Page 27 of Corbin
Adrian whispered to Corbin, “She makes a hell of a statement, but I doubt it sways the cops. They’re not overly impressed by her status or her words from what I can tell.”
“That’s how I’m seeing it too,” Corbin agreed. He had to be careful not to expose the conflict warring inside him. She sounded innocent and maybe even the victim in this, but she might simply be good at shuffling her words to appear genuine.
Pushing his hat up on his head, the officer nodded. “Thank you, Ms. Givenchy. That will be all for now. I may contact you again with additional questions.”
“What else would you need from me?” Her clipped tone indicated she hadn’t expected another round of questions.
Why not? Corbin found that odd. Anyone involved in what might not be an accident could be called in at any time.
“No way to tell right now,” he replied in as curt a tone as hers this time. “We’re starting to investigate. We have a lot of people to interview.”
“I understand.” She sounded torn between being forthcoming and unwilling to give an inch in this verbal tug-of-war. “I don’t mean to rush, but I must leave soon for an appointment with my trustee, Leszek Moore.”
The officer didn’t react noticeably, but he did take a step back.
Adrian murmured, “Oh man, her trustee carries a lot of clout. Word is many shifters fear drawing his attention. Early this year, a wolf shifter was caught stalking Givenchy. When Leszek found out, he contacted SCIS and supposedly requested that they talk to the wolf shifter. We didn’t get involved, but we have eyes and ears everywhere. It’s believed SCIS jackal shifter enforcers captured him. That wolf shifter was never seen again, and SCIS claims their enforcers only had a talk with him.”
Oh, sure. Corbin shivered at that thought. No one should stalk a woman or any person, but from what he knew, jackal enforcers had too much autonomy.
Glancing around where three other officers were talking to workers and searching the area, the policeman who’d been asking Givenchy questions told her, “We’ll be here for a while today. One of our detectives is on his way here now.”
“That’s fine,” she said politely. “Take your time. I only came by to confirm that we were on schedule for the show three days from now. Will that allow you and your men enough time?”
“Yes, ma’am, if nothing unexpected turns up.”
After her stoic performance, she flinched at being called ma’am.
Corbin stifled a chuckle. No matter how successful or powerful some women became, the young ones still did not want to be addressed like their mothers.
She added, “I look forward to finding out how that metal walkway in the crossover fell.”
“Crossover?”
“The area behind the backstage where technicians and others move from side to side without being seen during a performance.”
“Got it.” More note writing.
The air conditioning rumbled to life, blowing toward Corbin.
With one deep inhale, he was back in high school, staring at the girl who he’d thought was special. Someone who would want to be his friend. Maybe more one day.
After the air swirled through the building for a few seconds, Givenchy stilled and slowly turned her head in Corbin’s direction.
He dropped his chin and peeked over the top of his sunglasses. She took a step in his direction where she coulddescend a short set of steps off the stage and walk through the seating area.
His heart thundered. Would she come down here to question them and recognize him? He hadn’t counted on being exposed to her.
Hadn’t he wanted to confront her? Yes, no, maybe. Hell, his head needed an overhaul.
Adrian never moved but asked, “You good?”
Damn. Corbin sucked up his courage as Givenchy turned around and headed back the way she’d come from the left.
He’d been foolish to think she could smell him from back here or even recognize his scent after all this time. The air conditioning vents had blowntowardhim, not from him to her.
Trying to sound casual, Corbin confirmed, “I’m good. I’m absorbing everything and the client.” He would not screw up this chance to prove himself worthy of being chosen twice to work with Adrian.
With Givenchy leaving the stage, Corbin let out a long breath, ready to help Adrian.
