Page 8 of Saving Veronica
“Good. I got the call this morning that it’s cleared customs. I’m going to go into Helena and pick it up. I should be home late, close to eight. Want me to stop and pick up dinner?”
“That would be wonderful. I’m meeting with the new head of the Foundation at one. I don’t know how long we’ll be, but I’ll try to be home by eight.”
“I thought William ran the Foundation.”
“He does, or did. His son is finally home for good and he’s going to take over.”
“Why was he gone for so long?” Maggie grinned when she heard the anger in her husband’s voice.
“He was off serving his country in Afghanistan. William said he needed to do what he wanted, and when he got out of the Marines, he’d take over the Foundation. Apparently, he’s only been out for a little under a month. Been reading the by-laws, and he called earlier this week to set up an appointment with me for today.”
“Oh, hadn’t realized he’d served. Do you know anything about his career?”
“Nope.” Maggie giggled. “William and Eric are invited to the BBQ, why I don’t invite him and you can pick his brain.”
Gerald laughed. “Damn woman, you know me well. I look forward to meeting a fellow Marine.” They said their goodbyes, and she was still laughing when there was a knock on the door.
“Come in!” she called, and watched as it was opened by a very tall, very handsome man. But, what quickly caught her attention was the dog standing beside him. “Oh, what a beauty.” She stood and started forward, but paused, and asked, “May I?”
“Yes. Mrs. Pennyworth?”
“Yes, but call me Maggie. And who is this?” She held her hand out for the dog to get her scent, then went down on one knee and gave him a good rubbing. Once she stood, she held out her hand. “Sorry, but yes, I’m Maggie Pennyworth. You must be Finnegan Larson.”
“I am, but Finn, please. I hope you don’t mind that I brought Major with me?”
“Not at all,” she said, and indicated for them to sit down in front of her desk. “Can I get you anything to drink?”
“Coffee would be great, ma’am.”
Maggie laughed. “First, don’t ma’am me, Maggie’s fine. Now, is Major the dog’s name, or rank?” She grinned at the man’s stunned expression.
“Both. You’re the second person to ask me that today, in less than ten minutes as a matter of fact.” He watched as Maggie went to the side of her office and started making a fresh pot of coffee.
“Really?”
“Yeah, I was delayed getting here, and the person who held me up asked when she saw him.”
“Delayed? She?” Maggie looked at him in confusion, then a look of horror came over her face. She quickly finished getting the pot of coffee started and hurriedly sat down behind her desk. She groaned and put her head in her hands.
“Please tell me you weren’t the hostage in the executive elevator?” She looked at him through breaks in her fingers from her covered face.
Finn grinned. “Yep.”
“Oh, God.”
Finn couldn’t tell if she was laughing or crying from the sounds coming from her. “Did the person look like this?” She picked up a photo on her desk, and turned it around. Finn leaned forward, and took it. He studied it intently, and saw the woman from the elevator standing between Maggie and a tall, proud man. All had huge smiles on their faces.
He looked up, and nodded. “Yep, that’s her.”
“Oh, God. I’m so sorry.”
“Do you know her?” Finn thought he knew the answer, but wanted to be sure.
“She’s my granddaughter. Her name is Veronica Parker. This picture was taken two months ago. Ronnie is a good person, but when she’s got a lot on her mind, she can be…” Maggie was at a loss for words.
“Passionate?” Finn grinned at Maggie’s laugh.
“Yes, let’s go with that. So, how long did she keep you in the elevator?”
