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The white marble on the lobby floors and deep wood tones created an inviting atmosphere. A bar off the lobby had a wide entrance that framed a glass outer wall that overlooked a garden that would be charming in warmer weather. Overstuffed leather chairs with small tables made the transition from the lobby to the bar area look seamless. There was another fireplace along one wall that invited people to sit and rest after their day. Upscale shops that carried high-end clothing and jewelry lined the hallway opposite the reception desk. Yes, Drake knew what he was doing when it came to hotels.
Xavier tugged her arm, and they walked over to the elevator as another couple stepped on. The man dressed in a sweater and jeans asked what floor.
“Eight,” she replied and forced a smile.
“Is it cold out?” the woman asked. She was wearing a thick turtleneck with big gold earrings over a pair of winter leggings like Allegra had purchased. The Ugg boots she wore finished her look. Her dark hair was tied up in a high ponytail.
“Yes, it’s a bit chilly today.”
Xavier stayed silent but when the door opened he exited first. He held Allegra in the elevator until he’d taken a look each way down the hallway. The woman stared at Allegra as if trying to decide if she was famous and needed this security or just simply rich.
Allegra wiggled her fingers at the other passengers. “You can’t be too careful,” she said and then stepped off the elevator. The doors closed behind her.
“I think it’s this way,” Xavier said, pointing to his right. They went down the hall and stopped at the very end. A plaque proclaiming this the Iris Suite in a fancy script font was beside the door.
Allegra raised her hand and knocked hard.Here goes nothing.Xavier grabbed her hand and gave it a quick squeeze before dropping it again.
The door opened. “Allegra!” Connie’s mouth gaped open. “Oh my God, you’re alive.”
She smiled at the disheveled lawyer. “Yes, Connie. It’s good to see you.” And it was. She liked the lawyer immensely. He would make sure Damon listened to her. He was always fair about everything.
“I can’t…how…that is what the hell happened?” he finally managed to get out.
“I’ll explain, but I’d rather not do it in the hall.”
He blinked. “Oh, shit, yeah of course. Come in.” He moved out of the way and Allegra walked down the small hallway with Xavier on her heels. Off to the right was the dining area complete with a table for eight. Allegra walked over and stopped next to her boss who sat eating.
“Hello, Damon.”
The man looked up and his mouth dropped open. “Allegra! Jesus, we’ve all been so worried about you.” He jumped up and came forward to embrace her. Her mouth sagged open, and it took a second for her to respond to his hug. It was the first time the man had ever exuded any warmth toward her. She didn’t know who was more shocked at that moment, him or her.
“I’m fine,” she offered, “but we really need to talk.” Her boss had on a white shirt that was rolled up at the sleeves and a pair of gray dress pants. His graying hair was brushed back, and his blue eyes held nothing but concern for her.
“Of course. Let’s go to the sitting area where it’s more comfortable. Connie, turn on the fireplace. It’s damn cold in here.”
Connie did as he was told but he stared at Allegra as he did it.
Damon glanced at Xavier. “I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve met.”
“This is Xavier. He was the pilot of the jet that crashed.”
Damon nodded. “I am so sorry. Are you okay? Can I get either of you anything?”
“We’re good,” Xavier said, leaning against the wall between two windows that overlooked the lake. She was going to ask him to sit but suddenly realized why he went to that spot. He had a clear view of the door and most of the room from there. He gave her a small nod. It was the encouragement she needed.
Allegra sat down on the edge of the sofa, clasped her hands in her lap so they wouldn’t shake and turned toward Damon. “There’s a lot to tell you and I will explain but first you need to pull Cytoxine before the FDA announces the approval tomorrow.”
Damon reared back as if he’d been slapped. “Pull it? Why on earth would I do that?”
“Because the approval would be based on false data.” There she’d said it out loud. The secret was out. A massive weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
“Allegra, are you sure you’re alright?” Damon’s brow creased with a frown. “We’ve been over the data. We’ve had it for months. I even went over it with you. There’s nothing wrong with it.”
The sound of the door opening and closing startled her. Graham breezed into the room, “Damon I think we should—” he stopped in the middle of the room. “Allegra!” He blinked. “How did you get here?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She glared at him. He looked as he always did. His dark hair was short and styled to thenthdegree. His skin had a tan even now in November and his navy pinstripe suit, no doubt by some well known designer, was neat and crisp. The very picture of an elegant businessman and she wanted to put her fist through his face.Asshole.
He frowned. “Er, yes, sure. I mean—”
