“Mr. Sullivan, this is Tanaka. We’re having some issues with the documentation you sent earlier. Could you clarify a few points before the full team joins?”
Archer divided his attention between the technical questions and Morgan’s progress toward the bus stop just a block over. She had reached it now, well within his sights, setting her purse beside her on the bench as she checked her phone.
“The encryption protocols are outlined in section four,” Archer explained, watching as Morgan smiled at something on her screen. What had caught her attention and made her smile like that?
The bus arrived, and Morgan boarded, disappearing from view. Archer made a quick decision.
“Mr. Tanaka, something urgent has come up. Can we postpone for thirty minutes?”
The Japanese executive sounded surprised but agreed. Archer zipped out of his parking spot and before he could exit the garage, he quickly fed his ticket into the machine so he could pay for the nearly four hours of parking. It was blessedly fast to make the payment only for the machine to slowly print out the world’s most redundant receipt before raising the bar to let him leave. He threw the now crushed receipt into his middle console before dropping the lid shut and pulling into the evening traffic, following the bus at a discreet distance.
The route would take about twenty minutes to reach Morgan's neighborhood. His phone buzzed against the console—Marcus's name flashing on the screen. He considered letting it go to voicemail, his attention focused on the bus carrying Morgan, but duty won out as it usually did.
"Sullivan," he answered, keeping one hand on the wheel as he maintained a safe distance behind the bus.
"Sorry to call so late, I was expecting to leave a message since I figured you’d be getting ready for your call with Tokyo" Marcus said, though his voice lacked genuine apology. "I've been reviewing the latest on Vertex Creative. Thought you'd want an update."
"Go ahead," Archer replied, slowing as the bus approached a stop, watching to ensure Morgan didn't exit.
"The irregularities run deeper than our initial assessment. It seems someone has been quite creative with the books, though not creative enough to hide it from a proper audit." There was a pause, then, "It's curious that you flagged this particular employee—MorganReeves—for special attention. Forensic accounting is my domain, Archer. You don't need to be this involved in the details."
The subtle challenge in Marcus's tone wasn't lost on Archer as he accelerated slightly, maintaining his position behind the bus as it pulled away from the stop. "I have my reasons."
"Yes, I'm sure you do." Another pause. "I can personally handle all the sensitive aspects of this acquisition. Including any... personnel issues that might arise during the potential integration."
"That won't be necessary," Archer said, more sharply than intended, taking a turn to follow the bus down a commercial street. "I want to be kept fully informed on this one."
"Of course," Marcus replied, his tone modulated to careful neutrality. "It's just unusual for you to focus on clearing one specific employee. Is there something about Ms. Reeves I should know?"
Archer tensed, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "Just make sure we have all the evidence properly documented before Thursday's meeting. I want a complete picture of who's responsible and who's being set up to take the fall."
"Already on it," Marcus assured him. "Though I have to say, this acquisition is becoming more complex than anticipated. We should walk away, find a different company with less complications."
"No," Archer said firmly, watching as the bus approached Morgan's stop. "We proceed as planned."
He ended the call just as he saw Morgan exit the bus at her stop. He parked on the street nearby, his attention now fully on ensuring she reached her apartment safely.
Only once she was safely inside, the security door closing behind her, did Archer finally relax.
As he prepared his notes for the Tokyo meeting, his phone chimed with a text.
Just scheduled my test for tomorrow at 5:30. Results will probably be ready by Friday. Still on for tomorrow night?
Archer considered this. He’d received his results that afternoon—all negative, as expected. He typed back:Got my results today. All clear. And yes, definitely still on for tomorrow.
Her response came quickly:Good to hear! I’m not worried about mine, I’ve never gone without protection, but we should still be careful until I get my results in.
We’ll manage,he replied.I’m very creative.
I’ve noticed.She texted back, and he could almost hear the smile in her words.Especially with that tongue ring.
Archer felt heat rush through him at her boldness.Just wait until you see what else I can do with it.
Promises, promises. Can’t wait for tomorrow. Goodnight, Archer.
Goodnight, Morgan. Dream of me.
As he switched phones and prepared for his Tokyo call, Archer tried to refocus on business. But his mind kept returning to Morgan—her smile as she left the pottery class, her safety in a city that suddenly seemed full of potential threats.
