Page 58 of The Daredevil

“Let me look into it.” I needed to determine how it could benefit Excursions for You. “Why are you selling it?”

“With my divorce, I don’t have time or the energy to put into it. No passion left,” he said with a shrug. I could hear the truth in his words. This wasn’t a man out to sabotage me. He was just a man trying to deal with a divorce and a failing business.

“I’m sorry to hear that. Does anyone else know your business is up for sale?”

Einar shook his head. “I knew you’d be here today, so I got a ticket. Though I don’t want the business anymore, I would like someone competent to take over. It’s a great company and location. You can take it further than me.”

Several ideas percolated in my head.

“You know what’s strange? I spoke to a vendor who claims he knows you from the States. He said he’s not fond of Excursions for You. Had an unpleasant experience or something like that. He jokingly said that if I wanted to ‘eliminate’ my competition, he knew of a few guys. I didn’t like where the conversation was headed and told him I’d call him back.”

Now my interest was piqued. “What’s his name? What company was he from?”

Could this person be an unsatisfied customer who wanted to sabotage my business? If so, then Iceland should be his target, not all my excursion sites.

“Do you mind me giving the number he gave you?” It was probably a burner phone, but I’d have the PI look into it.

“Sure. I’ll see if I still have it.”

Turning my head, I saw Michelle with a scowl on her face. “I’ll get back to you on the business proposal.”

I made my way toward Michelle. What had happened? Did Fiona create more trouble?

CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE

MICHELLE

A gentle handcupped my elbow, stopping me in my steps.

“You okay?” Royce searched my face.

“I’m fine. Just a minor annoyance.”

He tipped up my chin. “Who?”

“The girl who supposedly has a lunch date with you,” I sneered.

He smirked, but kept his fingers on my chin. “Are you jealous?”

“As your girlfriend, Iamjealous.”

“As your boyfriend, I love your reaction. But it’s not what you think. Me attending a business conference that she’s also attending doesn’t make it a date.”

“Oh.” I knew she was lying, but the idea of him being with her while I wasn’t around bothered me more than it should.

He leaned in, kissed the side of my head, and whispered, “Have you forgotten why we’re together?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“I’m giving my speech in a few minutes. Let me introduce you to my peers.”

Royce introduced me to three scientists and their significant others and ensured I was in my seat before walking behind the stage.

“I didn’t know Royce was seeing anyone until tonight. He’s a lucky man,” Lisa said with a warm smile. She was the wife of Dr. Anderson, a geologist who worked on the research program with Royce.

“Thank you. We like our privacy.”

“He hasn’t brought a date to these events before, at least not the ones I’ve attended,” Lisa said.

---