Four.
Five.
“One second!” Ishmael yelled across the room.
His fragrance washed me ashore as his words attempted to submerge me in his limitless realm.
“Yes?” I inquired, turning to face him.
“I–”
“I’m not in the business of convincing anyone of anything, especially not my worth. I will never explain or justify my price. It is whatever I decide it is. You can pay or not pay. Either way, both sides of my silk pillow will stay cool and I won’t lose a minute of sleep.”
“Understood. I’m not questioning your worth, but can you please fill me in on why you chose that number after hearing that was the number we’re working with on the other end?”
“Because, you can pay him the money and it become a total waste… because he’s going to release the images anyway. Or, you can allow me to handle it. Make it go away completely.”
He nodded.
“Next steps. What are the next steps?”
I slid the phone from his hand and searched for his banking application. Once locating it, I turned the phone toward him. His credentials were verified through face recognition. I confirmedthe availability of the funds before sliding the phone back into his hand.
“The wire.”
I opened my briefcase and handed him the slip of paper with my banking details.
“And, after that? I was given twenty-four hours. I’m past that deadline. He’s going to releas–”
“Let him.”
“Let him? Let him do what?”
“Release them.”
With that, I headed out of his office again. This time, my exit was successful. Not because Mr. Grayson wanted it to be, but because he was too stunned to speak. To move. To demand more information. Or to cuss my Black ass out.
Click.
Clack.
My Prada pumps collided with the floor. Each step I took I regained a bit more of my power. Ishmael had stripped it all from me at once.
“Good day, ma’am. Sir.”
Mercer trailed close behind. Still, he hadn’t said a word. He wouldn’t. He knew me well enough to know that there was nothing to worry about. I’d handled enough for him. For Chem. For our family. His trust was unwavering.
We entered and exited the elevator quietly. Mercer began in my direction, but I stopped in my tracks.
“I’m fine. Go home to your baby girl. I will be around.”
“Seems that way, huh?”
“Yes. I’ll see you later. I love you.”
“In all of them lifetimes,” he responded, wrapping his arm around me.
He pulled back and broke contact. His truck was on the opposite side of the large parking lot. I observed until he disappeared behind the trees planted for shade.
