Page 16 of John’s Yearning

He hesitated again. “Yes, from Stockholm. Sweden.” His forehead furrowed. “We had an appointment about half an hour ago. Again, I’m so sorry I’m late. I hope you’ll be able to see me nevertheless. I traveled all the way from Sweden.”

Savannah continued to shake her head. “But I made no appointment with you.”

“Well, I didn’t speak to you directly, that’s correct, but I spoke to your assistant. Just a few days ago.”

“Rachel?”

“Yes, yes, Rachel,” he confirmed and reached for her hand. She felt obliged to shake it.

“Mr. Stricklund, there must have been a misunderstanding. Rachel knew I couldn’t take any new appointments this week.”

“But I got a confirmation from her.”

Savannah looked at Alexi. “I asked Rachel not to make any appointments for this week and cancel everything on my calendar. Didn’t she do that?”

Alexi looked surprised. “I’m pretty sure she did. At least she said she did.”

Savannah turned back to the Swedish businessman. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Stricklund, I don’t know what to say about this mix-up. Rachel should have never made this appointment.”

“But, I’m here now. I traveled all the way from Sweden. Surely you can spare me an hour to discuss business.”

She sighed. “I’m sorry, I just… I can’t.” She felt a lump in her throat. She couldn’t deal with business now. She could barely hold herself together, let alone conduct a business meeting with a potential new client.

“I can come back this afternoon if that’s more convenient,” Stricklund offered.

“Mr. Stricklund—”

Alexi interrupted her. “I’ll handle this, Savannah.” Then he looked at Stricklund. “I’m afraid, Mr. Stricklund, Ms. Rice is dealing with a family emergency and can’t conduct any business right now. We’re sorry. I’ll make sure we reimburse you for your travel expenses. But I’m going to have to ask you to leave Ms. Rice in peace now.”

Stunned, the businessman’s look bounced between her and Alexi. He appeared annoyed now. “Family emergency? What can be so important—”

“My daughter…” She didn’t even realize that she’d spoken. She knew that she didn’t have to justify herself, but the words just found their way over her lips. “…she has disappeared.” Savannah’s throat tightened like it always did when she spoke of Buffy.

Stricklund jolted visibly. “Oh my God! That’s horrible! You must be beside yourself with worry.” He put his hand to his chest. “I’m so sorry. I need to apologize. If I’d known…”

“I’m sorry that you’ve been inconvenienced,” Savannah said, having found her voice again.

Stricklund made a dismissive hand movement. “Don’t worry about me. Is there anything I can do?”

She shook her head, heartened by his sudden kindness and concern. “No, there’s nothing you can do, Mr. Stricklund.”

“The police, they are looking for her, aren’t they?”

“Yes, yes, they are.”

“It’s not enough, I’m sure. I have many contacts, maybe I can find somebody who can help with the search?”

She forced a smile. “That’s very nice of you, but there’s no need. I’ve already hired a private firm to help with the search.” And she hoped Scanguards would take the case and find Buffy. But she hadn’t heard back from John yet. What was taking him so long?

“Oh good, that’s good. One can’t rely on the police alone.”

She nodded.

“Well,” he said, “then I’d better leave you.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “I’m sure you’ll be reunited with your child soon. I can feel it.”

“Thank you, Mr. Stricklund.”

He let go of her hand, nodded at Alexi, and left the suite.