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“MissMurphy,Mr.Fraseris here.”
I glance away from the computer, toward Tara, my secretary. She’s standing against the door of the office, her thick, dirty blonde hair the only thing I can see from here.
The corner of my mouth tilts up, and I stand. “Sure. I’ll be right out.”
Tara nods, then shuts the door.
Phase one of my plan to get out of the Mafia is about to begin. Lawrence is the key to getting Scotty into the Boston City Council. He’s been dying to see the hotel, but I’ve been dodging him. Life has just been too chaotic to walk around and point out all the ways I’ve created a green building.
But now, I need something from him. So I’ll put on the charm, then slide in that Scotty is interested in helping implement these in city buildings. It’s one step closer to becoming mayor for Scotty. Then another step to taking Corbin’s place as governor when he’s in the White House.
I twirl the locket around my neck. I hate being this person. The fake, schmoozy rich girl who uses her smile as a way to make people do her bidding.
It’s been awhile since I had to wear this mask, and it’s a little dusty. But I blew off the grime and slapped it on. For Scotty, for our future, for us. I inhale a readying breath, then open the office door. Finn is sitting in a chair beside my office, his gaze zoned in on me as I head for Lawrence.
When he sees me, he stands, offering a bright smile.
“Mr. Fraser,” I say, shaking hands with the governor’s energy and environment advisor. My new business best friend. I’ll kiss his ass if it means getting an endorsement out of him. Lawrence is also on the city council, so he’ll be key in making sure Scotty takes a position in the fall.
“Miss Murphy. Thank you for inviting me. I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about me.”
“Never,” I promise, forcing a polite smile. “I’ve just been so busy getting everything ready for the opening.”
And it’s not a lie. Vlad is still alive, being tortured slowly. Which I really don’t like. But Scotty refuses to just put the man out of his misery. It’s been two days of it. He’s been drowning him, bringing him back to life. The sounds … They made me nauseous. I had to leave after the first time, and haven’t been back to the warehouse. Work seemed like the best place to get away from the darkness that our lives have been.
“Well, I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule for me.” Lawrence grins.
I nod. “Of course. Shall we start the tour?”
“Absolutely.”
We spend the next hour walking around the entire hotel. I show him the lobby, the high ceilings that are encased in thick glass to let in natural light. The water fountain in the center that’s black and chic, but has hanging plants, their leaves trailing down toward the floor. The walls are a gray-blue, with a dark green carpet in the halls that lead toward the rooms. I’ve managed to make green look rich and desirable. It’s my new favorite color.
I show him to the luxury suites that have energy-efficient kitchens, the flushing systems in the toilets. Everything has him amazed.
“And the actual building materials?” Lawrence asks as we approach my office again.
I nod. “The structure is made with recycled steel, which is actually more efficient in producing energy. And then the entire building is made with hempcrete in place of cinder blocks. It’s just as durable, but a natural resource. Great for maintaining heat and air, plus it’s eco-friendly.”
He nods. “I’ve heard of it. I’ve spoken to the governor about it. He still isn’t sold on the idea, but seeing this hotel, he may be.” He shoots me a skeptical side eye. “I was sorry to hear about your … parting.”
Odd word choice, but okay. I smile, ignoring the cold sweats from my nerves. “The break up is for the best. Corbin is a wonderful friend and an amazing governor. We’ll remain friends.”
“He is both of those things,” Lawrence agrees. “Still.”
“I have a friend who is interested in utilizing my building methods,” I say, moving away from the topic of my love life. “I’d love to connect you with him. You’re on the city council as well, right?”
“Yes, I am. I’d love to chat with him. I’ve been trying to convince the rest of the council for years. No one seems to care as much as me, though.”
I grin. “Jameson is definitely willing to chat about it. I’m sure the two of you could put your heads together and come up with some wonderful plans for the city.”
Lawrence grins, stuffing his hands into his pockets. There. Seed planted. Now Scotty can blossom it into a network. We can invite him over to dinner at the house, show him the renovations on the townhome. We’ll have him eating out of the palm of our hands soon enough.
“Well, it was lovely seeing you again, Mr. Fraser. I have a few things I need to finish up for the opening next week. Send me an email with your address, so we can get you a formal dinner invitation.”
“Please, Saoirse. Call me Larry.” He extends his hand, and I take it, my chest swelling with satisfaction.
One step closer. Now to call my old college pal, Irina Semonov.
