Page 52 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“Don’t worry about it, it was my pleasure,” Gio replies.

“So what do you need? You made the request to meet somewhere we could talk, so I’m thinking this isn’t a normal audit or report you’re looking for,” Lance says.

“I’m going to allow you into the books, I need you to trace something for me. I’ll let you know what, when I give you access.”

“Should I be here?” Summer asks.

“Yeah,” Gio says. “You’re the best. Lance is going to need you on this. You know I allowed Kumar to do some work for me.”

“I never understood why you allowed him near your business. He’s a slimeball.”

“A slimeball with a purpose,” Gio says to Lance. “This is a big job, but I only want you, Summer, and the smallest team you have that you know you can trust on it. I know you two will look away when you see certain things I don’t want attention called to. Find what I ask for, nothing else. If you’re not sure, come to me.”

Lance nods and looks to his wife. “We can handle that. No problem. Let me know when you’re ready and what we’re looking for. We’ll make it a priority.”

“Thanks. The feds are sniffing around, so you understand how important discretion is at this time.”

“We’ve got you. This will be played close to the chest.”

Lance helps Summer stand and she moves to touch Gio’s arm. He leans down and she kisses his cheek, then he kisses hers as he gives her a warm smile.

“It was good to see you guys,” she says as she moves to repeat the same gesture with me.

She opens the door and heads out as Lance and Gio shake hands. I look out of the door before going to follow Summer and spot Carleen down the hallway. Swiftly, I back up and move to Gio’s side to lean into his ear.

“Carleen is here.”

Gio looks me in the eyes, his brows lifted. Her being here wouldn’t be such a big deal if this weren’t an OB and fertility facility. I quickly pull my phone to double-check.

“Yeah, I’ll call you. We’ll have drinks or something,” Gio says.

“Sounds good,” Lance replies as he goes to head out.

“This place is for women looking to have babies or already pregnant,” I say once Lance is out the door.

“Yeah, I know.” He rubs his forehead and frowns. “You don’t think she’s been fucking that degenerate, do you?”

“No, Daisy says she’s not feeling him. They haven’t seen each other in weeks.”

“Good, good. Shit, this wasn’t a part of the plan. I need you to confirm this. You think you can find out what’s up?”

“I’ve got it. Head out to the car. I’ll meet you in a few.”

He nods and turns for the door. My mind starts to work. There are several office assistants at the front desk working for a number of doctors in this office. All I need is a look at Carleen’s chart or some confirmation as to why she’s here.

I pull the band from my hair and scratch a hand through my locks, allowing them to fall into my face. I take a deep breath before heading out of the room.

When I get to the desk, where I see one of the nurses with a few urine sample cups and sticks hanging out of them, as well as a few charts, I pause. I lean on the counter a few steps away and grab the attention of one of the women. I smile and allow my accent to slip.

“Hello. We made an appointment for our surrogate, but I don’t see the time on the documents. Can you help me? I might just be nervous and missing it,” I say.

“Sure, hold on,” the girl behind the desk says.

“Shit, that’s the third pen I’ve misplaced this morning. I need coffee,” the nurse tending to the charts and samples, says. I reach for a pen and move in to hand it to her.

I’m able to glance down at the chart in front of her. However, it’s blank next to the information I’m looking for. I look up and she’s staring at me as if in awe. I give a smile and push my hair out of my face.

“Wow, honey. You’re gorgeous.” She palms her face as her cheeks turn red. “Did I just say that out loud? I need that coffee.”

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