Page 23 of Due Dilligence (Takeover)
“How long?” Sam said at last.
“I’m still figuring that out. I also need to do that open-source audit and make sure everything’s documented.”
“Do you have a guess?”
This wasn’t a situation he’d encountered before. Fazil chewed on his lip, and once more Eli nodded. “Another two weeks, maybe? In addition.”
There was a rhythmic thumping of some kind on the other end, then a clattering. “Right. I’ll see about that, too. We’re into it now, so let’s make it work.” Sam sighed. “I owe you dinner, E.”
“You know, this time, I don’t want to collect. Let’s cancel the bet.” Eli leaned back and looked grim.
“Well, shit,” Sam said. “Okay. Point taken.”
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news,” Eli said.
“I need to know, E.” Another thud of something. “Anyway, try to have a nice weekend. Seattle’s a great town. Go see the sites and relax.”
“We will.” Eli reached over and hovered a finger over the disconnect button. “Have fun, too. We’ll make this work.”
“I have no doubt. Night, guys.”
“Good night.” Eli hit the button and leaned back. “You heard the man. Have fun. Relax.”
Fazil snorted. “I’m not sure he meant the way I have planned.”
“You might be surprised.” Eli played with the end of his cane.
Fazil held up his hands. “Idon’twant to know. Truly.”
Eli’s grin was wicked.
“What about you?” He was leaving Eli to fend for himself, though the man was very capable. Still—couldn’t be easy being away from your new husband.
Eli gave a small shrug. “Justin and I came here on our honeymoon and met some folks. I’ve been invited to head up north and try my hand at horseback riding.”
“Never been on a horse?”
Eli shook his head. “I don’t like not being in control.” Something shifted in Eli’s face. He looked up and lookedyoung. “But horses canrun.”
Oh.Wow. He’d never thought about Eli’s leg much, or his cane. It was such apartof him. “You should try it.”
Eli took a deep breath. “I usually don’t get like this.”
Fazil waved the words away. “Look, you’ve put up with me so far this week.”
Eli chuckled. “True. Let’s finish this day so we can get off on our respective adventures, yes?”
That sounded like the perfect way to end a Friday.
