“That was Jenny’s idea. Frankly, I don’t see any of them stealing a bunch of horses, then castrating the one that belongs to me.”
“According to Shakespeare, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
“Actually, it was William Congreve,The Mourning Bride. I still don’t buy it.”
“Maybe not. I ran a background check on all of them, but didn’t find anything to convince me any of them were involved. I also made some phone calls.”
Cain sipped his drink.
“Rebecca Carter, the former assistant DA you dated for a couple of weeks, called you a few choice names, but the rest of them gave you at least a four-star review.”
“Very funny. Rebecca and I had a slightly hostile parting. I didn’t know she was separated from but still married to her husband, who occasionally showed up at her apartment—and he didn’t sleep on the couch. I don’t date married women, and I certainly don’t share them with their spouses.”
“How’d you find out?”
“Showed up unexpectedly one morning, and there he was. Rebecca was angry I hadn’t called first. I wasn’t too happy about it myself. We argued. That was the last time I saw her.”
Nick just smiled. He glanced down at the paper. “I was surprised to see Anna Hobbs’s name on your list. Somerset, I guess it is now. You dated her in high school, didn’t you?”
“I wouldn’t exactly call it dating. We had sex whenever she wanted a little excitement. That was it. I didn’t see her again for years, until a few months back. I slept with her a couple of times in Scottsdale, but ended things after that. I wouldn’t have written down her name, but she keeps showing up like a bad penny. That and the fact that her wealthy husband kicked the bucket shortly after their marriage. Makes you wonder how far she’d go to get back at someone.”
“I’ll give her another look, but on the surface, I didn’t see anything.”
“As I said, I don’t think any of my exes are involved. Most women have a soft spot when it comes to animals. I’m sure that’s a generalization, but that’s been my experience.”
Nick’s gaze slid toward the door. “Speaking of women . . .” He rose as Jenny approached.
She smiled. “Hi, Nick.”
Cain rose and pulled out one of the upholstered leather captain’s chairs around the table. Jenny turned and gave him an intimate smile that instantly filled him with lust. “Cain . . .”
He tamped it down and brushed a kiss over her cheek as she took a seat. “What would you like to drink?”
“I have to work late. Club soda would be great.”
He spoke to Hannah as she approached. “Club soda for Jenny.”
“No problem.” Hannah returned a few minutes later with a tall, iced glass and set it on the table. Jenny took a sip just as Cain’s cell phone rang.
It was Martin Cohen, one of his VPs. Martin was frantic.
“I know you’re busy, Cain. I really hate to bother you, but this deal is not going to happen without you. We need someone who can put the pressure on, convince these guys they have to stand by the agreement they made or else. We’re meeting the top execs for a late supper at Flemings.” A fine-dining steakhouse not far from the office. “Is there any chance you could make it?”
He wanted this deal, wanted it badly. Jenny would be working late at the Star, and it was past time he got over this ridiculous need to spend every minute with her. From the start, he had planned to enjoy her, enjoy the relationship, for as long as it lasted. He’d never intended to get in so deep.
“What time’s the meeting?”
“Eight-thirty.” It was a two-hour drive to Scottsdale. Cain checked his watch. It was six o’clock now. He could make it.
“Save me a seat at the table. I’ll be there.” Cain ended the call and rose from his chair. “I’m afraid something’s come up. I’ve got a meeting in Scottsdale I can’t afford to miss. I need to change, and then I’ll be heading out.” He looked at Nick. “Let me know if anything new turns up.”
“Will do,” Nick said, rising.
Jenny also rose.
“Ride up with me.” Cain set a hand at her waist as they headed for his private elevator. “I won’t be back tonight,” he said, as the elevator door slid open and they walked inside. “Will you be staying in my suite?”
As the door slid closed, Jenny cut him a glance. “I’m not staying here without you, Cain. I’ll be staying at the Star. I have to close up anyway. Will you be back tomorrow?”
