“Probably something about me stepping down, I’m guessing,” she stated, arching an eyebrow in challenge.
Maxim didn’t reply, which meant she was right. No, she’d worked too hard for him to take this away from her. She knew the routes better than anyone along with the inner workings of his business. If he changed the routes and she wasn’t part of it, they could miss something vital. She had to stay a part of the decision-making.
“After what’s happened—”
“Nothing has changed. The business still has to continue. I am head of operations. I need to be a part of these decisions.”
“You can help plan.”
“But—” she demanded, getting impatient.
“Maybe someone else can do the pickups.”
“Like who? No one knows them better than I do.” Maxim didn’t have a ready comeback because he knew she was right. She had been part of these runs and checkups since she’d arrived on the scene. “Look, forewarned is forearmed. We know someone is targeting us. Whether it’s for me or to get to you I don’t know.”
“They bugged your phone.”
“I already got a new one so they can’t again. Look, I’ll convince Logan to change the route, but you aren’t having someone else do the pickups. Everyone knows me; I know what needs to be picked up.”
“Fine,” Maxim conceded. “But I want constant check-ins.”
“Of course.” At least he didn’t say there would be increased security. That would make her other check-ins with her boss harder. “I have the list of places to go in my office; we can over those.”
“Wait until Logan arrives and just go over them with him.” Maxim checked his watch. “He should be here in a few minutes.”
“Ugh.” She put as much disdain in her voice as she could.
“You should show him more respect. He’s saved your life more than once, Zoe.”
“So, give him a medal and move on. He’s a driver. He doesn’t need to pick the route.”
“You spoke up for him last night as I recall. Came to his defense.” Maxim felt the need to point out as if trying to convince her that it was because of her vouching and standing up for him that Maxim was allowing Logan into their fold.
“A momentary lapse in judgment. I still don’t think he needs to be part of the route planning. I’ve been doing it for months now and haven’t had a problem until yesterday.”
“I beg to differ. A fresh pair of eyes will help. He seems to know the streets well. We could use his insight.”
“If you say so.” She shrugged while on the inside she was grinning. At least now she didn’t have to come up with a reason to want to request Greg to show up. “Well, since we’re waiting on him, we’ll move on to the next subject. Is there anything in particular, you want me to ask the cook to make for dinner tonight?”
Maxim’s bushy eyebrows puckered together in confusion. “Why are you worrying about dinner? Am I missing something?”
“Viktor is coming for dinner.” She gave him aduhlook. Hadn’t she already told him this?
Maxim just blinked at her.
Shit, she’d forgotten to warn Maxim that she had invited him to dinner tonight after the incident yesterday and how he’d dismissed her like a scolded child. “When I spoke with Viktor yesterday, I figured it would be prudent to extend an invitation. Since he is arranging a business deal with Diego and Leo, I assumed you’d approve so you could discuss the particulars before the meeting.”
“I know what you’re up to.” He gave her a side look.
Zoe met his piercing glare with innocent doe eyes. “What might that be?”
Maxim wagged a pointed finger at her, looking perturbed. “Don’t play coy with me,malyshka.” Little girl. “Trying to ply Viktor to tell us why he’s here.”
“I know why he’s here. The meeting with Diego, but I want to know why he’s getting involved personally.” There was a reason and she wanted to know what.
“Are you suspicious of him?”
“Wouldn’t you be suspicious?” she countered. “He just shows up right after Leo mentions wanting to arrange a deal with Diego and swoops in to offer to help. When I asked what he gets out it, he said a small fee.”
