Desiree hung up. “Damn, we needed that.”
Maverick peered at his sister, who’d gotten busy nibbling her fingernail. “What was that all about?”
“Carly had this great opportunity. Check that. The opportunity wasn’t great, but it was steady work. Things have slowed way down.” Rising, she leaned forward. “I think I’m going to have to resign.”
“Why?”
“She used to have meatier cases, but lately she’s been snapping pics of cheating spouses. But, hey, it’s something, right? That guy who just called works for a major hotel chain and needs someone to run hundreds of background checks on a regular basis. The work is routine, but we needed that gig.”
“What’s she doing to bring in new clients?”
“Money’s tight, so she hasn’t advertised in a while. A lot of the clients she had from her grandpa died, retired, or moved away.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Don’t say anything,” she said twirling a chunk of hair. “I shouldn’t have told you.”
“I have a top-secret clearance, honey. I won’t breathe a word.”
She grinned. “Best brother ever.”
“You say that to all three of us.”
“But I only mean it when I say it to you.”
He chuffed out a laugh as she giggled. The door opened and Carly breezed in with a tray of drinks and a large bag. She’d clipped her hair up, soft wisps framing her face. Her navy dress and heels were sophisticated and conservative, yet the knit hugged her curves like a glove. Damn, she looks hot.
She slid her gaze from one to the other. “I’m happy to see you two laughing.”
“Desiree claims I’m her favorite brother. Do I look that gullible?” Maverick took the tray of drinks and set it on the reception counter. “Thanks for buying all of this.” He pulled out a twenty.
“Put your money away.” She set the bag on the counter. “Desiree, I got you an iced tea.”
“Thanks.” Desiree stabbed a straw through the lid. After inhaling half the liquid, she sucked down a breath. “Whew, I was crazy thirsty. Craig Pluckett called. He’s going with someone else.”
Carly’s shoulders slumped. “Damn.” Then, her gaze darted to Maverick and she pinned on a smile. “Ready to roll? I checked traffic. There are a couple of accidents on I-95. Give me a second to shut down, then we’ll head out.” She sashayed into her office, the knit dress clinging to her swaying ass.
Clear out the dirty thoughts and get your shit together. We’re going to a funeral, for God’s sake.
When she returned, he said, “Let’s keep an eye out for anyone trailing us.”
Her brows furrowed. “Why?”
“The press followed me to my car.”
“Are they that desperate for a story?” Her smarmy smile made him chuckle.
“Internado suspended the award of any new government contracts pending the outcome of their witch hunt.”
“Ouch.”
“Thanks for the compassion.”
She shot him a little smile and the gnawing frustration in his gut settled down. He loved that she never pitied him.
“ThunderStrike is going to be fine,” she said. “You did nothing wrong.”
“Those are the facts, but I’m dealing with Internado and he writes his own set of rules.”
