Page 101 of Say My Name

“Is everything set up for it?” I ask.

She nods. “Let’s just hope nobody else dies between now and then.”

I blink at her insensitivity, but she notices the harshness of her words and her face softens and tears threaten to spill. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to be so insensitive.” She clutches her iPad closer to her chest. “I’ll be downstairs getting everything set up for tonight.”

“Adele, it’s fine. I know you weren’t being insensitive. This whole thing is a mess.”

She nods and exits the office, and I suspect she probably cries once she leaves.

What a mess.

I stare out the window, thinking about last night. The sweet taste of Swan on my lips. I don’t know what’s come over me, but last night was like a dream.

I shouldn’t entertain thoughts of pursuing more from this with everything that’s going on, but it’s like I can’t stop. Just knowing she’s downstairs has me ready to go into one of these rooms and show her how I could make her come all night long.

“Hey, what’s up?” Roman says, barging into my office. “I’m thinking about getting fucked up tonight and letting loose.”

Wouldn’t be the first time. “As opposed to any other night?”

Roman sinks into a chair. “Seriously, you look like someone just took away your favorite toy. What’s wrong?”

I won’t tell him I’m craving a certain blonde-haired, green-eyed beauty that’s downstairs right now. “I’m fine,” I clip out.

He studies me, not really buying what I’m saying, but who cares? I don’t need to tell him everything. “I think it might have to do with a certain Swan downstairs,” he says. “Did you give her that name?”

I stare at him. “Yeah, so?”

“Did you tell her you have a thing for swans?”

“No.” I’m getting frustrated and I know he’s baiting me into telling him what he thinks he already knows. “Ok, fine. Yes, I have something for a certain Swan.”

He laughs. “You can’t hide it. It's important that you be careful. You don’t want that shit biting you in the ass.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sexual harassment lawsuits and shit.”

“She’s not like that.”

“That’s what they all say.” Roman laughs. “But I trust your judgment.”

I stand from my chair. “I have to go. The guys installing the new security system in the parking lot should be almost done.”

“Oh, smart thinking. If the motherfucker who slashed Swan’s tires comes back, we can catch him. Are you going to the fight on Friday night?”

I shake my head and head toward the office door. “Probably not. I still think there’s something obvious I’m missing.”

Roman tags along. “I think you should go. Don’t mention a thing to anyone. And if you see an employee there, you can question them. Like if Brandon, or Jerry, or one of the other guys shows up, then you are one step closer to finding your guy.”

“I like the way you think.”

He walks down the stairs after me. “I’ll be your eyes and ears in the club tonight.”

“Have fun,” I say.

He heads in the bar's direction, and I know he’ll forever have my back. I spot Ledger already at the bar, chatting with Raven, and I nod at him. He’s here to keep an eye out as well.

We’re getting close. I can feel it.

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