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"That's the test. Well, part of it." Dexter slouches a touch in his chair, propping his feet on the coffee table between us. "None of the others made it past the first phone call. They were greedy and dishonest. I could tell as much from a five-minute conversation. Whenever I asked one of those morons if they wanted to know what the book is about, they would say they didn't need to know. If I wrote it, they'd publish it. No questions asked."
"Of course they didn't ask questions. You are the Holy Grail of publishing." I wince. "Sorry. That sounded ridiculous. I meant—"
"I know what you meant, and your honesty is refreshing. You are an ethical and honorable man, which is why I made you fly here all the way from the UK so I could give you the final test."
"Your test is that awful book."
"Precisely. I've sent sample chapters to a few agents, and they all told me it was brilliant, my next Nobel winner. It's bollocks. I know it, they know it, you and Maddie know it, everyone knows it." He drops his feet to the floor and leans forward to gaze intently at me. "You are the first one who has ever told me so. Thank you, Rick."
"I was only being honest."
"And that means a great deal to me." Dexter blows out a breath, slaps his hands on his thighs, and stands. "I think it's time I gave you the real books."
"Did you say books, plural?"
"That's right. I have eight of them to give you."
Eight never-before-published novels by Dexter Armstrong-Hill? That's more than the Holy Grail of publishing. It's like simultaneously finding the Holy Grail and Atlantis, winning every lottery on the planet, discovering the cure for every disease on earth, and cracking the code of immortality. All right, I might be blowing this out of all proportion. But for me, this is the most astonishing coup I've ever accomplished, for myself and my company.
Once I've recovered from the shock, I say, "Thank you for trusting me with your life's work, Dexter. It means a lot that you've chosen me to publish these books. Of course, I'll need to review them first."
I think I stop breathing while I wait for his response. Why am I nervous? Dexter chose me, so surely, he won't be offended that I need to read the novels before offering him a contract. I doubt anyone else would bother with that, and maybe I shouldn't either, but I need to do this the right way. I've made mistakes in the past, and I will not cock this up too.
Dexter leans across the table to offer me his hand. "It will be a pleasure to work with you, Mr. Hunter."
As we shake hands, I ask, "You're all right with me reading the books before we negotiate a contract?"
"Naturally, you'll need to read them. I never expected you wouldn't."
"You're an honorable man too, Dex. I'm sure you know how rare honor is in the publishing world."
"Indeed I do. I'll retrieve those manuscripts for you."
He leaves us alone in the sitting room.
Maddie throws her arms around me, showering my face with kisses. "Congratulations, Rick. You did it. You won over the most elusive author in the world, and he's giving youeightbooks. I'm so proud of you."
"Proud?" I can't help chuckling, even while she keeps peppering my forehead with soft, quick kisses. "We've only just met. How do you know I'm not lying through my teeth to get Dex to hand over his precious manuscripts?"
"You wouldn't do that." She pulls away, but only enough that we can look at each other. Her hands rest on my shoulders, and she aims her loving gaze straight into mine. "Maybe I haven't known you for very long, but like I told you last week, I can gauge someone's character pretty fast. You are a good man. Dexter is lucky to have you in his corner. So am I."
I can't speak. Her declaration might be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. This incredible woman believes in me. It seems insane considering we met last week, but I will not overanalyze this. Maddie makes me feel good in so many ways, and I never want to give that up.
Dexter comes back into the room carrying an armload of boxed manuscripts. He drops them onto the coffee table. "Here you are, mate. You might go cross-eyed after reading all of these, but I'm sure Maddie can help you relax afterward."
He winks at her.
She shakes her head, though her lips kick up at the corners. "Dex, you have the narrowest one-track mind ever."
"It's part of my charm." He taps a finger on the stack of manuscripts. "You will find sexual content in these stories, but nothing like that outrageous farce of a book I gave you last week."
"Thank you, Dex," I say. "Can't wait to read these."
"You and Madeleine are welcome to stay here for as long as you like."
"While I'd love to do that, I'll need to head back to the resort so I can communicate with my team in the UK and draft a contract. I need an internet connection for that."
"Of course," he says. "I do apologize for the wicked trick I played on you, and I'm chuffed that you passed the test."
