Page 36 of Savage Ruin
Mateo follows the breadcrumbs. “When the app is announced, they will all know we set a trap for Carlton.” He frowns.
“I like it,” Thiago states firmly from his chair by the desk. “She’s right. We need to start moving offensively. If we can take one player off the board, we need to do it.”
Mateo hesitates. “They’ll kill Carlton when they find out. I’m not sure I can do it.”
Thiago dips his chin, acknowledging Mateo’s statement, but says nothing.
Grayson offers a suggestion. “We could make his presence a requirement for the demonstration. It would save his life, but also give us an opportunity to question him and gain some intel. Maybe even find out who the fucker stalking Henley is or the name of our enemy.”
Mateo places his hands behind his head and stretches while he thinks through the scenario Grayson just laid out. Then he looks at me, and I can see he’s made up his mind. “Let’s do it.”
Thiago’s eyes gleam with satisfaction. “Mateo, start getting the demonstration set up, but don’t announce what it’s for yet. If anyone asks, tell them we’re still in negotiations. Timing is going to be critical on this trap. I want to give them only enough time to make a move, not plan against us. And send the app team on an all-expense paid vacation for the next two weeks. Tell them it’s a reward for their hard work. Remind them that they’re under a non-disclosure agreement, and they’re not allowed to speak to anyone about the project, not even an SEI colleague, or they’ll be fired.”
Mateo pulls out his phone and starts making notes.
“I’ll go ahead and package up the app and all the information. It usually takes about twenty-four hours for the app to go through the app store approval process. In addition, I’ll run real-time scenarios to help mitigate the live aspect,” I inform Mateo, already making my own list in my head.
Thiago narrows in on Grayson. “How quick can you pull a party together on that fancy yacht of yours?”
Grayson’s slow smile tells me he’s caught on to Thiago’s plan. “If I meet with a party planner tomorrow, I can get all the booze and everything brought on board within two days. Food is tougher. Maybe a Miami theme? We could pull in food from area restaurants instead of having a catered event. We’re looking at three to four days, especially if I throw some incentives into the pot.”
“Get everything but the food. When we have the bid set up, we can add the last part. Maybe we can use the event to flush out more than one bird,” Thiago commands him, then turns his attention to me. “We’ve got a meeting with VRDeck at the end of the week. It looks like the app is ready, correct?”
“It’s ready,” I confirm, then dart a glance at Grayson. “All three of us?”
“Just the two of us,” Thiago replies. “Do you have business attire, or do we need to order some clothes?”
I’d been wanting to ask Peyton out to the house to help me go through my closet, but I knew Thiago wasn’t keen on having anyone in the house but us. Now I have the perfect excuse. Clothes, and maybe some time on the beach. “Do you remember Peyton from the ball? My escort?”
Thiago nods cautiously.
“He’s a stylist. Grayson bought me plenty of clothes, but I’d like to get Peyton’s help to pull some outfits together. For the business meeting, the demonstration, yacht party, and other events. I’d like to invite him to the house,” I finish in a rush. Why does this man make me so nervous sometimes?
He thinks about it for a minute. “Okay. Don’t give him the code. I want someone here at the house the whole time. Promise me.”
“I promise,” I swear. There’s safety in numbers these days.
Thiago stands and looks at the dummy lying on his desk. “Is there any chance of me getting my office back soon?”
I look around the large room at the mobile devices, scans, computers, and dishes scattered about and wince. “Not this week? I need to set up tests for the demonstration.” The couch is a huge neon sign blinking at me. “Also, could I buy the couch? It’s incredibly comfortable, and I’ve kind of grown attached to it. It would be perfect in my office.”
Mateo mutters something under his breath, but I can’t hear what he’s saying.
“You want my couch? Wait. Your office? Did I miss something?” Thiago interjects, looking at Grayson and Mateo.
I shrug. “I meant my future office. You know, for when I move out?” His brow lowers. “After all this over.” I quantify my last statement, so he doesn’t think I’m planning something stupid with Stanley the stalker out there. I snicker. That kind of has a sing song quality about it. Stanley the Stalker. Maybe I should start singing it? It could help turn down the fear a decimal or two.
Thiago narrows his eyes and studies the couch. With a sharp inhale, he swivels to stare at Mateo.
Mateo glances at Thiago, then Grayson, and lifts a shoulder.
I raise an eyebrow. The room is utterly silent, all three of them having some kind of silent man discussion. “The couch?” Nobody says anything. “Ok, well, I have an appointment with my therapist.” I hold up my hand when Thiago rumbles something. “It’s virtual. If you don’t mind.” I point to the door of Thiago’s office.
All three shuffle out with different expressions on their faces, but I ignore them and shut the door. Hurrying to the computer, I bring up the conference number and dial in to meet with my therapist. This is going to be an interesting call.
CHAPTER20
GRAYSON
