* * *
“Why doyou stay working for them?” Kyle wondered.
“The staff. We’re tight. Family. And we care about our patients and work as a team.” Her eyes darted around the room.
Kip’s radar triggered. He knew there was more to it than Harper let on. “Aren’t there any complaints?”
“I wouldn’t know.” Harper chewed her lip.
“Harper…” Chantal reached for her sister’s hand. When Harper shook her head, Chantal continued, “Harper is on me to switch OB practices because of them. She told me the staff OBs see way too many patients. And I’dneversee Jerrold.” A chill shuddered through her voice.
“Is he a bad doctor?” Kyle asked.
“Um, I don’t like him,” Chantal explained as she watched her sister.
Kip resisted turning the discussion into an interrogation, but he wanted answers.
“Kyle, if Kip is relocating, are you moving here too?” Chantal’s eyes gleamed looking at him.
Kyle seemed equally impressed with Chantal. “Alright, ladies, if you repeat any of this to anyone, we will have to kill you,” he teased. “As you heard us tell your old acquaintances, Kip and I work for Chase Security International.”
Kip’s eyes turned dark with warning. The purchase of the Sommerstone-owned facilities was a well-kept secret. Deep down, he hoped Kyle hadn’t lost his mind.
He leaned in conspiratorially. “Kip gets the cool penthouse office. I usually work out of the DC branch, but I’m here to make sure everyone has the right permit or license. I’m the company’s licensing guy,” Kyle said.
Harper looked at Kip from beneath her long lashes. “YOU are the man in charge.”
“That’s me,” he said with mock sincerity.
“I stuck my foot in my mouth, huh? Heavy duty secrets. What does Chase Security International do?” Chantal asked.
“Yes, Kyle, tell them,” Kip chuckled.
“Chase Security International is a high-end private security company, providing personal security, executive protection, mission support, as well as security and training services to domestic law enforcement, US and multinational corporations worldwide. We stand apart from the Chase Group, which, through its venture capital investments, supports our pro bono work,” Kyle rattled off the brochure answer in a newscaster tone.
Chantal and Harper’s jaws dropped. “That sounds dangerous.” Harper puffed out her bottom lip.
“Nah, I’m in the penthouse—papercuts and tired eyes from looking at a computer too long are my possible injuries.” He wasn’t going to tell them he was shot in June. Wanting to get off the subject, he asked, “Tell me more about yourselves? Not just your jobs. I mean, I should know about my friend Kyle’s wife and my fiancée.” He smiled.
“I’m the big sister. I love everything mystical and voodoo. We share a beautiful cottage on an estate. And the elephant in the room—my little bump is all mine. No baby daddy drama,” Chantal said with ease.
“That’s my sister, more TMI,” Harper said.
Chantal stuck her tongue out. “Harper, sheesh, loosen up.”
Kip watched Kyle fidget.Yup, she’s got his attention.
“C’mon, Harper, throw me a bone.” Kip smiled.
She wiggled her nose. “I like action movies. My favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry. I make terrific shrimp creole. I like to dance. And I indulge my sister’s love for TMI and the occult. That’s six bones.” Harper laughed.
“That it is.” Kip’s face lit up. “Were you two serious about offering to be tour guides?”
“Yes,” Harper said, her cheeks still flushed.
Chantal looked surprised by her sister’s response.
“I’ll ask for real. Are you two free Thursday? I like Owen very much, but I’d love a second opinion on hair and clothing,” Kip asked.
