THIRTY-FOUR

Sofia had wanted some time alone over the weekend to think about J.R.’s proposal, but instead he had whisked her off to Puerto Rico in his private jet. He claimed touring his Puerto Rico facilities would help her decide if she wanted to manage his similar property in Brazil, but aside from a quick visit to his plant, the rest of the activities were clearly selected to win her over. She should have enjoyed the outings in his yacht, dining in San Juan’s most exclusive hot spots, and riding horses on the beach with J.R., but her pending decision weighed heavily on her mind.

During the tour of his pharmaceutical plant he explained his vision for the facility in Brazil, which would be nearly identical. She had never been to Brazil, but working closely with J.R. to start up a new factory would give her time to determine if a life with him was worth giving up everything she had striven for her entire adult life.

The most immediate obstacle preventing her from committing to his proposal was the idea of handing over management of her company to someone else while she was away. She employed a great staff, but she had always kept a tight rein on day-to-day operations and wasn’t sure anyone currently on the payroll could step in without a lot of training. It didn’t sound like time to train someone was accounted for in J.R.’s plan.

When she strode out of the elevator at Buyer’s Choice, she was a little surprised, and definitely pleased, to find Kelly sitting at Justine’s desk. J.R. promised Trevor wouldn’t be back. She had remained cautiously optimistic all weekend, but not convinced.

“I wasn’t sure if you still wanted me to cover for Trevor, but since I didn’t see him this morning I thought I’d sit here until one of you told me otherwise,” Kelly said.

“Trevor has taken another opportunity at my urging. Once you’re finished with your thesis for your graduate work would you be interested in full-time employment here?” Sofia asked.

“I would love the opportunity. I realize Justine’s shoes will be hard to fill, but I promise to give you my all,” Kelly replied enthusiastically.

“I need someone with your education, skills, professionalism, and to be honest, your look. Trevor was making the clients nervous. He should be working for the Secret Service, not at the reception desk of a lobbying firm. He was recommended to me by an associate, and I was desperate, but I’m glad he’s gone.”

Kelly chuckled. “I’m glad to hear you say that. He gave me and everyone else on staff the heebie-jeebies.”

“He certainly lacked your interpersonal communications skills. He was only intended to be a temporary bridge until I found someone I was comfortable with. Anyway, let’s talk later about how many hours you can spare until your studies are done.”

Kelly thanked her again as she made her way into her office. Despite her original euphoria with Trevor’s absence, a sick feeling resided deep down in her gut. She hoped Kelly wouldn’t end up sharing the same fate as Justine. She also feared that J.R. hadn’t caved as easily as she thought. Was Trevor still “protecting” her? It was even more dangerous having him lurking out of sight than sitting outside her door. She hoped she hadn’t made a huge mistake in demanding his removal.

Pushing the thoughts of Trevor out of her mind, she sat down at her desk and picked up the newspaper Kelly had placed in her inbox. She could read it online but preferred to keep up with what was happening in the city the old-fashioned way.

The front-page story caught her eye immediately. She gasped as she stared at the headline.

President of Giant Weight Loss Company, Maggie Blair, Inc., Found Dead in Santa Fe Spa.

She quickly read through the story. The death was still under investigation. The authorities were unwilling to speculate, but the reporter had no problem doing just that. The writer insinuated the death could be suicide on the heels of the crisis brought on by the Giant Cactus Foods scandal.

Sofia believed differently.

Rereading the story, she struggled to understand why. Urban’s wife had talked to the FBI and was digging for the truth behind Giant Cactus, but surely that wasn’t serious enough to have her silenced.

Sofia didn’t know what to do or think. She couldn’t call Urban and offer her condolences nor could she accuse J.R. of being involved. She had made it clear to him that she suspected he was behind Justine’s death. He never admitted to any involvement, but he didn’t deny her accusations either. She hoped Margaret Blair’s death was accidental or suicide, but the timing of Trevor’s departure was too much of a coincidence to ignore.

She walked over to her window. Scanning the area below, she saw nothing. Yes, she may have made a critical error in demanding Trevor’s dismissal. A line from Godfather II ran through her mind as she searched outside for any sign of Trevor watching her: keep your friends close and your enemies closer.