Page 25 of Degrees of Power
“Fine,” I say at the amusement in his eyes. “I’ll let her know the plan, but I will probably start early,” I say.
“Whatever the lady chooses. While you are busy working, I will be developing a plan for such deliberate and disobedient behavior,” he says, grinning widely as the pilot begins lowering the craft and we put down on the Prestian helipad. The estate is lit up and the magnificent archways of the chateau are visible from this close away. I shake my head at his antics as the panel slides open and Jay gets out with Dereck and Sheldon. They open our doors so Chase can assist me from the helicopter.
“Alfreita’s men turned back. Once they got re-routed they had no chance to catch up. We’ve got eyes and ears in the air and on the ground. We should know more about locations shortly,” Jay says as we make our way into the house.
Gaby greets us with a warm welcome. A delicious aroma of cinnamon permeates the kitchen. “I just took the apple pies out of the oven if anyone is hungry,” she says, pulling dessert plates out of the cupboard.
“Katarina, men, take a seat. I’ll get the ice cream,” Chase says as Gaby begins dishing up generous servings of overfilled apple pie with a cinnamon and brown sugar topping. Chase places large scoops of vanilla on each plate and serves them to the men around the table as Gaby hands out silverware and napkins.
“Coffee anyone, we have decaf and regular?” she says.
“Would love a cup of decaf, Gaby,” Jay says. “Same here,” Dereck and Sheldon say in unison.
I hold up my hand as Gaby comes around to me. “I’m so tired. I think I’ll turn in as soon as I finish this pie,” I say, conscious of Chase’s watchful gaze without glancing in his direction. He continues his conversation with the team, but his eyes capture mine in question as I tell everyone goodnight for the evening.
Alone in our room I brush my teeth and change into one of the short lacy nighties that Jenny thought was a must have on a recent shopping spree. I settle into bed reaching for my Mac which is one of the only things that Chase grabbed before our hasty departure. I skim emails about the acquisition which only offer the same information that Chase has already provided me. I shake my head in annoyance before placing the computer on the nightstand. It is hard to get the fear of the evening out of my mind, but my eyes become heavy in a matter of moments and I am unable to keep myself from drifting into a deep troubled sleep.
It is seven a.m. when I wake, glancing at my phone to read the message from Jenny.
Message:I’ll be at the house around 8.
Reply:Sounds good!
I scurry to the shower, making quick work of shampooing and conditioning the long auburn tresses that are always so unruly in nature. I pat myself dry with the luxurious body towel pulled from the warmer before slipping into leggings, a long warm sweater, socks with a lacy top and a pair of slouchy boots. I grimace at my hair as I let it fall out of the towel it’s been wrapped in, slowing running a wet brush through the curls before blow drying them so they frame my face and fall in layers against my chest before heading downstairs to find Chase.
The kitchen still smells like cinnamon and I find Gaby alone sipping a cup of coffee while she reviews one of her recipe cards. “Good morning,” she says, looking up.
“Morning, Gaby. Do you know where Chase is?” I ask.
“That young man was to bed late and up early. I believe he’s in his study now though. Would you like breakfast? I saved you some french toast.”
“Yes, please. In fact, I think I’ll take it with me into the study,” I say.
“Run along… I’ll bring it in with a fresh pot of coffee for the both of you,” she says.
“Thanks,” I say, already on my way across the dining room and toward the closed door of his study. I knock lightly and let myself in. Chase is sitting behind his desk engrossed on the two monitors, intently listening to the voices on the speakerphone. He waves me in and I take one of the chairs across from him.
Chase reaches over and releases the mute button. “Gentlemen, while cutting off all the product supplies has certainly caught their attention and drawn Alfreita and his men out, it has not, however, impaired their ability to get planes in the air. I want the entire supply curtailed—use every ounce of our access or influence. Cut them off at the knees,” he says, placing the call on mute while the team begins discussing options and Gaby walks in with a tray containing french toast, fruit, small plates and a carafe of fresh coffee.
“Thanks, Gaby,” I say, pouring each of us a cup and serving myself a healthy portion of french toast, trying hard not to succumb to the magnetism of his gaze in case he sees the fear and anxiety.
I finally look up, motioning an offer of french toast to Chase but he shakes his head slighltly, pushing the button to speak again. “Gentleman, I’d like a fully developed plan put together for my review at twelve thirty this afternoon. Sidney, set up another call for the team. Thanks for your time,” he says, disconnecting.
“I was trying to wait up for you last night, but couldn’t keep my eyes open,” I say, still attempting to avoid the pull of his eyes.
“Yes, I came to bed shortly after you and found you in a sound sleep so went back downstairs to work,” he says.
“Thought I would get something to eat before Jenny arrives. She’s due here in a few moments,” I say, taking a bite of my french toast.
“They should be touching down right now. She’ll stay for lunch and then head back to the city. She has an in-person meeting this afternoon,” Chase says.
“So are you planning to work in here all morning?” I ask.
“Yes, while I’m not concerned that we were in any true danger yesterday, I am disturbed that Alfreita appears to have readily ascertainable financial support. His product supply has been cut off by both the Larussios and Vicenti, but that has not been as effective as we thought it would be,” Chase says.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned,” I say.
“I know, you were pretty quiet last night,” he says, caressing my cheek.
