Page 17 of The One I Love

Cameron’s gaze remained focused on her, his blue eyes sharp and assessing. “How long did Gary think it would take to do a run on this particular vehicle?”

“He didn’t say.” June pulled her brows together. “But, really, there can’t be that many cars like that in the state.”

“I bet it won’t take long. Once you have the list, you can pull the PI back in to narrow it down if there’s more than we can handle.”

“That’s what I thought.” June brought the drink to her lips and took a contemplative sip. “I just wish I knew what was going on in Gary’s head.”

“He might simply be done with the whole thing.” Cameron shrugged. “If he is, that’s okay. You have what you need to move forward without him.”

CHAPTERFIVE

Anson pushed the chair back from his desk and stood. His day at Lighthouse had ended up being a busy but satisfying one. The marketing team had come up with a new and innovative reach-out campaign aimed at middle-school kids.

The proposal had received an enthusiastic response from the frontline staff and two thumbs-ups from Anson.

Everyone had been in high spirits when they’d left the conference room, ready for the weekend to begin.

The energy in the room had lifted Anson’s spirits. He’d left the presentation feeling good about the work they were doing, knowing they were providing a needed service to kids and their parents.

The high stayed with him until he pulled into a space in front of his campaign headquarters. Hopefully, speaking with Jerome and tying up any loose ends now would ensure he could enjoy the weekend with Eve without any interruptions.

Other than the charity event he was attending with Eve tonight, there was nothing else on the agenda for the weekend. He hoped to spend that time with Eve.

As he stepped from his SUV, Anson admitted to himself that he still wasn’t convinced attending the charity event tonight was a good idea. The video was still a hot topic, and reporters and photographers would be out in force.

Still, he understood Eve’s dilemma. She’d given her word months ago that she’d attend the event, and she hadn’t wanted to cancel at the last minute.

Anson found the door to the building locked, forcing him to knock.

Jerome appeared. When he saw Anson, his expression turned grim.

Unlocking the door, Jerome pulled it open and stepped aside, motioning Anson inside.

“Hey, why so somber? Didn’t anyone tell you it’s the weekend?” Anson joked. “That’s a good thing.”

“I just got off the phone with another one of our sponsors.” A muscle in Jerome’s jaw jumped. “It’s been a week, and donors are still pulling out.”

Jerome remained in the large open area. He made no move to head to his office, which worked for Anson. The way this conversation was going, short and sweet would be fine.

Shoving his hands into his pockets, Anson rocked back on his heels. “Still the same reason?”

“Yep. You’re not the family-values guy they want.”

Anson absorbed the blow without flinching, something that likely disappointed Jerome.

“You can still make this right.”

By dumping Eve.

Not said, but implied. Anson could have confronted Jerome, but right now, he didn’t have the time or the energy. He needed to get ready for tonight’s event.

“I’m going to be busy this weekend,” Anson said instead. “I prefer not to be contacted unless it’s an emergency. Is there anything we need to discuss now that can’t wait until Monday?”

“These donors pulling out—”

“Got it.” Anson inclined a head. “Anything else?”

“No.” Jerome clipped the word. “That’s all.”

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