As far as Taryn knew, the average person couldn’t just make an appointment to see the head of a multinational corporation. And even though the Jack was far from average, she didn’t think she could either.
Unless... you knew someone. Someone who could get you access.
“Dammit, Ash. This would be a lot easier if you were here to hack into Portia’s calendar.”
Taryn picked up her phone and punched in a number she hadn’t expected to use so soon.
“Killian, it’s the Jack. I’m calling in that favor.”
Chapter60
Taryn steppedinto the glass and metal first floor of Tremaine Corporation headquarters. The jaw-dropping architecture was stunning and only years of schooling her expression kept her from gawking.
Shoving the awe aside, Taryn strode through the public entrance, fighting not to rush. Nearly twelve hours had passed since Ash had returned to this building and she had no idea what was happening to him.
Heads turned at her approach and she hid a smile. Damn straight. She looked fierce as fuck.
Her black leather pants were custom made and fit like a glove. Matching black, knee-high heeled boots slicked over her calves. Like the boots she wore the night she rescued Giselle, they were sky-high but were made for moving fast and kicking ass.
She wore a custom-tailored jacket—black leather, of course—over a black shirt made of real silk. The combination of leather and silk landed her at the crossroad of high-end corporate and street. Exactly where she wanted to be.
The don’t-fuck-with-me vibe the outfit radiated was a bonus. From the glances she was getting, the clothes were doing their job. The woman behind the front desk swallowed visibly as Taryn approached. That made her smile.
The security guard near the desk stepped closer.
She made them nervous.
Good.
“Ca-can I help you?” the receptionist stuttered.
“I have an appointment with Ms. Tremaine.” Her tone was polite. She’d start there and only pull out the attitude if it was warranted.
“Um...” The receptionist swallowed again. “Your name?”
“The Jack.”
The receptionist had dropped her gaze to her screen. Now it jerked back up to Taryn’s. Her eyes were wide and slightly terrified.
Good. She knew the Jack’s reputation.
“Your last name?” she stuttered.
Taryn smiled again, this time with genuine amusement. The other woman was trying to stay on course despite the unexpected. Taryn appreciated that. It was a valuable skill.
“Just the Jack,” Taryn said.
“I don’t think...” The receptionist’s voice trailed off as her fingers flew over the screen. “Oh, you do.”
Thank you, Killian.He’d stepped in to help run the company when Phillip Tremaine had disappeared. He’d used that access to get her onto Portia’s calendar this morning, and she’d cleared his debt.
The woman looked from the security guards to Taryn and back. “Please escort the Jack to see Ms. Tremaine.” Her voice remained steady.
That had to be why they put her in such an outward facing position. She’d been thrown by Taryn’s appearance but managed to keep it together.
“Thank you,” Taryn said with a smile.
Security stepped closer then directed Taryn through a metal detector.
