Chapter Twenty-Four

“Jules,” Finn shouted. “Get in here!”

It was five o’clock on Monday evening. Between Saturday night at the charity ball and this moment, he had heard from Bev only the one time when she told him about Joe. He made the call to Tracy at the FBI immediately. She promised to get back to him as soon as they looked into it. No one was comfortable with the coincidence.

And now this. He stared at the document in his hands. Joe’s attack wasn’t a coincidence. He just wished she’d told him herself. He wanted answers. Jules appeared in the doorway to his office. “Yeah, boss?”

“Who delivered this?”

“Courier. From Winslow Holdings’ offices. Why are you asking?”

He sucked in a much-needed breath. Fury made his hands shake, and he couldn’t afford to lose control. Yet.

“Effective immediately, I am no longer employed by Beverly Winslow or Winslow Holdings, Nor am I the director of the probate for Reginald’s will.”

“She fired you?” Jules’s shout perfectly matched his feeling on the subject.

“It appears so.”

“Why?”

“Hell if I know, but I intend to find out.”

****

She’d behaved like an ass.

But she couldn’t figure out any other way to fix it. It was done. Finn Callahan had been fired. Her mother and Joe were safely hidden away in Maine, and her personal security was increased both at home—including the house in Maine—and at the offices. No one but those on a very short pre-approved list would be allowed access to her.

Contrary to her mother’s statement yesterday, she wasn’t stupid. She’d taken every precaution she could think of. Firing Finn sucked, but she’d needed to act fast. Now things were taken care of as much as she could control, she settled herself on the new red couch in her freshly painted apartment.

Warm taupe paint with bright splashes of colorful artwork graced the walls. Geometric-patterned fabric for pillows and curtains complemented the simplicity of it. Her office had undergone a similar transformation.

Five days to redecorate. Less than four hours to hire additional security and transfer Joe and her mother to the mansion. Money made things happen fast. In this case, it was worth it. Joe was in terrible pain, but awake and yelling.

The yelling relieved her more than any doctor could. Wanting to see for herself he was fine, she left the house in Maine at four this morning. He wasn’t at the level of fine yet, but he would be.

She’d make certain those she loved stayed safe from now on.

She rose at the knock on her door. She knew it wasn’t anyone dangerous. Len was clearing all guests. She hoped it was Megan. She could use a friend.

Her mouth dropped when she opened the door. Finn. He was on the short list of acceptable guests. She hadn’t wanted to cut all ties. He strode in past her. His hair was damp from the rain. His blue button-down was open at the collar, and he wore a charcoal-gray jacket. He looked amazing…and furious. She swallowed the nervous knot in her throat.

“Do come in,” she said dryly, trying and failing to keep a quiver out of her voice.

He spun around as she locked the door behind him. “Don’t start. I’m not in the mood.”

“In the mood for what?”

“Your sarcasm. I deserved a phone call.” The muscle in his lower jaw twitched. “God-dammit, I deserve an explanation.”

The tension in her shoulders ratcheted up a notch. This is exactly what she had been worried about. “You’re right.”

He crossed his arms. “Start talking.”

“That’s one thing I’m going to miss about you as my lawyer. You don’t kick a person when they’re down or when they’re wrong. It was wrong not to tell you in person. I’m sorry.” She crossed to the living room and nodded to a chair. “Why don’t you sit down? Do you want a glass of wine?”

His full lips tightened. He was impatient for an explanation, but he’d give her a minute to collect her thoughts. Professional as ever.

“I’ll have whatever you’re drinking.” He came farther into the apartment but didn’t sit. His long strides reminded her of a panther. She poured the wine. He followed her into the living room, sat next to her on the new red couch.

He smelled like spring—the rain and fresh leaves. It was heady, and her core warmed. She tried to ignore it and found it kept getting more difficult as the minutes clicked by. She sipped and then explained about the threat.

When she’d finished, he didn’t speak for long minutes. She gave him the time to digest. He put his glass on the coffee table. “This sucks.”

Bev couldn’t help the laugh bursting from her chest. “That’s my line.”

“I’m borrowing it,” he said. “How’s Joe? Reggie must be a mess.”

“He’s better, actually. Out of commission for a bit, which works with my plan, but he’ll heal, and that’s all that matters. My mother will make sure of it.”

He pushed at the hair falling on his forehead. Frustration vibrated from him.

“I get you’re frustrated, but I didn’t know what else to do. I had to move fast. I am truly sorry,” she said again.

“I don’t blame you. And I’m not angry. Anymore. I’m glad they are okay.” He stroked her knee. “You’ve bought yourself some time. But what are you doing next? What’s the plan?”

“I called Tracy. Between my office blowing up, the threatening letter, Joe’s attack, and the phone call, there’s grounds to put some unfortunate people under surveillance.”

“How did you manage that? When I asked for an investigation, they said nothing could be done.”

“You actually came up with the idea.”

“How’s that?”

“Tracy told me it was you who reminded her the marina is on federally owned land, so the FBI could investigate the office explosion and anything having to do with it. She pushed through some paperwork.”

He blew out a breath. “Thank God something I said worked. I feel like I’ve been spinning my wheels.” He glanced around the apartment. “It looks good. It looks like you.”

“I hadn’t realized you’d been here before.”

“I was Reginald’s attorney for a few years. We met here sometimes.” Without warning, he stood.

She rose. Why is he leaving? “I’ll try to keep you in the loop, but it’s dangerous for you to be around me. They told me to fire you for a reason.”

“Why do they want me gone?” He still hadn’t moved. “Whoever wants this money isn’t afraid to make a point.”

She shoved her hands in her pockets. “I’m glad you understand why I did what I did.”

“I do. It pissed me off, but I get it.”

“I appreciate you hearing me out. I didn’t want to leave things weird between us.” Why wasn’t he moving toward the door? He just stood there, staring at her with those dark eyes. She wished she could read his mind. Maybe he expected her to lead him out. She checked her watch. “So…I’ll call you when I hear something…You still have time to get across town before the dinner rush…” She offered him a smile she didn’t quite feel and stepped toward the door.

He snagged her arm and spun her around toward him. He pressed her body against his. He lowered his head until his lips were a whisper away from hers.

“I’m not your lawyer anymore. And I’m not going anywhere tonight.”