Page 12 of The Will

Michelle smiled, “Well, what can I do for you, Alex?”

“Actually, I need Mistress Elaina’s help with this one.” Alex laid out his plan for dealing with Chloe’s attackers.

Michelle nodded. “Sounds doable, but I will probably need to bring in three girls and two guys to help. While I could keep control of the situation, having the help is as much for their safety as mine. I get carried away when I think they deserve punishment. The others can keep me in check as much as I do for them. Can I tell them why?”

Alex nodded. “Yes, I want confessions if possible. I will supply the recording devices for that purpose if you need them.” Michelle shook her head at that. “Okay then, here’s the address. You will need to come dressed in elite, cocktail party clothes. Do you need an advance to get the required dresses?”

Michelle laughed softly, “No, my dear, we have the costumes here, as this is not an unusual request. At least not in the discretion part. They hire us all the time for executive parties.”

Alex raised a brow, but just smirked and shook his head. “I don’t want to know anymore. Party is next Saturday, so see you there.” He turned to exit, but then turned back. “Oh, one more request. Could you or one of your girls go to this address before the party?” He handed her a piece of paper, then leaned over and whispered what he needed. His request made Michelle’s eyes light up as she nodded. He took his leave and headed to his office to work on the graduation party’s guest list to obtain the names of the other individuals he needed to invite.

Alex sighed, he had no time to go visit Chloe, and besides, she had work to do as well. He was looking forward to seeing her soon.Perhaps Chinese food and some praise and teasing?Alex groaned, he was getting hard just thinking about coaxing more noises from that beautiful mouth of hers or perhaps having her lips wrapped around him as well.Damn, too bad work came first in this case.

Chapter 10

Severaldayslater,Alex’soffice door was open when Cy walked in, greeting Alex with his familiar cheery attitude, “Good morning, big brother.”

Alex grunted and took another sip of coffee. “Why are you always so happy first thing in the morning? It is one of your worst traits.”

“Well, aren’t you grumpy this morning?” Cy replied sarcastically. “I was simply coming to let you know of my progress.”

Alex put down his cup and pen. “You have my full attention.”

“For starters, you were right about Mr. Eugene Harrison. He fell for the invitation as if he had been waiting for it for years. We, of course, have the acceptance of “Little Gene” but are having a hard time finding the rest of them for now. You haven’t found anything, have you?” Cy asked.

Alex nodded. “Yes, actually I have three candidates, thanks to Annie’s list of guests. One is a year younger than “Little Gene”, but the other two were his college dorm mates. Here is the list and contact information. Make sure the invitations are extended and that they accept. I want them all there.”

“You got it.”

“What about the cameras and recording devices?” Alex asked.

“Those will be available to wear, and the stationary ones are all set up already. Say what you want about Dad, but his need to have control of everything includes his penthouse and office. I swear he records everything that goes on in both places. He must have a collection of surveillance that rivals the Federal Government.”

Alex chuckled, “Well, be that as it may, my plan is to record the confessions to have you deliver them to the authorities. The key will be pushing their buttons, but I think since Chloe will be with me it probably won't be too hard.”

Just after he said that there was a creak on the floorboards outside of Alex’s office. Alex called out, “We can hear you out there so, quit eavesdropping and come in here.”

Chloe walked into the room looking red faced. She had on one of her Soho looking outfits of a long, stretchy skirt that swished about her ankles and a pullover shirt that had stitching on it in a tribal pattern. Cy quickly went over to her and shook her hand. “Cyrus Moore at your service,” he introduced himself.

Alex made a sound like clearing his throat or slight cough and then spoke, “Chloe, this is my brother, Cy.”

Chloe nodded and shook his hand as well. “I’m Chloe Harrison. Nice to meet you.” She flashed a fake smile to him as she held back the anger over their audacity to plan something which will affect her without her. She then looked back at Alex and shot him daggers.

Cy clapped his hands, announcing. “Well, on that note, I need to be going. It was a pleasure to meet you, Chloe. Alex, we will talk later,” Cy said while making the gesture to call him as he exited.

Alex waved him off and then turned his attention to the adorable Chloe, who had her hackles up. She must have heard some of their conversation. “Okay, Chloe, how much of that did you hear?”

Chloe blew out the breath she had been holding. “Enough to know that my uncle and cousin will be at this party. Why are you doing this?”

Alex's answer to her was simple, “To catch them and get justice. Don’t you want that?”

“I’m not sure. I know I don’t want to confront them. Is that what you are planning?”

Alex confirmed that with a nod. “In a way, but I think we can get them to confess their actions. I think I can do that with you there to help. You will have to be brave, but I believe in you, Chloe.”

She looked at him as tears slowly trickled down her face, she almost spat out her next words, “I worked so hard on building myself up. I don’t understand why this is happening.” Her hands curled into fists in frustration as she tried desperately to stifle her tears and calm herself.

Alex lifted one brow as he stood and moved toward her. Chloe thought of the leopard in the zoo with its sleek, black coat she had seen as a child. His physical grace and forward-leaning position made him look predatory, and before Chloe realized it she was against the wall. He stated firmly while placing a hand on the wall next to her face, “What exactly doyouthink is happening, Chloe?”

---