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What?
“Both of us, sir?”
“Yes, both of us. My father will also be present.”
That didn’t sound good.
“Don’t look so panicked, Miss St. James. It’s about an upcoming project I’ll be taking the lead on,” he explained. “Also, that report on the Grandstein Corp—where did you get the information?”
“One of my best friends is an investigative journalist.”
“Ask her what else she knows. I’ll pay her for her time.”
“Yes, sir.” I stepped back. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll get back to work now.”
He nodded and turned to his computer. “Make sure there’s someone to cover the office when we’re out.”
Like I didn’t already know that, you git.
“Yes, sir.” I left his office and breathed a sigh of relief as I sat back at my desk.
“What did he want?” Daniel asked. “And what did he mean when he said you were injured?”
I held up my finger, showing off the plaster. “I got a papercut when she took the card.”
“How did he noticethat?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. When is Melody back from lunch?”
“About ten minutes.”
“Go right after her. I’ll be out of the office with Mr Black at three o’clock for a meeting with the President and Duke of Ruxleigh.” I pulled up the contact details for the three o’clock meeting and tapped the number into my phone. “At least one of you will have to make sure you’re here.”
“You got it, boss lady.”
***
“Chloe!” The Duke of Ruxleigh wrapped his arms around me and scooped me into a massive bear hug before I’d even stepped foot into the President’s office. “Why don’t you ever come and see me anymore? I’ve missed you!”
I blinked in surprise as I automatically returned the hug. “You seem well, Your Grace.”
“What have I said about calling me that? I told you to call me Gramps,” he scolded me, stepping back and holding me at arm’s length. He looked me over with his warm blue eyes before smiling. “How are you? That rotten grandson of mine isn’t treating you badly, is he? Is he the reason you haven’t been to see me? Is he overworking you?”
“Father, at least let her sit down before you bombard her with questions,” Alastair said from behind his desk. “Come in, Chloe.”
“What am I, chopped liver?” Theodore asked. “I haven’t seen you in two weeks, Grandfather.”
“Whose fault is that, you swine? You know where I live,” the duke said, ushering me inside and sitting me down. “Cassidy, get us some tea, dear.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Cassidy shot me a smile before disappearing out of the office.
“Sit down, Theo. You’re making the place look untidy.” The duke sat on the sofa. “Alastair, let’s talk here. It’s more comfortable.”
“Only if you promise to wait until we’re done to interrogate Chloe.” Alastair got up and looked at me. “I heard about the business with Emily Grandstein. She didn’t cause too much trouble, did she?”
“She was a nuisance,” Theodore replied before I could. He took the armchair next to where I’d been plopped down by his grandfather. “She refused to leave and wouldn’t wait quietly, then questioned Chloe’s competence and gave her a papercut.”
The duke leant forwards, steepling his wrinkled fingers. “I see she’s chosen death.”
