Page 172 of White Raven
“No,” she cut him off, dropping her palm to his chest. “I would—I wouldlovethat.”
They got caught up in their infamous stare, and his smile was so breathtaking that she forgot what the hell they were talking about for a moment. “Really?”
“Absolutely,” she clarified. “But I hope you’re a stronger swimmer than whatever rooster failed those poor chickens,” she snorted. “That’s a long way to go without a plane.”
“I’ll do it for you,” he smiled.
“Yeah?” Athan nodded, and she leaned forward, kissing him. “London it is, then.”
He was absolutely stuffed. Evie had outdone herself tonight, and Reese snored under his rocketship blanket on the couch while they drank wine by the lit fireplace. Nick snickered into his glass.
“You can’t make it up,” Evie laughed, taking another swallow. “He was so proud of himself, and the teacher had absolutely no idea that he’d colored himself standing next to a giant turd.”
“He’s proud because we’re proud,” Nick chuckled, glancing over at his sleeping youngster. “Mama told him he was a good‘ortis’.”
“I wish you’d hurry up and turn sixty. I’m not ready for you to go back to work. If I got a part-time job, would you consider being home more?” she asked.
“You’re not doing that. We talked about this.”
Evie sighed and set her glass down. She opened her mouth to say something else, and his computer dinged from the coffee table. Their eyes darted over, and then she looked at him sadly before rolling her eyes and staring back at the fireplace.
“Evie…come on.” He reached for her, and she slid her hand away.
Alright then…
Nick picked up the glasses and walked them to the kitchen before stopping at his laptop and opening his email. His stomach dropped when he saw Sarah St. James’ email address, and below it, one from his bank for suspicious activity thatrequired verification. He lowered his brows, and dread pooled in his stomach as he clicked the email open.
Boss man,
I regret to inform you that I no longer have any interest in working at your shady company, and I’m taking my astounding expertise elsewhere. I also apologize about the lack of notice. My criminal record is becoming impressive, and I’m sorry to say that it thrills me beyond measure. I’ve gotta go.
Detective Kane and I understand the hardship we’ve caused you and your family, and the lengths you were willing to go to make everything right earned you a gold star. Before we disappear and spend our time outrunning lengthy prison sentences, we felt we needed to have our affairs in order. I couldn’t think of anyone safer than the shadiest employer I’ve ever had.
After battling it out with an agent that’s well-above your pay grade, I’ve made an arrangement I’m sure you’ll adjust well to. You, and your wife, who I’m also sure is ready to divorce you by now. Our work is sacred, Nick. You understand better than most how important this science is to me. You’re a brilliant doctor, and I want you to continue our research—but I do know that the only thing more important to you than the science is your family. I know that’s why you sold me out to the lowest bidder in the first place.
Between you and I, we’ve made discoveries one could only dream about. I was once told that O-negative blood was liquid gold. Now we both know better. You now sit on a gold mine of knowledge that I’m sure your slippery ass will keep a closely guarded secret for both our sakes. All amazing works deserve to be rewarded, Nick.
Unfortunately, the price that the government demands for that knowledge is to shut down your company and hold youresponsible for your dealings with naughty individuals. EverLife has now been sold to the lowest bidder. Also unfortunate, that none of us get to have our cake and eat it too. I know…it sucks. But don’t fret, Nick. I know that your wife will enjoy you being home more often, and the compensation for your immaculate brain should be a nice, plushy cushion to land on as you recover from this healthy ass-kicking.
Check your bank account, and at the top of this email, you’ll find an encrypted link that will open a routing number to an offshore account in which you’ll find a future as bright as your ugly office. The password to open said link is your old badge number from the lab.
Take care of yourself, Nick.
Your Darling Ex-employee,
-Sarah L. St. James-
Nick’s throat went dry, and he tried to swallow, but to no avail, as he clicked the link and typed in his badge number.
Specter Labs, LLC.
Balance - $5,000,000.00
His stomach tightened, and Reese shuffled under his blanket on the couch. As he glanced back at him, he caught sight of Evie staring quietly into the fireplace, and his eyes welled with tears. Nick logged into his bank account next.
Account (68249556)
Balance - $582,645.88
