Page 36 of Red King

“Oh…” She waves her hand. “Of course. My brain sometimes.” She laughs. “Oh, um.” She turns serious. “She can sit the first day or two out. It’s her own fault for being so silly.” She rolls her eyes. “It was so stupid to run like that. Everyone loved the show, and she ran…really?” She laughs, but I don’t join in.

“I have to go, Cathy. Dr. du Pont is expecting me.”

“I’ve also got a lot to do.” She is smiling broadly. “Thanks for stopping by. I’m really glad we cleared that up.”

I note that she takes out the nail polish as I close the door.

11

Arctic

We walk down the hallway. The vinyl squeaks under my shoes with each step that I take.

I feel like this like a hole in the head, but it has to be done. I refuse to shy away from my responsibilities or from my decisions. That would be cowardly. I can be called a lot of things, but a coward isn’t one of them.

Why is he being so damned stubborn?

A blood-curdling scream sounds from down the hall. It’s muffled and yet has every hair going up on my body; my step falters.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Steel asks. His eyes are dark with concern. “No one would blame you if—”

“Yes, I’m sure,” I say in a curt tone.

“Just to prepare you—”

My phone starts to ring.

“It’s Sally,” I tell him. “Must be important.” I answer the call.

“Good afternoon, my Lord. I’m sorry to bother you. I just wanted to let you know that I just got off the phone with Paisley Reed.”

“And?” My heart quickens. I need her to take this position. There is more chance of this program actually working out if she is on board with this. I know it. She’s going to be the key.

“I’m not sure, since she asked to speak with you. She wouldn’t give me an answer either way.”

Why am I not surprised? I hold back a smile.

“Send me her number.”

“Right away, Sire.” Sally puts the phone down and several seconds later, I get a message from her with Paisley’s contact details.

“One second,” I tell Steel, who nods.

I call Paisley.

There is another scream from down the passage. I ignore it, concentrating on the call instead.

Just when I think she’s not going to answer, she picks up, sounding out of breath.

“Hello.”

“Paisley,” I say, smiling.

“Oh…um…hi!” She sounds flustered. “It’s you. I didn’t expect a call back this soon. I tried to reach you…but you weren’t available.”

“Yes, Sally mentioned. She said you wanted to talk to me directly, hence the call.”

I squeeze the back of my neck, feeling…nervous. Why am I nervous? I really want this pilot program to be a success. We need it to work. I meant what I said earlier; we need Paisley on board for that to happen. There is so much on the line. I suppose some nerves are to be expected.

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