“Why don’t we wait to see what the police discover?” Annette suggested. “You have friends in high places, and I’m certain they’re pushing for the speedy resolution of the investigation into Zac’s disappearance.”
“You know what’ll happen,” Holderfield charged. “They’llcover up the truth. I”—he banged his chest—“have had enough. This ismyson we’re talking about. My only son. They’ve gone too far this time.”
“Dr. Holderfield,Dwight,” she reiterated coolly, “you’re overwrought. I’m not sure you realize what you’re saying.” He needed to get a hold of himself beforehewent too far.
“I know exactly what I’m saying,” he fired back. “I want you to find my son. I want you,” he commanded, “to get to the truth. And if I find out that bastard ...” He choked on the rest of the words. “I’ll—”
“You’ll what?” Annette sat her tea aside. Time to defuse this ticking bomb. “I would proceed with extreme caution, Doctor.” She met his murderous gaze with lead in her own. “I’m certain you don’t want to go there.”
Red scaled Holderfield’s neck and raced across his cheeks. “Don’t you dare threaten me! Whatever they’ve done—”
“I would suggest,” Annette interjected firmly, “that you get things back into perspective and cooperate with the efforts of the police.”
Holderfield closed his eyes and heaved a labored breath, visibly struggling with his emotions. “Please.” Defeat weighted the lone word. “I just want to find my son.”
Annette hesitated. Though history had taught her the prudence in being so, she wasn’t completely heartless. “All right. I’ll look into the situation.”
His gaze flew open and fury abruptly resurrected despite her generous assurance. Holderfield stabbed a finger at her. “And then we’re done. I’m pulling my retainer fee and I never want to hear your name again.”
Annette didn’t flinch. But she did bury the foolish empathy she had allowed to surface. She took a cautious sip of her steaming tea, then just as carefully settled the cup and saucer back on the table. “One step at a time, Dr. Holderfield. I’ll see what I can do about learning the circumstances surrounding your son’s disappearance, and then we’ll talk about our future business relationship.”
Holderfield glowered at her. “There will be no future business relationship, Ms. Baxter. Don’t doubt my decision. When this is done, we’re finished. I’m finished with all of it!”
Annette stood, straightened her jacket, and leveled her most chilling stare in his direction. “Perhaps you’ve forgotten the conversation we had this time last year.”
The color of rage leached from his face, leaving it pale and slack. “I paid you in full for your services.”
She executed a firm shake of her head. “The monetary compensation was only half our bargain, Dr. Holderfield. I’m certain you remember our terms. You have an outstanding marker. Until I decide to call it in, you remain in my debt.”
“And if I renege on that portion of our agreement?”
The tension thickened in the air. Annette let his insolence go yet again. He was worried about his son. She’d cut him some slack this time.
But business was business. “Then you will suffer the consequences.”
The color of rage began its steady creep back up his throat. “You think you’re so untouchable. You’ll get yours one of these days.” He stared at her long and hard. “Maybe sooner than you think.”
Annette allowed him to revel in his temporary revolt for a moment, but when he would have ended the meeting, she intervened. “Dr. Holderfield.”
He hesitated, his gaze locking with hers. “I have nothing more to say.”
“You think you know who I am.” She laughed softly, but there was nothing soft or gentle in her manner. “You have no idea. Your concern for your son has you emotional just now. Be that as it may, you threaten me again and you will quickly learn exactly how far I can go to turn that prestigious career of yours into a shambles.” She paused so that he might absorb the full implications of her statement. “You havenosecrets from me, Dr. Holderfield. Don’t forget that.”
He opened his mouth, no doubt to debate her decree.
She stood. “This conversation is over. Have a nice evening.”
Annette tapped the necessary button to end the Zoom connection, and the large screen went black. She walked out, relaxing marginally in the change of setting. She was accustomed to threats. Most were groundless attempts to intimidate. Her position was always covered.
At least until recently.
She’d learned somethingtheydid not want her to know. Tension coiled inside her. Of all the powerful players on her client list, those unhappy with her right now were the most powerful. And with the darkest secrets. It had taken one glitch, one ripple, to start the tide against her.Theyhad banded together overnight. Now everything was falling apart.
If she could stop the momentum in time, she might be able to salvage things.
But that might just be impossible.
At the door to her private rooms, her personal assistant waited patiently for further instructions.
