Page 59 of Degrees of Innocence
The alarm wakes me and I pull on my running clothes and lace up my shoes. Chase is at the kitchen table talking on his cell and in his gym clothes. It’s obvious he just got off the treadmill. “No, it didn’t sound like he was thrilled about the human resource agreement. We’ll have to see how this one plays out, Sid. Okay, keep me posted,” he says before disconnecting.
“How long have you been up?” I ask.
“Quite a while. I usually go over stock accounts and global reports on the big screen while I get a workout in. It saves time and gives me something to do while I’m on the elliptical or treadmill.”
“How often do you run?”
“Three or four times a week. The other days I like to use the elliptical for changes in muscle groups and free weights three times a week.”
“That’s why it’s so easy for you to cart me around,” I say laughing.
“Maybe I should add you to my workout routine.”
“I’ll be back in an hour. Wouldn’t want to miss my helicopter ride,” I tease.
“Do you mind if we make the trip back here tonight?” he asks.
“Not at all. I would generally be driving an hour each way anyway.”
“Here, take this phone for your run. The team is already outside. When we get to Prestian Jay will sync yours with our intelligence software,” he says.
“I feel like I’m in a James Bond movie with all of this security, but not arguing,” I say, kissing him.
“Glad to hear that. When you get back let’s have breakfast together. I’ll let Gaby know we’ll be home tonight,” he says before kissing me goodbye.
I find a path lined with pine trees and follow the property toward the lake. The moon is relatively bright, but I’m glad Jay insisted on the reflective vest. It’s much darker in the country than in the city with all the streetlights. I am soon lost in the run and my mind drifts to my mom. I know I should call her and tell her about Chase before she sees our faces plastered on one of the magazine covers in her office or at the local grocery store. I resolve to call her before day’s end as I come to the end of my run, slowing to a walk and removing my vest. I see lights in the woods ahead of me. I turn around and see lights in the forest behind me, and then recognize Jay, Sheldon and Matt. What the hell…
I’m still thinking about the reality of the effort to keep me safe as I get out of the shower. I decide on a black skirt, multicolored blouse, and flats and go in search of Chase when I’m ready. I pass what appear to be other bedrooms and a large library, and poke my head into the gym room. On closer inspection I see it’s equipped with an elliptical, free weights, treadmill and circuit machines. There’s a large flat screen on one wall, computer monitors affixed to the equipment, and an adjacent shower room. Swoosh...
Message:Where are you?
Reply:In the gym…
I can’t help admiring the treadmill and Chase walks in looking every bit the hot CEO in his dark suit and tie. “It really is a nice way to get a run in when it’s cold,” he says.
“It is a pretty fancy unit and the view is absolutely incredible now that it’s light,” I say, admiring the Michigan shore.
“You’re welcome to use whatever you want, anytime. A heated pool and sauna are located on the lower level. I like the view from this window so had the gym moved upstairs,” he says.
“I’m never going to find my way around this house,” I say, following him downstairs towards the kitchen.
“You’ll get used to it. In fact, Jay will go through the floor plan along with that of the condo to review the security aspects with you.”
“Chase, you can’t be serious. Don’t tell me he’s going to make me memorize the floor plan,” I say.
“Shhh … Baby,” he says, putting his finger across my lips. “It’s not Jay’s fault, it’s mine.”
“Why can’t I just get used to the house without all that?” I ask.
“Katarina, I thought you understood the need for security,” he says.
I recall the attempts on my life and surprise at the amount of security applied to my morning run. I look up and his dark green eyes are hooded and resolved. “It’s important to me that you know how to navigate through the house and use the safe room equipment, Katarina.”
“Well, then I guess I’ll spend the day tromping through the house learning how to lock myself in rooms,” I say, smiling as the tension in his face appears to subside.
We enter the kitchen to find a clucking Gaby. “Whatever happened to my pies last night? It appears we’ve had late night visitors,” she exclaims, feigning displeasure.
“We were starving last night. How could we resist?” I ask.
