“We could, yes, it would appeal to us both in our chosen fields.” He arched a brow to her. “You do know something about art, right?”
“You read up on me. I majored in criminology, minored in art,” she reminded him. “Besides, we’re going to be okay. I’m not selling any of the classics—my work is with today’s artists!”
“Still—”
“Not to worry. I can hold my own.”
“Wasn’t really worried. Just checking.”
“And you? Can you actually dive?”
“Oh, ouch. That hurt.”
“That means yes,” she said lightly. “So, onward!”
She unlatched the door so that they could head out. A flight of stairs brought them to the buffet where many of the ship’s passengers were gathered, so many that finding a table might not be an easy task.
But it worked out perfectly.
“Over there!” Wes said softly.
Chloe turned in the direction he indicated. A table had just cleared—and two of their suspects were about to take a seat.
“Grab me a croissant or something, I’ll save our seats!” Chloe told him.
She hurried over to the table, asking quickly, “May I grabthese? Seems like no one wanted a formal sit-down breakfast today! Everyone’s preparing for classes!”
She gave the two men her best smile.
The brothers Daniel and Broderick McClintock were an impressive pair. Like most of the men on board, they were wearing knee-length shorts and polo shirts. Daniel was a bit taller at about six-two; his brother was maybe an inch shorter. From reading, she knew that Broderick was thirty-eight and Daniel was thirty-six. Their parents had died in an automobile crash when they’d been in college and, apparently, they’d leaned on one another since. Neither was married; their company, Bulwark Cybersecurity, had been a focus for them since they’d founded it six years ago.
Prior to that, Daniel had worked for a major gaming enterprise and Broderick had been a cyber security officer for a bank.
They were handsome men, dark-haired and dark-eyed, fit, blending dignity with quick solid smiles.
And they gave her a pair of those very pleasant smiles.
“Of course, please! Tables are for all to share. Can we get you something?” Daniel asked her.
“Oh, no, no, thank you! My husband is in the line—I was just making sure that we had somewhere to sit!” Chloe told them.
Broderick pulled out a chair for her and she sat. “I think I know who you are. I mean, you two do look quite a bit like one another! Daniel and Broderick McClintock,Bulwark Cybersecurity!”
“Yes, I’m Daniel, and my big brother here is Broderick. And you have us at a disadvantage—”
“Chloe,” she said. “I’m Chloe Douglas, and my husband, Wes, is heading our way as we speak. We’re both coming to the class you’re giving today. Oh, and it was such a surprisefor us! We planned this trip way back, and it couldn’t have been more perfect! I can’t believe that Milestones and all the people they’ve brought on are being so wonderful and generous with their time!”
“We love to pay it forward!” Broderick said.
“And, of course, create a lot of goodwill for Bulwark Cybersecurity!” Daniel added, grinning. His smile slipped. “We need good things these days in all online fields.”
“Well, creating these classes for everyone does create goodwill,” Chloe assured them. But she frowned as well, looking at Daniel. “Oh! I read in the paper about a woman killing five or her associates and then herself! I see where you might be worried, but then again, that was one person, and the world is moving on the internet!” she assured him.
“I know, I know, it’s just so sad and so... unbelievable!” Daniel said.
“We knew them,” Broderick added quietly.
“Oh, I am so very sorry,” Chloe told him earnestly.
