Chapter 9

Danny continued following Jael, although his reasons for doing so were varied and shifted continually. Working for Deborah, his job was to regain the trust of both Gregory and Jael. Not an easy thing to do under the circumstances. But his report to Gregory wouldn’t have substance beyond vague conjecture, and Danny hoped it would be enough to give him room to keep searching. But what he was searching for, he wasn’t quite sure yet.

When he’d first begun tailing her, he hadn’t been discreet. He’d wanted her to find him. Or at least he’d hoped she would. He was pleased to find she was as sharp as ever. He’d do what he had to in order to keep Deborah and Gregory happy, but it was Jael he was the most concerned about. It was half the reason he’d agreed to do the job in the first place. From the beginning, it had been his intention to find another way to bring the Siseras down.

His phone pinged with an email, and he opened it to find a detailed timeline for the building project back in Kenya. Besides Jael, the boys back home were the real reason he was doing this, and he couldn’t lose sight of that. Once this assignment was finished, he’d go back to brand new opportunities with Adisa beside him. He pushed away the homesickness that was creeping in.

“God, I don’t want to go back if I’ve left this place a mess. I need help here. Show me what to do.”

He rang Deborah, and she picked up on the second ring. “Danny, it’s good to hear from you.”

“I know how you like your regular updates.”

“I take it everything is running smoothly?”

“You know how it is with these things. Always a tangled web.”

“But you’ll be able to untangle it.”

“You know untangling is never an option. It’s more about choosing the right thread to follow.”

“I like that analogy. I’m going to steal it.”

“It’s all yours.”

“Does that mean you’ve found the thread?”

“Maybe, but I’d like to know what would happen if Jael decides not to marry Christopher.”

The line was quiet for a moment, and when Deborah spoke, her voice was soft but controlled. “You need to stay on task. I can give you a bit of leeway, but our focus has to remain on the engagement party. I’ve got a lot of wheels turning so we can put pressure on Artus at just the right moment for him to spill his guts to us.”

“It’s an important question to consider.”

“You might not like the guy, but this is the plan, and you had better be doing your best to make sure it happens as outlined.”

“You expect me to convince her to marry a guy she doesn’t want to?”

“Not you. But Jael does what she’s told. She always has. If you need to push Gregory, then push. I expect you to do whatever you can to make this happen.”

His eyes shifted when he saw Jael’s car emerge from Heber’s parking garage. Judging by the speed at which she took off, things hadn’t gone well.

“I’ll do my best,” he said without really meaning it.

“Was there anything else?”

“Not yet. I’ll keep you posted.”

After he hung up, he pulled into traffic and went in the opposite direction from Jael. He’d done enough stalking for one day. He’d go home and get ready for dinner.

Danny parked his car at Gregory’s house in the same place he always had, then buttoned his suit coat. He tugged at the sleeves as he walked toward the house. It had been a long time since he’d dressed up.

He stretched his arms in the thick fabric, flexing pointlessly before ringing the doorbell.

The man who opened the door had sunken cheeks emphasizing the bones in his face. He was tall with large lips that pressed together as he looked over Danny. “Can I help you?” he said in an unexpectedly high-pitched voice.

“Hi, yes. My name is Daniel Fletcher. I’m here for dinner.”

The man nodded and stepped back to invite him in. “This way, please.”

Danny followed the familiar path to the formal dining room, where Gregory was already seated. Artus and Christopher were there talking to a lively couple. The woman was laughing with a loud bark. Jael was nowhere to be seen.

“Danny. So good to see you,” Gregory said, standing to greet him.

“Thanks again for the invitation. It’s a pleasure to be here.”

“I’d like you to meet my dear friends. I don’t know if you’ve met Artus Sisera?”

“No.” He smiled at Artus and shook his hand across the table. “I have heard a lot about you, though.”

“It’s all true,” Artus said. “I assure you. Especially the bad stuff.” The smile that graced his lips for a moment was devious.

“A man of many talents.” Gregory laughed. “And this is his son, Christopher, who’s taken on the role of running my company.”

“Nice to meet you, Christopher. I had heard about your appointment. Sounds like a big job.”

“But one he’s more than capable of carrying out,” Gregory said, a hint of resistance on his face.

“It’s nice to meet you, Danny,” Christopher said. “I understand you are an old friend of Gregory’s.”

“Yes. I did a lot of work for him about a decade ago.”

“And continuing around the table,” Gregory said. “That seat beside Christopher will be for Jael when she arrives, which should be any moment, and beside you are the always elegant Dr. and Mrs. Prescott.”

Dr. Prescott stood and took Danny’s hand. The little bit of hair left on his head was slicked back. “Please call me Larry. This is my wife, Trish.”

“It’s nice to meet you both.”

“Then we have Ms. Brandy Jennings. She’s a soon-to-be Senator.”

“I believe you’re getting ahead of yourself.” Brandy had a young face, but her hair was gray. “I’m on the campaign trail at the moment. Stopping by for a nice dinner and request that we steer clear of politics. I could use the break.”

“You mark my words,” Gregory said. “That woman is headed for the top seat in Washington. And last but not least, we have Simon Harris. He’s on the board of Heber Industries.”

Before Danny sat, he leaned close to Gregory. “I don’t suppose we’ll have time this evening for a report?”

“Do you have information already?”

“Not much. But I thought you’d like to know where I’m up to.”

“We’ll find a moment to slip away after dinner.” Gregory’s eyes lifted behind Danny. “Jael. Fashionably late, as always.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Danny turned, and she made eye contact with him, but her face didn’t change in recognition or greeting. “Sorry I’m late.” She gave Christopher a warm nod as she sat beside him, and he leaned toward her, whispering. She let out an easy laugh, playing her part like a pro.

The dinner was as delicious as Danny expected. He’d always eaten well at Gregory’s house, but he was unaccustomed to the rich food these days. It left him feeling heavy and groggy.

He’d kept an eye on everyone’s state of mind throughout dinner. If guards were let down now, it could give him the opening he needed to shift Deborah’s focus in a new direction.

Almost everyone at the table drank freely. But Jael, always the perfect hostess, remained reserved and controlled. Artus and Christopher had had a few glasses but didn’t appear to be as affected as Gregory and the rest.

When they moved into the large living room for more drinks and conversation, Gregory drew Danny to the dark fireplace where he rested an arm on the mantle, exposing a slight tremor in his hand.

“Give me the highlights,” he said. His words were lazy with drink.

“I’m still in the preliminary phase. Getting a feel for Jael’s movements and how she works,” Danny said, glancing around the room. “Getting my bearings and so forth. But you know as well as I do that everyone has skeletons in their closets. And if there is something to find, I’ll find it.”

“I knew I could count on you.”

“I don’t know if you’re aware she was at Heber Industries today?”

“I do. She was there to speak with me.”

“Does she visit your office regularly?”

“No. Only when she wants something bad enough. But I didn’t give it to her.”

“That would explain why she appeared angry.”

Gregory let out a dry laugh. “Yeah. She won’t be happy, but it’s for the best. You can’t imagine the relief this has given me knowing you’re on the job.” He looked across at his daughter, who was nodding at something the doctor was saying. “Don’t forget to speak to her about Christopher if you have the opportunity.”

“I haven’t forgotten, but Jael and I aren’t close enough for my words to carry much weight on the subject. I don’t know that that door will ever be open to me.”

“But if you get the chance?”

“I’ll make sure I speak freely to her about my thoughts on Christopher.”

“Good.”

Danny wanted to tell Gregory the truth about Jael, but more than that, he wanted it to matter, and he knew it wouldn’t. She had a good heart, and all she needed was a father who supported her.

“Let me give you a little tip about Jael,” Gregory continued. “She can be strong-headed and appear to be unbreakable, but all you need to do is push in a crack and work it until it expands. It won’t take long for it to break open.”

“Who will break open?” Artus said, interrupting their conversation.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Gregory smirked.

“You do like your secrets.”

“No secrets,” Gregory said. “Just talking business. Tearing down someone or something can be an art form, but you can use a cudgel when necessary. Am I right?”

“True,” Artus said. “But I do prefer a bit of flare. What are your thoughts, Danny?”

“I think it’s important to include wisdom in any action you take,” Danny said. “However, when you’re forced into action, that’s where real men stand out from the others. How you handle yourself under pressure. What the fallout is.”

“Well said.” Gregory slapped him on the back. “Danny has proven himself a real man on more than one occasion.”

“Is that so?” Artus said. “And what is it that brought you back into Gregory’s life all these years later?” The tilt of his head suggested he was suspicious.

“I’ve recently regained my freedom.”

“Danny just got out of prison,” Gregory said. “Could have gotten a reduced sentence if he snitched on me, and he didn’t.”

“Is that so?” Artus said.

“I pay my own time. I’m not going to give up a friend.”

“You will have found things have changed since you were last here.”

“I’m not disappointed, if that’s what you’re wondering. I respect Gregory and his choices, and I’ll do what I can to help him, no matter what side of the law that’s on.”

“But your experience falls within the—shall we say—shadier side of business.”

“Even as a young man he was gifted at his job,” Gregory said. “But I always know I can count on Danny no matter what needs doing. He is somewhat of a renaissance man.” Gregory’s head shifted to the side in a new thought. “Artus, I don’t suppose you have any work for him?”

Danny tried not to look too surprised or eager. This was an unexpected turn of events. If Gregory could get him a foot in the door with Artus, that would change everything.

“I might,” Artus said, scratching his chin. “I don’t normally bring in outsiders. You know how cautious I am, Gregory.”

“I do. It’s what’s kept you in the game so long.”

“And so successfully. But I am recently down a man, and you say you can vouch for him?” He lifted an eyebrow toward Gregory.

“Absolutely,” Gregory said. “Danny’s one of the best men I’ve ever known.”

“One of the best, huh?” Artus looked Danny up and down. “Well then, if you’re interested, Danny. I’ll keep you in mind and let you know if the right opportunity comes up.”

“I’d appreciate it,” Danny said. “Thanks. Whatever you need. You let me know.”

“But you need to understand that if you get caught, and I get a whiff of you turning against me, your life is over. And it won’t be a pleasant end.”

“I completely understand, and you’d be well within your rights.”

“Good.”

As they continued talking, Danny noticed Jael pouring herself a drink nearby. He removed himself from the conversation and turned to speak to her.

“I’m surprised you’re still here,” he said. “I expected you to bow out as soon as dinner was over.”

“It’s easier on everyone if I stay through drinks. And I have business to discuss with Christopher.”

“Just business?”

“You say that like you want it to be more.”

“That’s the last thing I want.”

Jael took a sip. “What did you end up telling my dad?”

“That I was sure I’d find dirt on you. He was relieved.”

“I’ll bet he was. There’s plenty to find in my past, but I’m afraid you won’t find much now.”

“I know.”

They looked at each other for a long moment. Jael was the first to look down at her drink before she sipped it. “How was the rest of your day? I lost track of you after I left Heber industries.”

“That’s because I wasn’t following you anymore.”

“Too bad. You missed all the good stuff.”

It was the first time Danny saw a twinkle in her eye.

His face dropped in mock disappointment. “I can’t believe it. Your dad is going to kill me.”

“Better him than me.”

“I don’t know. Are you two really that different?” He saw something like remorse pass across her face. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to?—”

“No. It’s fine. It’s been a long day.”

“You looked upset when you left Heber Industries.”

“You saw me?”

“I saw you drive out. I’m pretty sure you broke the law with your speed.”

She shrugged. “Same old stuff in different packaging, that’s all.” She took another sip and looked at him over the rim of the glass, blinking against the bubbles. “My life has been a series of bad times.”

“What about Vita Nova?”

“What about it?”

“Doesn’t it bring you joy?”

“It should. It comes close, but it’s been hard to run it. Besides the constant groveling for money, I see those women and what they’ve been through. Yes. I’m glad I can help them, but there’s so much pain in the world and the little that I do isn’t much.”

Her eyes shifted and Danny turned to see Christopher walk over to speak to Gregory and Artus at the fireplace. “I don’t think my dad wants to let go,” she said.

“Of you?”

“That goes without saying. But no, I was referring to his business. He’s a man who survives off control. My guess is the new man running the show doesn’t want my dad interfering. They have other uses for the business, I’m sure. They don’t want him getting in the way.”

“You think they’ll use Heber the same way they use Jabin Enterprises?”

“I can’t think of any other reason Christopher would have agreed to take the position. He’s not the type to want to be tied down.”

“Maybe it was because he expected to get you in the deal.”

She laughed with her mouth full of soda and almost choked on it.

“You don’t think he likes you?” Danny said.

“I’m sure he likes the look of me, but not the brains or the attitude. Like I said, he doesn’t like to be tied down.”

“So neither one of you wants the marriage.”

“I didn’t say that. He won’t see marriage as restrictive. He’ll still do whatever he wants. But I do think he likes the idea of having Jael Heber on his arm and in his bed.”

“Jael, I?—”

“Danny,” Gregory called to him and waved for him to come over.

“You’d better not keep him waiting,” Jael said. “He doesn’t like to wait.”

There was so much he wanted to say, but none of it he could put into words.

“It’s okay,” Jael said. “There’s nothing to do. Go.”

She turned her back on him, and he went to the fireplace.

“I told you I’d look after you,” Gregory said. “Stick with me, boy, and you’ll have a bright future ahead of you.”

“You have another job for me?” Danny said.

“I don’t, he does.” Gregory nodded toward Christopher.

“I was just saying that I need a hand with a situation,” Christopher said. “If you’re available to help, my father and I would both appreciate it.”

“And so would I,” Gregory added.

“Sure. Yeah. That sounds great,” Danny said. “Whatever you need.”

“It’s not a big job,” Christopher said. “but I’d appreciate having a wing man. Especially since my plate is so full with my responsibilities at Heber. The less time it takes, the better.”

“Glad to help. When do I need to be ready?”

“I’ll give you a call tomorrow and make a time to meet.”

“I look forward to working with you. And thank you for the opportunity. I know you’re both very selective about who you work with.”

“Don’t get too comfortable,” Artus said. “And don’t expect our partnership to continue. We’ll see how this works out and assess from there.”

“Got it.”

Danny stayed for another half hour of conversation before he excused himself.

“It’s been a prosperous night for me,” he said. “Thank you, Gregory, for dinner. I’ll see you gentleman soon.”

“Stayed long enough to make a score,” Gregory said.

Danny winked. “You guys enjoy the rest of your night.”

When he reached the door, he turned and saw Christopher had joined Jael. He was running the back of his hand down her arm as he said something low, so she had to lean closer to him. The sooner they got the Siseras behind bars, the better.