Page 19 of His Wall

Julian came by at noon.

He stopped at the corner of my desk with one hand on it, the other in his pocket. Dove-gray shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbow.

"What's the afternoon look like?"

"Meeting around 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Vega's flight slipped. Otherwise, you're good."

"Did the vending machine eat my Twix again?"

"The vending machine is empty. I called facilities."

"Empty as in completely?"

"Empty as in they said someone would refill it after lunch. I'd hold off until 2:00 p.m. if you're attached to the Twix specifically."

He looked at me.

He stood there with his hand on the edge of my desk and looked at me. I did not add Mr. Cross, and I did not look away. I held it and smiled.

His mouth came up at one corner.

"You're a gift, Claire."

"So I've been told."

He laughed.

It was a small laugh. Quiet. He had laughed in the conference room a hundred times, but this one was different. It came out of him like he hadn't planned it. He shook his head once, took his coffee cup, and walked into his office.

I let out a breath I had not known I was holding.

The partners' meeting was at 4:00 p.m.

I went in five minutes early with the printed agenda, three pens, the pitcher, and a fresh tray of glasses. Declan was at the head of the table in shirtsleeves, hair still damp at the temples from a workout. Nolan came in two minutes later, wearing a dark blue sweater with the sleeves pushed up, and dropped a folder on the table without sitting down. Julian came in last with his laptop under his arm and slid into the chair across from Nolan.

"Mid-market acquisitions. We've narrowed to one." Declan flipped to the second tab.

"Halberg & Vance. Boston. Hundred-eighty employees, $250,000 in revenue, books a little messy but not concerning. They're on the market because the founder wants to retire and his daughter wants to move to Vermont and grow lavender. We're the only firm at the table they're talking to seriously. I want a verification done by Friday."

Nolan opened the folder. "I need the revenue concentration report. I want to see what their top ten clients look like before we go any further."

"You'll have it by Wednesday."

Nolan looked at his watch.

"Going somewhere?" Declan said.

"Soleil's opening is tonight. I told her I'd be there at 6:00 p.m. I have to leave early."

"Go."

"I'm going."

Declan turned a page. "I've got Thea tonight. She's printing seating charts off the laptop, and I have been informed I am required to have opinions on font."

Nolan almost smiled. "You're useless at it."

"I am completely useless at it. I have been told this three times. I'm still required to participate."