Page 56 of Clear Blue Sky

“Sweetheart, we understand that and we’re not asking him to.” Chandler leaned forward. “I can’t go to the studio and ask them to change or postpone anything that they’ve dumped a ton of money into unless we’ve got something real to go on and right now, we don’t even have a tangible threat.”

Nelson lifted his glass and stood, strolling to the picture window. He stared out at the water, his gaze scanning for threats in the area. He knew good people were keeping an eye on Marcus and his crew. He’d get a text the second anyone lost contact with any of them. “I’ve always felt like I was missing a big piece of the puzzle on the day Roxy’s husband died and my team was ambushed.” He lifted his wine to his lips and sipped. “My dad is a general in the Army and my mom works for the Department of Defense. They are both using their contacts to investigate the failed missions and what could really be driving Marcus today.” He turned. “There is this tickle in the back of my brain that is telling me that I was supposed to be a fall guy for something and it didn’t work out that way.”

“We have three days,” Chandler said. “I’m comfortable with the security we have and all the extra measures we’re taking with the exception of one thing.”

“Roxy,” Phoebe said. “I’ve never met the young woman. Leslie said she was hired by the firm a few months ago, but Leslie brought her onto her team when Roxy came up with some bold ideas and good ones too.”

“Roxy’s a smart girl.” Nelson inched across the room, standing behind Brandi’s chair. “She graduated top of her class. She’s always done well in anything she’s ever tried.”

“She asked for an extra ticket,” Phoebe said. “I’ve asked Leslie to deny the request.”

“That’s for the best.” Nelson rested his hand on Brandi’s shoulder. “We’ve put Marcus on the defensive and I can tell by his responses today that we’ve rattled him a bit. But it's hard to figure out his plan until I can nail down his motivation and goal for wanting to destroy me.”

“And that brings us back to the fact that you don’t believe it’s what happened between you and his sister,” Chandler said matter-of-factly.

“I’ve run that time in my life over in mind a dozen times.” Nelson shook his head. “Marcus and I were never all that close. We butted heads most of our lives, but when I first dated his sister, we at least got along. When Roxy and I ended things, Marcus and I went back to being combative. But I don’t understand the level of animosity. That’s why I believe there’s something that I don’t know. Something that happened out there during that mission.”

“What’s the likelihood that you’ll get the information you need to figure it out?” Chandler asked.

Nelson let out a long breath. “The military is secretive for a reason. I’ve never questioned it, until now.” He pulled his cell out of his back pocket, quickly glancing at the screen.

No messages.

He waved the phone in the air. “My dad promised he’d reach out to me tonight by midnight no matter what he had.”

“Where do your parents live?” Phoebe asked.

“They’re in DC now. Been there for about four years. They both work at the Pentagon.”

“If they want to get away for the weekend, we can get them tickets.” Phoebe smiled. “We’d love to meet them.”

“My mom’s a huge fan.” Nelson was grateful for the shift toward a more normal conversation. “She’s seen you on Broadway twice.”

“Really? That’s so sweet,” Phoebe said. “What are the chances they could get away to come up for the premiere? We could send a charter plane to get them.”

Nelson swallowed the lump in his throat. “That’s very kind of you, but—”

“Please. Extend the invite. If they can make it, great. If not, we’ll have to set up another time for all of us to get together. I’m always down to meet a fan, but more importantly, the parents of the man who has turned my daughter’s head,” Phoebe said.

It took a lot to make Nelson blush, but that statement brought heat to his cheeks.

“Lake tells us that this thing with the two of you has been going on longer than we’ve known.” Chandler leaned back, crossing his legs. “And here I thought she was coming up to spend time with her brother and sister-in-law.”

“That’s what she told us.” Phoebe sat a little taller, resting her hands in her lap. “All these weekends and she had a secret boyfriend.”

“I was a little taken aback when we showed up at Lake’s this afternoon and none of my daughter’s possessions were there.” Chandler arched a brow.

“Either she’s ashamed of us—or him,” Phoebe said.

“Mom, I get Dad with his pokes, but you? Really?” Brandi sighed. “I asked you not to do this.”

“Sweetheart, we can’t help ourselves,” Chandler said. “We knew Lake and Tiki weren’t the only reason you kept dashing off. We’ve been waiting patiently for you to tell us. Now we get to have our fun.”

“Do it with me, not Nelson.” Brandi folded her arms.

“It’s okay.” Nelson sat on the edge of the seat and pried her hand out from the tight hold she had around her middle. He understood her frustration. He’d listened from the other room when she begged them not to pick on him—or her—for that matter. “I think we deserve a little razzing. I know I’m going to get it from my parents.”

“What do they know about the two of you?” Chandler lowered his chin.

---