Page 29 of Park Avenue Princess

“Ihadn’t yet, but…” She looks hesitantly at her laptop as she pulls a portion of her lower lip between her teeth. Anddamn, do I still want her. What I wouldn’t give to have my teeth on her lips. My mouth on her body. My—

“I’ve recently been made aware of errors in several agencies. All smaller sums below three hundred thousand each, but when added up, it’s significant. I’m still investigating, so I don’t know the full scope of the problem.”

I feel my brows furrow. “Is theactivitymore recent?”

“Well, yes and no. From the information I’ve been given, it seems to have started about two years ago. But then there was a period when it stopped. Until last week, that is, when the latest activity occurred. To the tune of one hundred grand. And now today, with the three hundred grand between DOF and your agency.”

I sit back and let that information sink in. I then look at her and ask, “How long have you been with Management and Budget?”

She holds my gaze. “Since October, less than a year.”

“And prior to today and last week, when was the latest discrepancy?”

“September.”

My eyes widen a fraction. “So, after I left DOF yet before you started with M&B. Until recently, that is.” I file away that bit of information and I see her gears turning as well. “Were the past problems occurring regularly or were they random? And do you know from where they originated?”

Lynne shakes her head. “I haven’t had a chance to look over all the information and develop a time line.”

“Any initial thoughts, guesses?”

Looking away, she answers. “I’d rather not say at this point. Until I’ve had a chance to find out more.”

She begins closing down her laptop and reaches for her bag.

What’s she avoiding telling me? And dare I mention Jimmy’s comment about her father?

“Why did you tell me this?” I ask softly.

She stalls a second before resuming her movements, not looking my way. “I would have eventually gotten around to your department, so it was inevitable you’d be questioned, brought in on what’s happening.”

“I have a feeling you divulged more than you would have with someone else. You didn’t need to tell me about the discrepancies that started two years ago. You could’ve simply questioned me about my department.”

Lynne finally looks at me with a slightly annoyed appearance. Part of me wants to push her buttons and see what reaction I’ll get. Another part wants to solve her problems and soothe the temper I have a feeling I’m about to witness. But instead of anger, I watch her face relax before she takes a deep breath and sighs.

“Look, you’ve conducted an audit of your division, and you have more knowledge and experience than I do with the various agencies. You’ve already brought up an interesting fact about the timeline. So, it would make sense for me to use that knowledge and experience to my benefit in order to solve this problem and stop what appears to be the misuse or bleeding of city funds.”

“So you want to use me. Again.” As soon as the words are out of my damn mouth I regret them. Especially when I see Lynne’s startled look. Hurt flashes across her face before she masks it with a determined look.

“Lynne, I’m so—”

“You’re right, Idowant to use you. It’s what I do.” She stuffs her laptop into her bag then stands, draping it across her body. “I’ll be in touch if I have any more questions.”

She starts for the door, but I’m quickly on my feet blocking her progress. “Lynne, I’m sorry, that was uncalled for and unprofessional.” When she remains silent, refusing to look at me, I continue. “I want to help. Please.” I soften my tone. “Forgive me.” And I’m reduced to begging again.

She tips her head to meet my gaze and I see the hardened edge disappear from her eyes. I catch just a glimpse of the woman I recognize from six years ago before her face changes again and she throws up that damn wall.

“I’ll be in touch.” Ducking her head, she moves to go around me and this time I don’t try to stop her. As much as I want her to remain so I can continue to engage, I don’t want to risk driving a bigger wedge between us.

I scoff, thinking there’s already a wedge spanning about five thousand miles—the distance from New York to Oahu.

To some that may appear insurmountable, but I won’t be dissuaded.

Now that I’ve found her again, no way am I going to lose her.

---