Page 52 of Degrees of Control
“Katarina, unfortunately we are still working through a few things. It was one of the largest product shipments ever so there’s a chance it was taken straight to the infirmary, although we are counting on the fact they wanted Chase’s indictment and held it to use it as evidence. Secondly, Prince Alfreita has significant and powerful connections with highly positioned agents within Interpol. We will see how this plays out, but that aside, the tape’s release absolves Chase and the Larussio family of any involvement. You will most certainly be accosted by reporters and paparazzi as word continues to leak. I’m sure I do not need to mention that discretion is expected,” he says.
“No, of course not. If there is ever anything I can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact me,” I say.
“Likewise, I’m glad we had a chance to meet and do give my best to both Chase and your father,” he says before disconnecting.
“Vicenti?” Sheldon asks.
“Yes, it would appear everything has been taken care of. He told me that you and your teams worked through the night to clear Chase and put Alfreita behind us. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that,” I say.
“No need to thank me, Kate. That’s what Chase pays me to do. Although this week has been a little adventurous even for us,” he says as the driver comes to a stop in front of Jenny’s complex.
“Jenny, with everything going on Matt will stay with you, at least for a little while,” Sheldon says.
“That is really not necessary,” she says.
“Boss’s orders. Chase wants you to have round the clock security. I’ll get a hold of you with long range plans,” he says.
“Thanks for everything you did to help Nate and just for being with me,” I say, ignoring her upraised eyes and hugging her to me.
“I seriously wouldn’t have missed all the excitement for anything. I’m just glad things are working out so well for everyone,” she says, squeezing me tight before she gets out of the car.
“Sheldon, take me to the police station. I want to see Chase.”
“Um, Chase has been in contact. I’m to have you safely back to the house and as quickly as possible,” he says, looking slightly embarrassed.
“You heard from him?”
“Lloyd,” he says, splitting off from the city traffic onto the highway that leads to the country house. I contemplate how long it will take for them to release Chase and what we’ll say to each other as Sheldon’s cell phone rings breaking through my reverie.
“Yes, we’re home. I’ll let her know. Yes, I understand,” Sheldon responds before hanging up.
“Was that Lloyd?”
“You must still have your phone on silent,” he says. I rummage in my purse, pull out my phone and check the messages. There are three missed calls, none of them with a voicemail, and three texts.
Message:Where are you?
Message:Where are you?
Message:I am coming after you!
I break into a full laugh as I see the messages he’s left and the ache in my heart lightens knowing he must have already been released.
“He’s out? I ask Sheldon.
“Yes, ma’am. He’s on his way home,” he says, grinning into the rearview mirror.
“Oh, my God. We did it, Sheldon! Thank you so much for all your help,” I say as some of the tension begins to subside.
“Most welcome, Kate. Besides, there was no way I was going to explain to Chase how you managed to give me the slip twice,” he says.
“I hope I didn’t put you in too bad of a position. I’ll talk to Chase if I need to,” I say.
“It’s fine, Kate. I probably have more explaining to do for taking you to Brazil than for you giving me the slip in Aruba,” he says.
“Why are you wearing such a big smile then?” I ask, feeling all the tension in my body begin to subside.
“You need to ask?” he says.
