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“Oh?”
“You know I’m an accountant, right?”
“Right.”
“It’s Crystal’s Closet. They’ve been on my firm’s radar for a while, and…”
“What is it, Tessa?”
“I feel terrible about this. It’s none of my business, but Skye is my best friend.”
“Why didn’t you just call her, then?”
“Because she won’t want to hear it from me. She’s a new influencer, and this could be another big break for her—”
“Wait, wait, wait,” I interrupt her babbling. “What do you know about the company?”
She sighs. “They seem to have most of their liquid assets in a bank in Grand Cayman.”
Grand Cayman.
Not a huge deal on its face, but I know what Tessa fears. The Cayman Islands are known for their lax regulations, particularly strict secrecy laws, and tax exemptions. Plus, the close proximity to the United States makes them very attractive to money launderers and those who want to hide private wealth.
“I see.”
“So you understand why I’m concerned.”
“Yes.”
“I hope you don’t think I’m overstepping my bounds.”
“Not at all. Thank you for telling me. I don’t want Skye parading around on social media in lingerie, but she’s Skye. She’ll do what she wants.”
“God, she will,” Tessa agrees. “But if this company isn’t on the up and up…”
“I’ll take care of it. You did the right thing calling me.”
“I hope I did. Can we keep this between us? I hate keeping secrets from Skye, but this won’t look good on either of us.”
“You have my word.”
“Thanks. Thanks, Braden.”
“Of course. Did Skye happen to say where she and this Heather were having dinner?”
“No.”
“Okay.”
“I guess I’ll let you go, Braden. Talk to you later.”
“Bye, Tessa.”
I can’t help a sigh.
Trust.
I want Skye’s trust, and now there’s something else I must keep from her. Only Tessa’s involvement, though. I will tell Skye whatever I find out about Crystal’s Closet.
So much for going through my emails. I make a quick call to one of my best private investigators.
“Robbins,” he says into my ear.
“Tom, it’s Braden Black.”
“What can I do for you?”
“I need to find out where a Heather Thomas with Crystal’s Closet is dining tonight in Boston. Should be a reservation for two.”
“I’m on it. Give me a sec.”
The driver reaches the airport while I’m still holding the phone to my ear. He opens the car door for me, and I exit with my briefcase. I wave a thank-you to him and head to my gate.
Five minutes pass.
Robbins never goes past ten.
“Got it,” he says. “Heather Thomas has a reservation for two at seven tonight. Union Oyster House.”
“Thanks, Tom. You’re the best.”
“True that. See you, Braden.”
I no sooner end that call than another comes in. I don’t recognize the number.
“Black,” I say into the phone.
“Mr. Black, hello,” a female voice says. “It’s Eugenie Blake from Susanne Cosmetics.”
Eugenie Blake… Right, the social media director, or some title like that, who works with Skye. “Ms. Blake, what can I do for you?”
“Please, call me Eugenie. I just wanted to let you know how happy we are that Skye will be coming to New York next week.”
News to me. But I won’t let her know that. “She’s looking forward to it,” I say.
“I’ve already sent her a plane ticket,” Eugenie continues, “and I hope we’ll be able to see you again as well. I’d love to take the two of you to dinner.”
New York next week. I can arrange that. “Of course. I will be accompanying Skye to New York.”
“Do you have any favorite restaurants?”
“Whatever you choose will be fine, I’m sure. But about Skye’s plane ticket…”
“Yes?”
“I’ll bring her on my jet, so you can cancel her ticket and get a refund.”
“That’s certainly not necessary, Mr. Black.”
“Please. I’ll be coming to New York anyway. There’s no reason for your company to go to the expense. In fact, let me take care of it for you. I’ll be sure you get a refund.”
“That’s very kind of you.”
“It’s nothing. I appreciate all you’re doing for Skye.”
“We’re thrilled to have her on board, Mr. Black. I look forward to seeing you again.”
“And I you. I hate to rush you, but I have a plane to catch.”
“Of course. It was lovely talking to you.”
“Same. Goodbye.”
An hour later, on the plane, I fire up the wifi and begin my research into Crystal’s Closet.
Chapter Nine
Union Oyster House is where Skye and I had our first date.
Where I told her I wanted to take her to my bed, and she agreed.
Only to back out once we were at my place.
I can’t help but smile a little at the thought. She was a challenge. She’s still a challenge.
Skye Manning will always be a challenge.
But she won’t be wearing lingerie in Instagram posts.
I enter the restaurant.
The host smiles. “Mr. Black. Nice to see you. Would you like your usual table?”
“No thank you, Glenn. I’ll be joining another party. Heather Thomas?”
Glenn looks at his iPad. “Ms. Thomas is here, and her companion arrived a little while ago. But they’re at a two top.”
