Page 25 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

It all narrowed down to one truth:

Stay, and give him control.

Leave, and keep it.

Or …

Natalie glanced at her watch. Ahead of schedule, as usual.

Stop by his place and thank him in person for taking care of your bill and for the car. You have time. He deserves that.

"Sir?” She leaned forward. “Could we make a short detour?"

"Certainly."

“And a stop at Tesco or Sainsbury’s?”

The driver nodded. Decision made. Natalie clicked her nails against her phone case, contemplating.

Should I call Kate? This is way too much to text.

No, better wait until I have the full story.

She studied Mr. Crown’s handwriting—an interesting combination of upper and lowercase print, but neat and orderly. By the time the car eased into a Sainsbury’s, she’d read his note at least two dozen times. The driver caught her eye in the rearview mirror.

“Miss, will this work?”

She unlocked her seatbelt. “Yes, this is great. I’ll be quick.”

Natalie ducked in and out of the store in record time, her purchase concealed in one of their signature orange bags. Even though it cost less than five pounds, it was the perfect good-bye gift.

Traffic thinned as they rolled toward Chelsea. When his building came into view, she drew a deep breath and released it slowly through pursed lips.

Quick and painless. Thank him. Praise the night. Then be on your way.

"I’ll only be a minute." She gazed up at the top floor, her hands now sweating.

"My services are booked for the day. Take as much time as you need," the driver said.

Clutching his note, she walked briskly to the main door. Through the glass entryway she spied a man seated behind a circular desk, clicking away on a keyboard. Gathered behind him, two additional suits, hunched over the computer screen with perplexed expressions. As she typed in the code on a small keypad, all three heads looked up, giving her the collective once over. The doors opened and Natalie entered.

“Afternoon, miss,” the men said in chorus.

“Afternoon,” she replied.

She crossed the lobby, entered the elevator, and punched in the code a second time. Her hand trembled. With a jolt, the elevator began its ascent. Her insides jolted as well.

Calm down. There’s nothing to be nervous about.

Seconds later, the doors opened and Natalie stepped over the threshold and into his foyer.

"Mr. Crown?" She called out.

Silence.

My God, this is ridiculous. We should have exchanged names.

She called out again but got no response.