Page 14 of Blind Prophet

I squint to read the message. I do not wish to speak to my father, so take the easy route.

Me to Halston Moore, Jr:

Yes. Per your instructions.

Unknown number

Tell me where.

I pause, weighing options that offer a discreet location without eavesdroppers.

My desk phone rings. I press the speaker button.“Yes, Jay?”

“Lewis Weston is on the line.”

The name is familiar, but I can’t place it.

“He’s stationed at the guardhouse today. He’d like to talk to you. I told him you cleared your day, but he said this is important.”

Fuck.

“Put him through.”

What the hell is my father up to now?

“Mr. Moore?” a male voice asks.

“This is he.” I close my eyes and exhale. “Everything okay?”

Clearly, it’s not. He’s calling.

“Hi, ah, sorry to bother you at work, sir, but you have a visitor. She says she’s not leaving until she sees you. It’s a Ms. Caroline Scott.”

Her name strikes directly to my solar plexus. I rub the pain point and stretch, then crack my jaw.

She’s here.

No call.

And you know why she’s here.

“Tell her I’ll be there in thirty minutes.”

A slight tremor affects my fingers. I stretch them, spreading them wide to gain control.

With a deep breath, the tremor subsides.

I delete the incomplete text and shoot off a different one.

Me to Jay:

Prep my helicopter. Need to get home ASAP.

“Lewis?” I ask the speakerphone.

“Yes, sir?”

“Don’t let her leave. Understand? Under no circumstances are you to let her leave.”