Page 11 of Dancing in the Dark

“Mmhm.” I take my time and set the painting on the floor. I position the box against his desk, and when I need a little more time, I shift it another inch to the left. Anything to avoid admitting that I see Mia several times a week—though not nearly often enough—and I see her father… never.

Because I’ve become especially skilled at being wherever he isn’t. “Mia’s settling in well to the new school year.”

“First grade?”

“Mm. She’s younger than her peers, but she’s handling it well and seems happy with her classroom placement. Despite being the smallest of the lot, she spends enough time with Detective Malone’s brother that I’m not sure she ever notices or suffers from low self-esteem.”

“He is quite the character. Alright.” He brings his eyes back to my stack of paperwork. “What else do I need to know?”

The one thing I don’t want to tell you! Especially on the back of discussing Cato Malone.

Nerves bubble in my belly as I snag the next file down and lay it open on my lap. “Uh… Deputy Legal Counsel Anderson Markum has flagged a certain sensitive subject he feels is imperative that we cover before Ambassador Zhao’s visit.” Tension grows thick in the air, swelling and powerful enough to make my stomach tumble. I stare down at my files, as though I don’t already know every word, every nuance, every friggin’ detail I’ve spent entirely too long obsessing over. “He considers the topic a ‘risk factor’ that might slow down, or completely stop, the deal with China.”

Gone is the man’s playful, fatherly demeanor, and in its place is the eagle-eyed glare of a successful and savage district attorney. “What has Markum flagged?”

“Uhh... Throughout my research, I’ve turned up a deep history involving our port and…” Godddd. Don’t make me say it. “Organized crime. While the port has been all but shut down for the last couple of decades, this history still exists, and if Ambassador Zhao has done his homework, then he may have questions.”

Considering, Justin recaps his water and cloaks himself in silence. I’ve run out of things to say, and he long ago mastered the art of saying nothing at all.

“I think it’s important we tread carefully when we answer, that’s all. Especially since there are direct descendants from that family still living in Copeland.”

Please don’t ask who. Please don’t ask who. Oh, God, please don’t make me say it.

“Mm…” He rolls his bottom lip between his fingers, his eyes dark with deliberation. It’s like he feels none of the discomfort I feel. “So, I suppose since this is a closed-door meeting and you and I are the only people here, it might be best we simply address the elephant in the room.”

Oh, God. Please no!

“Malone.”

Puke.

“Deputy Legal Counsel Markum has brought this to your attention specifically?”

Only about seventy-five times since last month. “Yes, sir. He’s eager to secure this deal, so I believe his warnings are to ensure we’re prepared for any and every question Ambassador Zhao might have.”

“And your thoughts on the topic?”

I have no thoughts, except that it’s possible I may be friends with certain people who know certain people, and I absolutely never, ever, ever plan to ask questions about the business dealings their grandfather might’ve been involved in. “Uh… I think twenty years of dormancy is a significant amount of time, which is how I would present my answers should Ambassador Zhao bring it up.” I close that file and bring the next one to the top. “I’ve prepared an agenda for the day of the delegates’ visit. If you like, we could run through it and iron out any sticking points. Additionally, I’ve written the first draft of your welcoming remarks and a statement for the media.” I place two separate sheets of paper on his desk. “I’ve emailed them, and welcome your feedback. Once you’ve looked them over and leave your notes, I can finalize both and have them ready for next week.”

“Excellent.” He picks them up, one by one, and briefly scans each page. “I’ll send my edits back to you tonight. Although you’re not obligated to look at them again until Monday morning.” Setting them down, he offers a playful smile. “I believe Doctor Emeri is hosting a to-do this weekend. Will you be attending?”

“Uh…” Kill. Me. Please. “Y-yes, sir. I was planning to attend. Are you?”

He chuckles. “No. I made my excuses early, knowing both you and Chief Mayet were on the guest list. There’s no need for my presence to make either of you uncomfortable.”

Shit. Now I feel bad. “I wouldn’t be uncomfortable, sir. If Aubree invited you, then that means she wants you there, and no matter how stubborn Chief Mayet can be on the subject, I know she’d say the same thing.”

After she finished whining.

“Janine and I have dinner reservations,” he counters with a soft smile. “We’ve organized a gift that’ll arrive at Doctor Emeri’s home first thing Monday morning, since Monday is her actual birthday, and I’ve already spoken with the birthday girl personally. She understands our schedules have clashed and holds no grudge. I sincerely hope you enjoy your evening. Now talk to me about Markum.”

Stunned, my eyes flare wide in surprise. “Sir?”

“He was promoted to deputy legal counsel approximately six months ago, correct? I’ve met him a few times since then, but each meeting left me with a distinct aftertaste I didn’t particularly care for.” He wrinkles his nose. “I know what’s on the Port Authority PR website. Now I’d like to know what the locals think of him.”

6

FLETCH