, and we’re already drinking.I’m getting fired, aren’t I?”
“The thought of firing you is tempting.I’ve certainly considered it enough.”
“That’s comforting.”
Mathias handed her one of the glasses.“So, ask me.”
Elise gripped the glass, and her mouth gave an anxious quiver.“About what?”
“Don’t play dumb, Dumont.You’ve been tiptoeing around me all week.What do you want to know?”
Elise lifted the liquor to her lips and took a generous sip of courage.“Are you one of those Israeli secret agents?”
“You got me.”
Elise scowled at his mocking tone.“You told me once your father was Italian.Do you have connections to… you know?Do you know anyone…?”She raised her eyebrows in silent implication.
Mathias shrugged.“Everyone knows someone.”
“What about the gun?”
“It’s for protection.We have valuable merchandise stored here.”
“Rayan had one too.And he looked like he knew how to use it.”
Mathias snapped his fingers.“That’s right—he’s with the Mossad.”
Elise narrowed her eyes.“I see what you’re doing.You’re not going to give me anything, are you?”
“If that bothers you, go ahead and walk.”
She appeared startled.“Why would I do that?I mean, it’s not like you’re a bad person.”
“A bad person,” Mathias echoed.“Now that, I can guarantee.”
Elise looked at him for a moment then shook her head.“I don’t believe you.Anyway, that depends, doesn’t it?”
“On what?”
“Your definition.”
Mathias gave a low laugh.“Well, if you’re not going to walk away, I’ll make you a proposal.”
“A proposal?”
“I want you to take over the business.”
