“But you will anyway,” I tease.
“Who was she?”
Huh?
“Who was who?” I look down at her eyes closed, taking a deep breath.
“Your date from a few nights ago.”
Oh.
I could play along, pretend she was a date, and remind her she’s engaged and it shouldn’t matter.
Torture her so she feels what I do, but I don’t have it in me.
“She was Matteo’s younger cousin. You remember him?” She nods. “I’ve known her my whole life, she’s like a little sister. She is going to USC for her master’s and wanted to discuss it.”
“Oh.” She pauses. “I need to tell you something, Nate.”
The elevator dings, interrupting Maddie, and at the same time, I hear a loud bang in the near distance. From Maddie’s stiff posture, so does she.
“I thought you said you were alone.”
“I was.” She squeezes my hand.
We take a few steps closer to her desk, and there is Linc, peering over Maddie’s desk. She drops my hand while I take a step forward, pushing Maddie behind me.
“Lincoln,” I bellow. “Is there a reason why you’re snooping through Madeline’s belongings?”
He stands tall, his back ramrod, as he deliberately turns toward us with a snaking smile. “I was looking for the files for the Pink Tiger project.”
“And it couldn’t wait until morning? When did you arrive back in the office?” I question.
He hesitates, and I know whatever comes out next will be a lie. “I’ve been here all night, pulling an all-nighter, same as the two of you, it seems like.”
“No, he hasn’t,” Maddie whispers for only me to hear.
“Well, we’re all going home now. The office is closed for the night, and next time you need something from anyone in this office, you ask before you go through their files.”
He looks at Maddie, then at me, with a suspicion I don’t like.
“Whatever you say, boss.”
The second he’s out of sight, my phone’s out, and I’m dialing the owner of our security company, knowing he’ll be awake since he’s in London.
“Ethan Scott,” he answers.
“Yeah. I’m aware, since I called you.”
He laughs and asks why I’m calling him so early in the morning.
“I have an issue.”
“That’s what your head of security is for.”
“I didn’t want to wake him since he has a new baby, and I need answers as soon as possible.”
“Let me grab my laptop. Hold on.”
