Page 12 of Royal Deception
I rub my jaw, thinking it over. “I’ll get in contact with Darcy, get the client’s info, set up a meeting. If this goes well and we land a big name like that, it could be our ticket to getting others on board.”
Kellan stands to leave but pauses at the door, turning back to me. "You sure about this? This whole new start, clean slate thing?"
I let out a small chuckle, the sound ringing hollow to my ears. No, I’m not sure at all, but I can’t let Kellan know I have any doubts. “Trust me. It's the only way forward.”
Kellan doesn’t say anything else, just nods and walks out.
I watch Kellan leave, the door clicking shut behind him, and for a moment, I’m left with nothing but the quiet weight of what lies ahead. Setting up a legitimate business after everything we’ve done… It’s a hell of a shift.
I grab my phone from the desk, dialing Darcy’s number without a second thought. The line rings a few times before she picks up, her voice warm but businesslike.
"Hey, Rory. What’s up?"
"Hey, Darcy," I reply, leaning back in my chair. "Kellan mentioned you might have a client for us.”
“I do,” she says, sounding pleased. “Her name is Callie Fitzgerald. She’s the author of theTravelers of the Starsseries.”
I hum, recalling the way those books had been making waves in the news lately. “I’m familiar with it.”
“She’s gotten pretty popular since she signed with us and there’ve been a few incidents. Nothing serious, but I can tell she’s looking for some peace of mind.”
“Perfect,” I say. “Let me know the time and place and I’ll have a meeting with her.”
“Absolutely. I’ll get in touch with her and see when she’s free. How about tomorrow afternoon?” she suggests. “I think she’s in town, but I’ll confirm.”
“Thank you, Darce," I say, infusing my tone with warm appreciation. “Be in touch soon.”
I hang up, feeling the weight of everything start to settle in. Setting up a meeting with Callie Fitzgerald could be the opportunity we need to make a name for ourselves in this new venture.
A few days later, I settle down at the head of the sleek, glass table in our conference room, glancing over to watch as Clary sets out a tray of coffee and tea for us. There’s a tension in her shoulders, and I open my mouth, unsure of what I’m going to say, but just then, the door opens and a woman steps inside, her presence filling the room immediately.
Callie Fitzgerald is striking, with jet-black hair pulled into a tight bun and sharp, brown eyes that rove the room before settling on me. She’s tall, wearing a tailored black dress that hugs her curves perfectly, and she moves with a natural grace, giving me the impression she’d be at ease in any situation.
“Mr. Brannagan,” she greets, offering a firm handshake. “Thanks for making time for me today."
“Call me Rory, Miss Fitzgerald,” I insist, gesturing for her to take a seat.
“Only if you call me Callie,” she says, giving me a playful wink.
She sits across from me, pulling a small notebook from her bag and setting it on the table. Her eyes meet mine, assessing me with an intensity I’m not unfamiliar with.
“You and I are both business-minded people, Rory,” she says, “and I’m not here to waste time. I wanted to meet you in person before making any decisions, but I have a feeling that we’ll be able to come to an agreement quickly.”
I nod. “You’re right,” I say, enjoying the way she takes charge. “Travelers of the Starsis a great series. I’m impressed at how much of a following you’ve gained since joining my sister-in-law’s firm.”
She smiles, a gleam of pride in her eyes. “It’s been a wild ride, but with any success come complications, as you know.”
I tilt my head, raising an eyebrow. “Oh? What kind of complications?”
She leans forward. “Ever since my second book,The Lost Hourglass, came out last year, I’ve been getting some… unwanted attention. The kind that makes me realize that I’m not just an average citizen anymore.”
I nod, a hand on my chin. “I understand. That kind of attention can be problematic. You’re right to be cautious.”
“I didn’t want to make a big deal of it, but I think I need to take steps before it gets worse,” she continues. “I’ve been looking into options. When Darcy suggested meeting with you, I was intrigued. I’ve heard rumors about the Brannagan family and the kind of business they do.”
“Anyone successful will have rumors following them,” I say with a shrug. “But what’s important here is that we can offer you top-notch protection, and we handle it discreetly.”
“That sounds like the kind of protection I’m looking for, but I hear you haven’t been around very long, so how can I trust that you’ll do a good job?”
