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That was an understatement. “We’ve got one week to find out what they’re hiding,” I replied. He nodded. I added, “Hopefully the manager will be forthcoming with some information.”
Draven chuckled. “Dean didn’t become a billionaire by being forthcoming. He’s one tough bastard to crack. I, on the other hand, have broken through the ice with him.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked. “I didn’t know you knew the Hendersons.”
“Only Dean. And back then, I never knew he was part ofthatHenderson family. Never spoke of them or anything. I actually thought he was an only child. Go figure.”
“So, you’re telling me that you’re friends with him?” I said.
“We’ve kicked back our share of beers. Why don’t you let me handle talking with Dean? You do your thing with everyone else,” Draven suggested.Hell no. I can’t risk you fucking this up.“Damien, trust me. I know what I’m doing and what’s at stake.”
My first thought was to keep him as far away from Dean as possible, but my brother was right. He had a much better chance of getting Dean to talk than I would. “Okay. Just keep me informed of anything you learn. Just whatever you do, don’t mention Venus Prada or MaKayla. If they are involved, I don’t want them to know who we are or rather why we are here.”
“Damn. Guess I’ll just have to talk about the weather then,” he said sarcastically.
I deserved that. If he was anyone else, I probably wouldn’t be so hard on him, but for some reason, I never gave Draven the credit he deserved. He’d built his company from scratch and was just as successful as I was. That wasn’t luck. He had skill.
“Sorry. I know you’re capable. It’s just...”
“This one is personal,” he cut in.
“Personal? What are you talking about? It’s not our family I’m searching for,” I reminded him.
“I know that. Yet, this has become personal for you. I think you really like MaKayla. And before you say, she’s just a client, save it for someone who hasn’t known you most of your life.”
I knew I liked her. I also knew I shouldn’t. “What I feel or don’t doesn‘t matter. Finding her family is all she is concerned with.”As should I.
“Then let’s find them. And after that, I suggest you tell her how you feel,” he said as we made our way to our suite.
I could argue with him for hours, but once Draven set his mind on something, nothing I said was going to change it. He was right about one thing, we needed to get started. Once inside the suite, I said, “I’m going to go unpack and shower. How about we meet in the lobby in an hour.”
“I think I’m going to the bar instead,” he replied.
“Thought you were going to help me?”
He nodded. “Dean knows me. I’d be at the bar. And he’ll find me.”
“You sound awful confident,” I stated.
“I left a note for him when we checked in. It’s been more than ten years since we’ve crossed paths. I hear he married some preacher’s daughter and had a kid, maybe even more.” Draven shook his head, “A lot has changed, but I highly doubt he’s given up drinking beer. Hell, with a wife and kids, he might be drinking even more.”
Draven carried his suitcase to his room and shut the door. I did the same. Draven and I had the same feeling towards marriage. Worked for some people, but not for all.
It took me no time at all to unpack because I always traveled with only the bare necessities. Looking at my watch I debated whether to text MaKayla or call her. Either way, I wanted to know how she was doing. It was already midnight in Halifax. I should’ve found a way to reach out earlier. But I knew she was going to be busy all through the next day. The worst thing that I could do at that moment was wake her.
And so, I ignored my voice of reason, pulled out my cell and sent her a message.
HOW WAS YOUR DAY?
That was fucking lame. She didn’t answer immediately. Most likely, she was asleep. I knew that the restaurant opened again the next day.
NICE. QUIET. HOW ABOUT YOURS?
Did I just wake you? Or you can’t sleep either?
LONG FLIGHT. BUT JUST CHECKED IN. None of this was what I wanted to talk about. I also hated texting. Made me feel like a teenager. CAN I CALL YOU?
YES.
