Page 360 of The Romance Adventure

“It’s information,” I repeat.

Glandman snorts. “I have plenty of that.”

“It’s specific to you.”

So caught up in the back and forth, it takes me a moment to realize that CJ is good at this. Too good.

“Glandman, you were in business with my grandfather and Kurt Jerkovic.” He lets the name hang.

“That was a long time ago.”

“In exchange for anything that might help me locate him or find out more about his dealings with Chip, I’ll share something with you about Lorena.”

If we weren’t twelve stories up, we’d be able to hear the waves crashing to shore.

The man already had a sallow pallor, but now turns ashen. “Lorena?”

CJ nods slowly. “What if I told you why she left?”

I’ve been paying attention and taking mental notes. As far as I know, they haven’t yet located her, so this is a risky move.

“There’s no way...I searched for her.” He sweeps his gaze over the map. “Everywhere.”

“That looks like a small part of the globe. But she didn’t go far.”

“She’s still alive?”

I glance at CJ because he can’t know that for sure. But I recognize this play. CJ is good at it, but I suppose his motivation to fulfill his grandfather’s wishes drives him more than a mission would ever push me—except this one.

CJ crosses his arms and leans against the window, gazing into the distance—at the sky or ocean, I can’t tell. It’s all so blue. “Don’t underestimate me, Glandman. But I want to know about your former business partner.”

“What can I tell you? Jerkovic was shrewd. Double-crossed us. Took investment money and went overseas. We used to be called nuts for real estate investments in the Keys. It was different down here all those years ago. We started calling ourselves the coconuts just to own it.”

“Glad you once had a sense of humor.”

“Jerkovic was the real nut. He got involved in all kinds of things...” Glandman trails off.

“Do you know if he had any family? Relations?” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I regret them, but it’s like the truth can’t stay put and refuses to remain quiet.

“My memory isn’t what it used to be. Though he did once say he wanted to leave a legacy for his daughter.”

“And what about your son?” CJ blurts.

Glandman pushes back from his desk. “My what⁠—?”

“Keep your eyes on the horizon. You’ll know Captain J when you see him. And I’ll be sure you and Lorena find your way together again, if not to say hello, then to have an official goodbye.”

Glandman turns the exact color of a starfish that’s been left in the sun.

“Funny, he and I have the same initials. CJ...well, technically, his are GJG.” That’s where CJ leaves it. We stride toward the elevator.

On the way down, CJ says, “We make a good team.”

“I hardly did a thing.”

“You diffused some of Glandman’s hatred for me.”

“Why did you say you thought Glandman would like me?”