Page 29 of Carnal Risk

“Selby, we need to get a few things straight,” he began.

“I was wrong,” she interrupted.

“What?”

“I was wrong about you. Today at the beach. Just now,” she said. “Why keep me here in the room? You want me in here for a meeting where I’m obviously not welcome. Then you tell me to shut my mouth as if I’m a child. Seriously, is this some kind of test again?”

“Sit down,” he told her.

“No. I’m a grown woman. You may think just because you run this company that you get to treat people like shit, but I have news for you, Garrett, that doesn’t work with me. The next time you want to embarrass me, just do me a favor and don’t. I can’t believe I thought…”

“Selby,” he said softly. He reached for her hand. She went to tug it away but he held firm.

“No.”

“I’m sorry, okay? Look there are some things with us that aren’t negotiable.” Her fingers softened and he sat on the edge of his desk. He waited for her to look at him but she defiantly looked away to an empty chair. “When Evan died, I knew that something terrible had happened. No, not just terrible. I knew that there was no way he’d make a rookie mistake or fuck up his gear. Today when Dean came in here asking for files…I didn’t want you to say anything that would give him reason to press further with his request for information.”

“But why wouldn’t you want him to know?” She finally locked her eyes on his.

“Because some of the technologies we develop are top secret. Granted, some of them aren’t, they’re civilian products for the fun of the sport. But there are projects we have that will create things to help our country. Things that help protect our protectors. I know damn well there are people out there looking to steal government secrets, and I’m not going to make it easier for them. I trust Dean with my life, but the people he works with…”

“He’s with the police.”

“Exactly, and most of them we could trust, but you and I know there’s a process for establishing clearances. People are vulnerable to blackmail. Corruption. I can’t do that.”

“Why did you lie about what happened in Evan’s office?”

“I don’t know…I just don’t want you involved in this. And honestly, your reasons for being in there last night involve a laptop that I’m not willing to turn over to Dean as of yet. I don’t know what’s all on it, but I knew if they discovered he’d been murdered, they’d be looking for it. I’m certainly not going to tell Dean you were snooping around Evan’s office and drag you into this.”

“I wasn’t snooping,” she insisted.

“Yeah, you kind of were. Don’t bullshit a bullshitter, Selby.” He raised a questioning eyebrow at her.

“I already told you what I was looking for.”

“Yeah, and I told you it was confidential. And I would have told Dean the same thing.”

“I understand, but you can’t talk to me like that.” Her bottom lip wavered, her eyes flickering in anger.

“I’m sorry, but again, I give the orders, sweetheart. You, on the other hand, take them. I think we reviewed that rule already.”

“That’s not fair.”

“I’m sorry for the way I said it but I couldn’t risk you saying anything else to Dean.”

“Okay, but what happened today…”

“Come with me on Saturday. We’re having an event. A few investors will be there. I think it’s important you meet more of the Emerson family.”

“But you and I…on the beach…we need to talk about what happened.”

“We do, and that’s why I want you to come to the party. I could sit here and tell you about the circle of people who drive this company, the people who were Evan’s friends, but I want to show you.”

“But today…” she stammered.

“Today,” he began and then laughed. “Today, you scared the ever loving shit out of me.”

She laughed and shook her head.