Page 24 of Degrees of Power
“Physically yes, but two of them got the drop on Johnny. Keith had to take them out. Fortunately he didn’t need to take a shot or the police would have been alerted to the gunfire. They’re scrubbing the scene now. The last thing we need is publicity around this. Two incidents in less than a month?” Jay says, shaking his head.
“Keep me informed and make sure Keith gets anything he needs in the way of emotional support. Job or not, taking a life leaves its mark,” Chase says.
“Will do. On a brighter note it looks like you’re clear of paparazzi. They didn’t expect you to arrive in Chicago until morning. Any issue with heading to the house tonight? I’d feel a little better knowing you are both tucked into the compound,” Jay says.
“No, I assumed you would. I’m pretty sure we had a cameraman on us while we were in the ocean.”
“Yeah, I know. We had men surrounding him just to be sure he was actually just a cameraman. He was harmless,” Jay says.
“I assumed you did. I let Gaby know we’re coming in before we left. If you’ll excuse us now, Katarina and I are going to get a little rest before we arrive in the states,” he says, taking my hand and leading me towards the back of the plane and into the master bedroom.
“You’re very quiet, Katarina,” he says, closing the door and settling into the overstuffed armchair to remove his socks and shoes.
“I know, I’m just taking it all in right now. We barely escaped before they got to us,” I say.
“Well, I wouldn’t say quite that, Katarina. They were on the island for the better part of the day. They just weren’t a concern at the time because we had all the crews on the island. Once Jay learned they were sending in support, he had us move. We were never really in danger, Katarina.”
“How can you say that? Keith had to take people out and you don’t think we were in harms way?”
“Baby, they were under strict surveillance all day. Jay knew the moment they sent in for backup and got us out.”
“I’m glad to hear they had it all under control but I guess it was just a surprise. I didn’t expect to leave so abruptly on our last night together,” I say, walking to the armchair.
“Just what did you have in mind, Baby? It would appear we have about five hours to kill,” he says, pulling me into his lap. I shift so my feet are straddled on either side of his, and open to him as his lips descend upon my own.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The plane lands at O’Hareand I am instantly alerted to the multiple missed messages that I’ve received in flight. I read the texts from Jenny first as we are ushered into the awaiting helicopter.
Message:When are you arriving in the states tomorrow?
Reply:Actually, just touched down. Lots to catch up on!!
Message: Really? I must be a day off? Lunch tomorrow?
Reply:Long story. Can you come to the Prestian estate? On lock down again. ?
Message:Yes! We have time blocked on our calendars next week, but things are happening fast with the L.A. project.
Reply:Sounds good. Let me know.
“Jenny?” Chase asks.
“Yep, she’s stressing over the L.A. expansion. Mentioned things are happening pretty quick. I should probably catch up to the details before we meet tomorrow.”
“The Prestian Corporation has just taken over the brand new sky-rise in downtown Los Angeles. While we weren’t originally intending to expand our own company footprint, for multiple reasons having a presence on the West Coast makes sense. The property unexpectedly became available and is every bit as prestigious as our other towers, so I bought it. I sent Jenny a note yesterday to let her know the same deal for Torzial expansion on the West Coast would exist. My guess is she will want your help with that as the grand opening for the property is already next week. See, all caught up. I probably just saved you an hours worth of reading,” he says, smiling.
“Yeah? I’m pretty sure there is a punishment in store that we won’t mention,” I say, mindful that security has the panel wall between our cabin and theirs open.
His smile is wide as he pushes a button on the remote and the privacy panels slide into place effectively ensuring our privacy. “Baby, while my intent is to keep you from working so much it is a challenge indeed not to turn the tables in my favor when such tantalizing pleasures are at stake.”
“You know I’m going to need to get caught up and now I have a meeting with Jenny who is probably freaking out. It’s going to take a lot of work, especially if you only gave her a weeks notice and expect her or a Torzial representative to be able to discuss an expansion plan with any degree of intelligence,” I say.
“Since I’ve summarized the highlights, you have already developed the expansion plan for New York and it need only be replicated, I don’t see why you would need to work more than four hours.”
“Chase! Totally unreasonable, besides she is going to come to the house tomorrow so we can work and have lunch,” I say, trying to give him my best stern look but failing miserably.
“Perfect. I’ll have her picked up in the morning and you can work until noon, have lunch, and then we can spend the rest of the day unwrapping the multitude of wedding gifts that Gaby says are laying all over the dining room table,” he says.
