Page 115 of Mr. Hook-up

I’d done my research last night. I knew there were three brothers who ran this practice, their parents semi-retired, their firm the largest and most victorious in California.

“Nephew to the original owners, cousin to the trio of brothers who now run the practice,” Camden replied, shaking my hand. “And one day partner.”

We took a seat around the conference room table.

“I’ve taken a look at the information you and your assistant sent over,” Declan said from the head. “And I want to run something by you.”

I clasped my hands together while a woman, Declan’s assistant, I assumed, delivered a bottle of water to each of us. “All right,” I responded.

“Faceframe is well aware of its competition. They know Brennon was previously employed at a company that offers the same type of product and service. So why would the social media site approve a design that was stolen from a competitor and allow the concept to go live in certain markets, where it’s currently being tested?”

“That’s a good question,” Grayson said. “I’d like that answer as well.”

Declan smiled. There wasn’t a single feature on his face that warmed from the expression. “I don’t think Brennon is the only person at fault here, although I fully plan to roast his ass in court.”

“Are you saying ...” My voice faded out as Declan nodded.

He knew what I was about to voice.

He adjusted his cuff links and set his arms back on the table. “Yes, Easton. I think we sue the social media giant and take both motherfuckers down.”

Me:I know it’s late, but I just got back to the hotel and wanted to say good night. Hopefully, this text doesn’t wake you and you see it in the morning.

Drake:I’m up.

Me:I had a feeling you would be.

Drake:How did things go today?

Me:I’m going to tell you everything tomorrow. Will you meet me and the executive team at 6:00pm at the office?

Drake:At the office? Are you sure that’s okay?

Me:It’s more than okay. It’s where you should be—and where you should have been today. Once the forensic research gets wrapped up tomorrow, I’ll have a lot to tell you.

Drake:Tomorrow? I thought it would take much longer?

Me:No, that’s all the time we need.

Me:I miss you, baby.

Drake:I really miss you.

The entire executive team was already sitting around the conference table when Drake walked in. I could see the hesitation on her face when I asked her to take a seat. I could almost feel the anxiety in her body, similar to when we’d gotten stranded in the elevator. Even though I’d told her last night that this was where she should be, that she shouldn’t have missed even a day of work, I still saw how nervous she was. Especially when she moved through the room, her hands clenched ather sides and then fidgeting in her lap the moment she sat, causing her shoulders to shake. Her stare bounced from one face to the next until it landed on me.

“Thank you for coming in,” I said to her. “I’d like to first explain what happened, where Grayson, David, and I went, and the information we gathered while we were there.”

“Before we get to that,” Holden said, “I think it’s important to let her know that the investigation we conducted is now closed. After thoroughly analyzing your workstations, zero evidence was found that you sent or transferred anything outside this office.”

“I’m relieved it’s closed,” Drake said. “I guess I’m just a little confused. Easton told me you were going to put a rush on the forensic data analyst, but I never thought they would be able to work this fast.”

Holden smiled at Drake. “We didn’t end up hiring one. After the events unfolded—the ones Easton will tell you about—we decided to do the investigation in-house. In fact, David completed it before you got here.”

“David?” She shifted her gaze to her team leader. “Oh.” Her hand went to her chest. “I’m sorry, I assumed everyone aside from the executive team was told I went on medical leave. But now that I hear he traveled with Easton and Grayson, that makes a little more sense.”

“Drake, both workstations were perfect.” David pushed his long bangs away from his glasses. “I found nothing—and I knew I wouldn’t.”

Drake nodded and reached into her bag, taking out a piece of paper. “I thought I’d bring this, for what it’s worth.” She pushed the paper toward Holden, who sat closest to her.

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