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She didn’t want to answer things, but she reached out and picked up the receiver. “Gunnar, it’s the middle of the night.”
“Getting closer to dawn, actually, for you.”
“How’s the weather in Houston.” She swiveled toward the long windows even though there was nothing to see out of them. “Or did you have something else on your mind.”
“Must we play these games,” he said with a sigh of defeat.
“Apparently.”
It was their typical banter, yet neither was putting much effort into it.
“What can I do for you?” She rubbed her temple as it began to pound. “And before you ask, no, I still don’t know where Gus is.”
The lie was smooth off her tongue. Then again, she had been posing in front of business competitors for the last decade and a half at the negotiating table. Hell, her whole life was a front.
“I have to say, I’m not sure why I’m calling.”
“Then I’ll help you out.” She let her head drop back on the chair’s padding. “You’re going to behave like a superior asshole, I’m going to call you on your shit—”
“Must you be so crass—”
“—and we’re going to end with me having the upper hand and you steaming as you hang up on your end.”
“That isnothow things go.”
“The fuck it isn’t. Sorry, ‘fudge.’?”
There was a period of silence, and she imagined the man—dressed in his European-cut suit, with his tie right up to his throat even though it was late—grinding his molars as he sat in an office every bit as streamlined as her own. The picture of irritation was so satisfying, she wanted to go another couple rounds of prognostication peppered with cursing calisthenics.
And how’s that for a mouthful—
“You were right.”
Cathy blinked. Then frowned. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“I am not repeating those words. I have no idea why I am saying them in the first place.”
“Well, this is a surprise. And if you keep up with the compliments, I’ll add you to my speed dial.”
There was a shuffling sound, as if Rhobes were rearranging himself. “That was not a compliment. Merely a statement of fact.”
“I’ll take it as I wish—and you’re wasting that holier-than-thou expression with your eyebrows up along your hairline. This isn’t a Zoom call.”
“I despise you, Phalen.” Except there was achuckle behind the statement. “And the reason you were right is that the car was in the garage.”
“I’m sorry.” She sat forward. “What?”
“I endeavored to send an attorney to Dr. St. Claire’s condominium so that the employment documents could be signed and notarized. You remember, that gentleman works for me now?”
“I despise you, too,” she muttered.
“Yes, I am aware of that. At any rate, I had emailed and phoned Dr. St. Claire late that evening to arrange such a visit. Having received no response, I was concerned that you were working your feminine wiles on him.”
“FYI, I was not.” Gus had turned her down the one time she’d tried to kiss him. “And Dr. St. Claire does not go against his word. If he told you he’s with your company, then he is.”
“I hope that your high opinion of his loyalty holds out if he returns. When he returns, rather.” Tension tightened the accent in that deep voice. “In any event, I found your accusation quite maddening.”
“Which one? That you’re an asshole? As you say, that was a statement of fact.”
