Chapter 4

A watery blue reflection bounced off the walls of the pool and hit the low fence highlighting the blackness beyond, where a dull glow of city lights could be seen.

“Hannah, sorry to call so late,” Jael said as she stood at the edge of the pool, trying to keep the fatigue out of her voice.

“Don’t worry about it. You know you can call me any time. Did you find out what went wrong?”

“Yes. I won’t get into the details, but it should be sorted now.”

“You don’t think it could happen again?” Hannah didn’t know a lot about Jael’s situation, but she’d picked up enough. More than Jael would like her to know. But the worried inflection to her tone suggested Hannah knew it wasn’t a simple matter.

“It could, but I’ll do my best to make sure it doesn’t. Can you get the groceries tomorrow? Or do you need me to do it?”

“We can leave it for a few days. I got her enough to last her through the weekend.”

“I thought you said the account was empty.”

“It was,” Hannah said. “I covered it.”

“With your own money? You shouldn’t do that.”

“It wasn’t that much, and I don’t mind.”

“Send me pictures of the receipt so I can reimburse you.”

“I took this job to help people. I’m prepared for the cost.”

“The issue with the credit card was my fault. And I should have been the one buying the groceries. Not you. The kids were looking forward to baking.”

“I know. Becca told me, so I got what they needed and hung around for a bit to bake with them. I hope that’s okay.”

“Of course it is.”

“It’s just…I know it’s your thing.”

“It’s not my thing. It was for the kids mostly. But thank you so much for going the extra mile. I know it would have meant a lot to them. How was Becca, by the way?”

“Pretty relaxed. Still bruised, but happy. Or at least as happy as you can be, considering. I did mention to her about calling the police, but she’s solidly declining. She said that she didn’t want to do anything until it was necessary. I told her if she wanted full custody, she’d need to prove the kids are in danger with him.”

“If I’m right about her daughter, the police will get involved anyway. But thank you for trying. And thanks for being there when I couldn’t.”

“I love the job, but it’s not like I’m not being well compensated for the work I do.”

“Still. You’ve picked up what I’ve dropped on multiple occasions. I want to make sure you know how much I appreciate you.”

“You’ve got a busy life with a lot of expectations. It happens. I, on the other hand, have an ordinary life, so I don’t mind doing a bit extra now and then. I love my cat, but she’s not always what I need. This job has meant a lot to me. And your friendship.”

Jael felt herself internally retreat. She didn’t do friends well. There had been too much hurt passed around, and the last person she wanted getting tainted by her was Hannah.

Before she could come up with a suitable response, she heard the swish of the door behind her and turned. “Hey, Hannah, something’s just come up. I’ve got to go, but I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Sounds good. Talk to you then. And look after yourself.”

“I will.” She hung up and smiled at Christopher. “I had to make a phone call.”

“I see that.” He had his hands in his pockets and took his time ambling over. “Everything okay?”

“It is now.”

“Good. You seemed distracted at the start of the night. I was worried maybe I was the cause. Your dad didn’t give me the opportunity to get to the bottom of our earlier conversation.”

She shook her head. “Honestly, my preoccupation has nothing to do with you. I have a mountain of other things to worry about. Mostly I’m relieved it’s not me in your position. There was a time when my dad expected me to step up. You’ve taken the heat off.”

“I’m glad I could be of service.” He looked up at the sky. “You know, it’s strange.”

“What is?”

“That you and I barely know each other.” He took a step forward so she was behind him. “Our families have been friends for decades, but you and I haven’t crossed paths much.”

“We have different lives and run in very different circles.”

He turned to her. “Not that different. We’ve often been at the same parties, big and small.”

“As I get older, I prefer my own company over a crowd.”

“I can see that about you. You’ve been fantastic tonight though. You always have been. The way you work the room is something of an art form. But I’ve always noticed a distant look in your eye, like you’d rather be somewhere else.”

“Lucky it’s not that obvious to my dad.”

“I don’t think it’s obvious to anyone. They just like your attention. But once I take over at Heber, I wouldn’t mind the opportunity to cross paths with you more often.”

“Why?” she said too aggressively. “Sorry.” She shook her head. “It’s been a long night.”

“Is that all it is?”

She huffed a laugh. “I came here unhappy. And now you’re wearing it.”

“A woman like you amongst the wolves. I don’t blame you.”

“You consider yourself a wolf?”

He gave her a devilish grin. “When the mood strikes. But that’s not what I meant. Everyone here tonight came for something. You’re probably the most selfless person at the table. Your dad has done a good job protecting you and raising you to be strong, but it comes at a cost.”

Her lips flattened into a thin line. “Yeah, Dad has always been protective.” She watched him, wondering how much he actually knew.

His face retained its quiet contentment. He was a man who never gave much away. An important trait when your dad’s a crime boss.

“I want you to know,” he said, shifting closer. “You have nothing to worry about with me. My intentions are all honorable. I promise you.”

“I’ve heard that sentiment stated on more than one occasion, right before a knife is plunged into the other’s back.”

“Your own?”

She shrugged. “I’m still standing.”

“You’re protective of your foundation. Is that what’s bothering you? Vita Nova, is it?”

“Yes.”

“ New Life . I like it.”

“Thank you.”

“For me,” he pressed his hand on his heart, “my desire is for Vita Nova to continue to prosper. I’ve asked around. You have a fantastic reputation. All I’ve heard are good things.”

“But I take it my dad has informed you of the drain it has on the coffers. Not much, but enough that he makes sure I know.” She was defensive. “It might be a tax deductible gift, but that doesn’t always appease the shareholders.”

“Is that what he says?”

“I’m surprised he hasn’t shared his thoughts.”

“I’ve seen the figures, but I don’t share his sentiments. I think it’s important for any business or anyone with wealth to help those less fortunate when they can.”

“Forgive my skepticism, but I do know what you and your father get up to.”

He laughed. “Fair point. But that’s business like any other. Surely you can understand that. I might not know a lot about you, but you aren’t innocent of those activities either. And yet there is obviously a passion in your heart to help those in need.”

She wasn’t about to tell him she considered it part of her penance for all her past wickedness. “That is all true.”

“My schedule is quite hectic at the moment, as you can imagine, but if we could make some time, I’d like to know more about Vita Nova. Hear the stories. It would mean a lot, and it would help me convince the board if I’m to get you more funding.”

“You want to get me more?”

“Unless you have enough?”

“No. I mean. We get by, but there’s so much more I’d want to do. We’re tied up in a lot of ways, and we can only help so many people at once. If we had more money—” She slammed her mouth shut. Her exuberance was getting the better of her. Sharing her passion had never had positive results in these circles.

“What is it?”

“Nothing. I was getting ahead of myself. If you would consider increasing the support, that would be most appreciated.”

“You don’t trust me.”

She looked at him so she could judge his eyes and saw his brief glimpse at her lips. If he’d had any interest in her previously, she’d never noticed. Artus had mentioned mergers, and her dad wanted her to get to know Christopher better. Was everyone conspiring to make something happen between them?

“Trust isn’t easy for me, no,” she said. “But I do appreciate you taking an interest in my foundation.”

She looked out at the night and got a chill.

When she wrapped her arms around herself, Christopher took off his jacket. “Are you cold? You look cold.”

She let him slide it over her shoulders only because she didn’t know how to refuse without appearing rude. If Christopher had plans to become Gregory’s son-in-law, she knew her dad would do whatever it took to make that happen. He’d always wanted to keep the business in the family. She’d thought he’d finally let the matter go, but it appeared she could have been mistaken.

“I know you’re not a woman who takes compliments with the same fluttering blushes as others, but allow me to say how stunning you look tonight. And I say that with no caveats.”

“You’re right,” she said. “Compliments make me uncomfortable. Especially after you said everyone at the party is here to get something for themselves.”

“Not me. I’ve got everything I want.”

“Still, you’d find a more willing recipient in Mrs. Tuttle, although she was completely taken by your father, so there’s probably no point.”

“Does that mean my admiration is unwanted?”

“I don’t take offense to it if that’s what you’re worried about.”

He let out another round of his easy laugh that would make a room relax as it lightened the atmosphere. She couldn’t say it didn’t have the same effect on her. The last thing she wanted was for things to get too serious.

“I’ll take what I can get,” he said. “As for Mrs. Tuttle, I doubt she’ll get what she’s hoping for. She’s a stunning woman, but my dad…I’m sure you know.”

“She’s too old for him.”

“Exactly. As for me, I’m much more content in your company, compliments or not. I think it’s good when a woman doesn’t have to be fawned over. You know who you are. I like that.”

“You think so?”

“Don’t you?”

She knew who she was all right. “Do you ever wish you could be someone different?”

“You mean am I unhappy with my life?”

“Not necessarily. But do you ever want to escape?”

“People with as much money as you and I have can do that whenever they want,” he said. “I would never want another life than this one.”

She nodded. “I guess you’re right. We have everything we could ever want.” And also nothing worth having.