I start pacing back and forth waiting for Ethan, trying not to freak the fuck out.
There is not one part of me that believes Lincoln, and I need to figure out what the hell his intentions are.
That’s where Ethan comes in. He owns Scott Security, a top international security firm, and he’ll have the answers I need immediately.
“All right, shoot.”
“I need you to find out exactly what time Lincoln Sutherland left tonight, what time he reentered, and how long he was standing at Madeline Cunningham’s desk. Actually follow his footsteps through the office and find out exactly where he went and for how long he was in each place. I also want a background check done immediately.”
“No problem. Anything I need to be aware of?”
“Not yet,” I insisted, then hung up.
“Do you think a background check is a little overboard?”
I nearly jump when Maddie speaks, so focused on the security issue, I almost forget she’s here.
Almost.
“There is no such thing as overboard when it comes to your safety. There is something I don’t like about that guy.”
“Yeah.” She bobs her head up and down. “I agree.”
“Let’s get out of here. Before you turn into a pumpkin.”
21
Maddie
“Mail delivery.”
A broad smile crosses my face, and I play along, setting aside my sketch book.
“Why, thank you kindly.” I take the parcel from the mail girl’s hands and pretend to inspect it thoroughly. “It looks official.”
Next to me, she tries to suppress a sweet giggle. “You need to sign here.”
“Oh, of course.” I scribble an exaggerated signature. “You’re very good at your job.”
Another giggle has me cracking up.
“Come here, little one.” Claud throws herself into my waiting arms and squeezes me tightly.
“Hey, where’s our picture?” she accuses. I push my laptop aside to show her. “Oops.”
“How was school today?”
She wiggles in my lap. “I couldn’t wait for it to be over because today we got to see our dance recital outfits for the first time.”
“And I take it you love them?”
“One’s pink and glittery and one’s blue with gems,” she squeals in excitement. “With a tutu!”
I squeeze her tighter, so happy that my move to New York has brought us closer. “They sound wonderful. I can’t wait to see them on you.”
“Oh!” she yells and jumps off my lap, bolting toward the copy room. “I forgot something.”
When I have a spare second, I open the mail that Claud delivered, a document I’ve been waiting on from a building inspector. Then I open the piece from my PO Box that I retrieved on my way into work this morning, and my heart drops.
