Page 42 of The Text

My brothers. They’re both good at what they do and are major cogs in the company. But sometimes…

“Of course.” I shake Tom’s hand. “I’ll be in touch.”

“All right. And again, congratulations.”

“Thanks, Tom.”

I turn and head for the exit.

Three steps into it, Blake hollers, “Hey. I forgot my wallet. Can you take care of the check?”

I pause, knowing Rob’s about to join in. “Forgot mine, too.”

I shake my head.These fuckin’ guys.

* * *

I return to the office in a much better mood. Lunch with my brothers and Tom was precisely what the doctor ordered.

“You look breezy,” Judy observes. And adds, “Lunch must have treated you well.”

“It did, thank you.”

I feel a jig coming on until she glances at my office door and cringes.

“What?”

“Miss Conner is in there. I tried to stop her, but she insisted.”

“She just get here?”

“Two minutes ago. Security is on the way.”

“Tell them to forget it.”

“You sure?”

“I’ll handle it.”

Judy scrutinizes the top of her desk. “I’m sorry.”

“You wouldn’t have been able to stop her.”

“Still.”

I rap her desk with my knuckles. “Don’t worry about it.”

“All right.”

Before stepping into my office to deal with the devil, I add, “Have security put Miss Conner on the no-admittance list, would you? After she leaves today, I don’t ever want to see her in this building again.”

“Yes, sir,” Judy agrees and gets on the phone. I go to face the demon.

* * *

Farrah is sitting in my chair behind my desk.

“What are you doing? Get out from behind there.”

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