Page 9 of Sawyer
Because the rope didn’t come loose.It was severed.Cut cleanly, something only a sharp knife could manage.
I look up and around, seeing the rest of the farm is as it should be.But that sinking feeling returns.Something just doesn’t feel right.
5
Sawyer
Idrink my morning piccolo coffee, my suit pressed to perfection, and sit in my city office, where I should be ready to start my day.Yet it feels different, empty.The large bookcases from Whispers aren’t lining my walls, the musty carpet smell vacant.
I was in Whispers for mere days last week, but already, I’ve packed up and sent a few creature comforts to my new place on Billionaire Boulevard and rescheduled appointments that I had booked over the next month.All due to my new commitments in the small town I know Tanner wants me to call home.
But I’ve lived in this city my entire life.I’m a New Yorker through and through.The honking horns, the crowds of people, the nightlife, always something to do, all of it’s in my blood.But as I sip my coffee, the taste bitter on my tongue, I come to the stark realization that the coffee Rochelle made me at the Delish Diner in Whispers last week was better.
“Sawyer?”I look up to see my assistant, Wendy, at the door.She’s been with me for years.Almost at retirement, Wendy has been the one constant woman in my life, and I’ll miss her when she leaves.
“Hey, Wendy.What have we got going on today?”Sitting forward, I’m ready for the daily onslaught to begin.I built my company up from scratch, and now employ over two hundred staff, ranging from attorneys for both corporate and commercial law, to criminal cases, and a small pro bono team, along with a vast administration team to support us all.For Tanner to expect me to leave all this for a life in Whispers is laughable.Although, my firm is a well-oiled machine and I have a great leadership team in place to manage things when I’m away.Which now appears to be often.
“Your nine a.m.had to reschedule to later next week.You have a team meeting at ten, lunch with the head of the Mets at midday, and then this afternoon, you have video interviews lined up for lawyers out of Williamstown.”
As soon as I got to Whispers, one of the first calls I made was to my HR manager to start scouting for potential staff for the Whispers office.While the town is cute, I’m not sure I can commit so much of my time there, regardless of what Tanner wants, so I need some support just in case.
“Thanks, Wendy.Tell HR to provide me with the top two potentials from Williamstown by midweek and align the Mets games with my schedule.If I can make a few games this season, I would like to.My corporate box is gathering dust at this point.”
She nods, making a note for herself, before asking, “How’s Whispers going?”
“It is what it is.You know Tanner; he loves that town.But it’s quiet, not much happening there.”
“Sounds like just what you need.Get away from this hustle and bustle for a while.Give you some space to think, to breathe.You’re too stressed here.”
“You’re the one retiring, not me, Wendy.I’ve got deals to do, money to make.”
She scoffs at me, like only my oldest, most loyal employee can.
“There’s more to life than work, Sawyer.Just remember that.”She collects some files before turning and walking out the door.My cell rings before I can respond, and she leaves me to it.
“Twice in a week, I’m feeling loved.”
My brother snorts a laugh.
“Is that all it takes to feel loved?If so, you’re clearly not with the right woman,” he jokes, knowing full well I’ve been single for a while.I played the field in my youth, then had a few years when I worked hard and partied harder before finding a woman I thought might be the one.Turns out, she wasn’t.After a failed engagement, I dove back into work and became more successful than I ever thought possible and have been casual with women ever since.My work always comes first.
“You tell me.”I know full well, aside from me and Mom, he doesn’t call anyone else.The ladies he indulges in are usually for a night or two, never more than that.
“Touché.You back home?Got over your little issue with the cows?”
I lean back, knowing my meeting is canceled so I have time to talk.
“I got a new suit, if that's what you mean.”I didn’t really need a new one, since I have plenty, but I ordered a full wardrobe to be shipped to Whispers, not wanting to be caught short again.
“Is there much to do in Whispers?”Sutton questions, making me pause.
“Literally nothing, unless you like whiskey, wide-open space, and the quiet of the country.”I’m honest with him, before my mind wanders back to the blond farmer I haven’t stopped thinking about.
“That sounds good about now.Things are getting a little crazy here, and I had to up my security.Last week, someone got through my gates, and when I got home, they were in my bed.”
I sit straighter at that.“What the absolute fuck?”Sutton may be as big and tall as I am, but he’s still my little brother.The same one I protected all my life and have no plans of stopping.
“Yeah.Young girl, a little unhinged.”He huffs a small laugh, one I know isn’t humorous, rather awkward or hesitant.
