Page 21 of Check Mate | AllFreeNovel

He uses his free hand to grab the yellow business cards from me. “Okay, we’ve had our fun with these… pranks,” he says through gritted teeth. His self-controlled exterior slipping more by the second. “No more messing with my business.”

I cross my arms. “And no more live animals.”

“Fine.” He narrows his eyes. “And by the way, no one would've believed your little charade this morning, anyway.”

Mo makes an appearance on the front porch. I’m not sure if he came from David’s house, or mine. I pick him up and hoist him over my shoulder before responding to David’s comment. “Oh, really? Well, someone might want to inform Mr. Chamberlain, because he seemed pretty convinced.”

Then I turn and walk back to my own house.

Chapter seven

David

Two days after Isa’s attempt to destroy my business, I fly to Peru.

I hardly slept last night, waking up over and over thinking I’d forgotten to pack my passport or something, just to get out of bed and check my bags for the millionth time. My knack for being prepared for anything came in handy for this last-minute trip since I already had an updated passport, despite having never traveled out of the country before.

Also, I’m still hot over Isabella’s stunt the other day. Deep down, I know I asked for it with the roosters and all… but this is my business. Maintaining professionalism is of utmost importance to me. She has now made me look like a buffoon in front of clients, not once, but twice. Including the CEO of Wichita’s largest construction company, and my mother’s best friend who owns a successful cosmetics brand.

I started my finance business for the pleasure of working and the satisfaction of crunching numbers and helping businesses thrive. But between my trust fund and real estate investments, I don’t have to work. If only my neighbor understood work ethic and responsibility. But she’s too busy sleeping in until noon and doing yoga.

This trip couldn’t have happened at a better time. I’ve never had a pressing urge to leave the comforts of home and country, but getting as far away from Isa as possible is pretty enticing. With each flight, my shoulders relaxed a little more, and I started enjoying myself just knowing I was getting further and further away from her.

When my last flight lands in Cusco, Peru, I get my suitcase and backpack from baggage claims and grab a shuttle to my hotel.

Checking into the hotel was no easy feat since foreign languages were never my strong suit. Our private school prided itself in teaching international languages… and despite taking Spanish and French all four years of high school, I still can’t roll my r’s.

When I finally reach my hotel room, I feel slightly more at ease. I officially left the United States. With a deep breath, I tour the small room. It’s nothing fancy, just a full-sized bed with simple white bedding, worn carpet, and large photos of Machu Picchu hung on the walls for decoration. I’ll only be sleeping here tonight and the night after the expedition, so I didn’t need anything extravagant.

After camping in the mountains for several nights, I’ll probably need a vacation. A real vacation.

I take a shower then make sure my hiking backpack is packed and ready for the expedition—the hotel stores the rest of our luggage for us—then I pull back the covers and slide into bed. I should be exhausted after traveling all day, not to mention it’s almost midnight, but stress is creeping its way back in. My thoughts are whirling again and my body is tense.

Before I completely spiral, I shoot a text to my family group chat.

David: Hey, wanted to let you all know I made it to Cusco City. Won’t have service for the next five days.

Mom: So glad you made it safely!