Page 20 of Cameron's Contract
“Here’s what we know so far,” he said. “Two weeks ago the board members were each approached and offered some kind of deal.”
“We have a spy?” I said.
“Not a member of the board,” said Henry. “Javier Marcotte is Dad’s old executive assistant and now works for Jeff Livingston, one of the board members. Javier still keeps Dad updated on the rumor mill.”
“Impressive,” said Shay.
“Dangerous for Javier,” I said. “But necessary.”
Irene pushed her cart down the aisle and prepped the coffee.
“That better be Tempest,” said Henry dryly.
“Of course, sir,” she said. “We only have Cole Tea and Tempest Coffee on this flight.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“Thank you for hosting our flight,” I said. “I know it’s late, and this was last minute.”
“I’m on call,” she said. “Your dad’s assistant told me this was important.” She looked over at Henry. “I’m sorry about earlier. Your father insisted we took off as soon as possible.”
“We needed Dr. Cole on board too.” Henry gestured to me. “Sorry I made your job more difficult, Irene. That wasn’t my intention.”
Her face softened and her blush rose. “No need to apologize, sir.”
“Henry’s a war vet,” Shay told her.
“I read that about you,” she said, looking over at him.
Henry winced.
“Which article was it?” I took the mug from Irene. “Thank you.”
“The one in the L.A. times. Mr. Cole senior gave me it to read during a flight from India a few years back.” She handed Henry his coffee. “Your dad’s so proud of you.”
Henry looked over at me.
“He’s the bravest man I know,” I said warmly. “Hell, he’s the most incredible man I know.”
Shay pointed at Henry. “We served in Afghanistan together. This officer put himself in danger to save his men. That’s the kind of man he is.”
“I’m not running for office,” said Henry. “So you can pull back on the elaboration.”
Shay leaned forward. “Henry, you knew men would die unless you entered that town to get them.”
“They were rescued because of you,” I said.
“And we all know what my reward was,” said Henry.
“A Purple Heart?” said Irene brightly.
Henry stared at her blankly. “That’s in a box now. Somewhere.”
“Did my father ever mention me?” I tried to change the subject.
“I’m sorry,” Irene stuttered. “I didn’t mean—”
“I rarely discuss it,” said Henry. “Forgive me.”
