Page 15 of Sassy Surrogate
For a moment I debate what to answer, but we’ve been working together for so many years, Rebecca probably knows me better than Felicia ever did. “It’s been on my mind a lot lately, and I was beginning to wonder if I’m an anomaly – if this intense need is a little over the top.”
At my words, she laughs. “You are, quite probably, the least over the top person I know.”
With a laugh of my own, I answer, “I’m not sure whether to take that as a compliment or an insult.”
“Definitely a compliment.” She grins.
“Well then, thank you, I guess.”
“You’re welcome.”
“You’re leaving early this evening.”
“I am indeed. A hot date.” She winks.
“Then I shan’t keep you.” I grin. “See you in the morning.”
“Yep. See you then.”
With a grin, she gives a small wave before exiting my office and leaving me, once again, to my own thoughts. Time flies by as I get lost in figuring out how to approach Ms Brand with this ambitious plan. Seeing that it’s now well after eight, I figure there’s no time like the present.
Picking my cell up from my desk, I call Kieran to let him know I’m ready to leave for the day. By the time I reach the sidewalk, he’s there, parked right outside the doors in the quiet of a weekday evening.
“Evening, Heath,” he greets. “Straight home?”
“No, not yet.” I pause, trying to figure out how best to broach the subject without sounding like a crazy stalker. Finally, all I can manage is, “I need to speak with Ms Brand. Do you remember where she lives?”
“I have the address saved in my GPS app. So, to Ms Brand’s abode then?”
“Yes, please.” Settling back into my seat, excitement and apprehension war for dominance. I’m excited at the prospect of being able to strike a deal with her, but my pragmatic side tells me I’m setting myself up for inevitable disappointment. Just because she needs money doesn’t mean she’ll be willing to offer herself up as what essentially will be an incubator.
“We’re here.” Kieran’s words pull me back into the present. “The house looks pretty locked up to me.” He points to a house on the left.
The house is dark, not a single light on, not even the outside light. My heart sinks in disappointment. And then I find myself getting angry. Just the other day she was physically attacked on the street and then confronted in her home, and yet she can’t be bothered to take care of her own security.
“Since I’m going to assume the lady of the manor is out and about, are you going to wait for her return, or are we headed home?”
Disappointment a bitter taste in my mouth, I reply, “Home it is, thanks.”
I can’t decide if I’ve dodged a bullet or delayed the inevitable, but considering how much work I need to catch up on, having wasted an entire afternoon, I decide it’s best I get down to some work this evening.
By the time we arrive home, Violet has already left for the day, but a note is on the little chalkboard on the refrigerator letting me know dinner’s inside. Taking my chicken salad and an ice-cold beer, I head for my home office and a long night of playing catch up.
After an hour of getting absolutely nothing done, I finally give in, disgusted with myself that I can’t seem to focus on anything I need to. For the first time in longer than I can remember, something has me energised and won’t let me rest until I set the ball in motion. Reaching for my cell phone, I pull up the number for my head of security.
Momentarily, I hesitate.
This feels like an invasion of privacy. But I have no other way of finding out the information I need without involving either Kieran or Rebecca, and I don’t want to do that. Not yet. Pushing my unease aside, I push the call button and listen to the phone ring.
“Stevens.”
“Hey, Jensen. It’s Heath.”
“Hey, Boss Man. Everything okay?”
“Yeah, all good.” I take a deep breath. “I’m just busy with something and realised I need information.”
“Let me grab a pen and paper.” I hear rustling, and then he’s back. “What kind of information?”
