“I won’t keep you,” Francesco said.“I just thought you should know, I’m done reaching backward.”
“That’s generous,” I said.“Considering you called.”
Another pause.
“You sound settled,” he observed.
“I am.”
“That’s good,” he said.“Enjoy it.”
The line went dead.
I stood there for a moment longer than necessary, listening to the hollow tone before setting the receiver back in its cradle.When I turned, Creed was watching me.The look wasn’t suspicion, but focus.
“Everything okay?”he asked.
“Yes,” I said truthfully.Then, after a beat, “But I think someone just reminded me that calm doesn’t mean finished.”
Creed nodded once and didn’t ask questions.
“We’ll handle it when it comes,” he said.
Didn’t press.Didn’t posture.
Notif.
When.
And for the first time, the idea didn’t scare me.
* * *
CELINE APPEARED ATmy office door, clipboard tucked neatly against her chest, expression composed as ever.
“Morning,” she said.“Do you have a second?”
“For you, always,” I replied, still skimming a layout mock-up.
She stepped inside, automatically closing the door behind her.
“I checked the voicemail at the agency,” she said, flipping the clipboard around.“We have a few outstanding debts that need to be paid.”
My pen stilled.
“I forgot all about the agency.How many accounts?”I asked.
“Just a few that Ray filed under his personal expense account,” she said easily.“Oh—and the electric company called with a disconnection notice.”She gave me a small shrug.“Nothing alarming.I just wanted to check whether you’d prefer I take care of them or flag them for the accountant to manage during tax season.”
Elite Staffing.
Proof that ending something didn’t mean it stayed ended.Francesco had taught me that.
“I don’t even want to know what the other bills are,” I said truthfully.“It will just piss me off again.”
Celine nodded, already anticipating the answer.“I can take care of it,” she continued smoothly.“It’s less than three grand.I can make a list of creditors and exact totals for you.”
I met her gaze then.“No,” I said calmly.“Pay them out of the business account.There’s still money in there.”
