But I keep replaying that brunch. The sorority crew huddled around me, concern in their furrowed brows. And Blanca’scomplete irrational disdain for Adam. I never thought much of it before.
Anxiety churns in the pit of my stomach, greasy and slimy.
Carter’s back, and while he and Eliza are busy making plans for Italy, I slip out, two confused guards on my heels as I jump into my brother’s car, startling the driver leaning against the garage door on his smoke break.
“To the office,” I snap at the poor man.
He hesitates. “Mr. Rawlings—”
“Is busy. Drive. Now.”
In my agitation, it didn’t cross my mind that nobody in the office has seen me in anything but sharp heels and blazers. Everybody’s back at their desks now, and they’re all staring as I cross the floor. The loungewear must freak them out.
“Call Radu for me, please,” I rattle off to Michelle.
With her nose pressed to the computer screen, she startles and knocks her water bottle over. “Oh my gosh!”
Five minutes later, the lanky twenty-year-old struts into my office with a dramatic swipe of his shaggy fringe.
“You wanted to see me, boss?” His strong Romanian accent is adorable and oddly comforting, in contrast to the dark Gothic aesthetic he’s adopted lately.
“Close the door.” My voice is flat, which throws him off, but the look on my face sets him in motion.
“I need some intel. Any intimate communication between these women.” The piece of paper with the names of the only two blonde interns in Turner’s office back then trembles in my grip. A prickly lump rises in my throat as I point to the last entry. “And him. Go back eight years.”
“OK…”
A passing thought makes me add Blanca’s name to the list. “Check if his name comes up in her messages, too.”
Radu does not react with the slightest flicker of interest or curiosity. Not surprising, since my young computer whiz likes it best cooped up, enjoying that weird reclining chair and coding glasses, rather than diving into the gossip pool with the people he tried to hack three years ago.
He scratches his chin. “How deep do I need to go?”
“Let’s say law enforcement would need a warrant for the type of digging you need to do.” I force the words out, swallowing the bile rising in my throat.
He looks mildly taken aback.
“Is it going to be a problem?”
“Boss, you’re the only thing standing between me and prison.” He studies the paper, then folds the list, silent, deep in thought. A dust of pink settles on his cheekbones before he asks, “Am I also looking for…video or photographic evidence?”
His question is something I expected, but it still leaves me hollow and nauseous. If he lied…If there is proof, I don’t think I can stomach some little home movie starring Adam and another woman. The thought makes my hands go cold.
But Ineedto know. Ihaveto know. “Send me everything you find,” I say, with a clarity that scares me.
I don’t want to hurt him anymore, but I can’t let this ache keep carving at whatever’s left of me.
A sense of calm settles over me like a weighted blanket once Radu leaves my office. Strangely, I’m relieved it’s out of my hands now. The die is cast.
When I step outside, Michelle jumps to her feet, clutching the tablet to her chest.
“Is Joseph in his office?” I ask, offering an apologetic smile for storming in like that earlier.
She checks the company calendar. “Yeah, in a meeting.” She looks up from the tablet, the worry in her voice palpable. “Are you back? Is everything OK? Did they catch the guys?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. But I’m not staying.” Not sharing what I know with her feels wrong, but Derrick and the FBI were clear. “Thanks.”
The corner office on the other side of the floor reflects Joseph’s personality to a T.The old way is the best way.Dark tones, mahogany desk, Persian rugs, and leather armchairs. One of which is occupied by a stern-looking Adam.
