Page 13 of Archer's Awakening

“Uh, yes. I just wanted to keep you informed of what had happened. I waited a couple of days to ensure there were no more issues. We appear to be in the clear.”

“Well, that’s good to know. Definitely keep me apprised of anything else that happens. I trust you.” And was paying her big bucks, but I’d never bring that up. “We’re on track?”

“We got the work done, yes. The inspector is coming out to sign off on a couple of things, but things are moving forward.”

I could ask for specifics—but I never did. I trusted her. As I’d said. “I plan a visit. Soon.”

“That would be good.” She chuckled. “I haven’t seen you since you hired me.”

She’d driven into Vancouver with the plans, her quote, and a promise to do a kickass job. She’d sent weekly updates with photographs.

Somehow, I hadn’t found the time to get out there. Between Thea and a couple of important cases, making a way to Mission City hadn’t been a priority. Maybe because I thought she could do a grand reveal? If I had problems, though, they would be much harder to fix. But I’d pony up extra money if required.

Money could solve all problems.

“We’re good?”

“Yes, Archer. We’re good.”

“Great. It’s Friday night. Take some time off.”

“We’ll be back at it tomorrow morning.”

God, she even works weekends. Did I know that? Better factor that in with the bonus. We didn’t have a written agreement, but I’d set aside extra money to reward being on timeand on budget. Extra if she came in early and if I loved the place as much as I thought I would.

“Goodnight, Archer.”

“Thank you, Riley.”

She cut the line.

Slowly, I placed the phone back on the nightstand.

Gideon. Okay, so my problem had a name. All problems could be fixed. If he complained again, I’d go see him myself. I could charm anyone. Even Thea admitted that when she presented the divorce papers.You charm everyone. It won’t work on me anymore. Don’t try to talk me out of this. Just sign, pay me what I’m due, and we’ll move on with our lives.

Oh, and that she was moving in with her trainer.

Right.

So…apparently she was now impervious to my charms. Good to know.

I let out a long sigh. Then I lay on my back and placed my hand over my heart. That seemed like a logical thing to do. Except I couldn’t feel it beating. So I pressed my finger to my carotid artery. Which was fanciful because even in those first aid classes I’d taken in high school, I’d never been able to find it. Oh, radial pulse. I’d always had better luck with my wrist and, in fact, within moments I found it.

Strong.

I tried counting. Only I didn’t have a good sense of time—and couldn’t remember what a normal heart rate was—so the exercise was pointless.

A panic attack. You just had a panic attack.

Okay…but why?

The thought of starting your life over at thirty-nine. The hope that someone might find you attractive on the inside. That they won’t gaze at you and only judge by yourgood looks.

I got that a lot. Many an opposing attorney had looked at me and thoughthe’s too pretty to be smart. At least until I’d solidified my reputation. Now, only the uninitiated—or those who’d been living under a rock—dared to think I was anything but a piranha who would destroy them.

Kill them?

What exactly did piranhas do?

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