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I’d take whatever time I could get right now to solidify my explanation. “Sure, we can talk later.”
“Also, if you need any protection for youremployee, I’ve already called the Hanson firm, and they’ll have top people available for you, if you wish.”
I hadn’t thought that far ahead yet. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll consider that.”
“They’re professionals, the cream of the crop. Anyway, that’s why I was calling.”
We got off the line after a few platitudes, and I contemplated the conversation.
After hanging up on him last night, which should have royally pissed him off, he was offering help this morningandstepping back on pushing me to go to Nebraska for Camper Heaven. This was a surprise, to say the least, but then I’d never pushed back very hard against him.
At my place on Wilshire, I changed and also packed a bag for a few days. I hadn’t been successful last night convincing Nicole to leave her house for the safety of my condo, and I couldn’t be sure of success tonight either.
The drive back to the Rossi’s office building was long enough for me to spend some time thinking about Dad’s call. He’d said it was good to have professionals on the case, and that brought to mind my call for help on our embezzlement issue. It wasn’t a problem that would age well.
Dee corralled me as I arrived. She had theTimesstory up on her screen. “It’s terrible what happened.”
“What?” I asked, feigning ignorance.
“You need to read this. I’ll send it to you. Then I think you should check in on Nicky. She must be devastated.” Her concern was touching, as was her looking out for my reputation as a caring boss by suggesting I check on Nicole.
“I’ll look at it right away.” I went into my office and powered up my computer. After rereading the horrid piece, I marched out of my office to see my girl. “I’ll see if there’s anything we can do for her,” I told Dee on my way.
Nicole had a line of people outside her office offering support. It seemed the entire company had already read about last night.
I waited my turn and offered the company’s support if she needed it.
“Thank you, Mr. B. But I’m fine. There is one other thing, though.”
Avoiding the urge to suggest she join me in my office, I waited.
“Lara won’t be able to come in for at least a few days.” Her lips became positively pouty as she said it.
I backed toward the door. “I’ll let Rosa know. Tell Lara to take whatever time she needs.” Being here and not undressing Nicole with my eyes was difficult.
“Thank you, I will.”
Operation Keep-It-Under-Wraps had started.
* * *
At lunchtime,I walked down the street to Taco Bandito. Unfortunately, today’s lunch partner wasn’t Nicole, but Gary. I’d asked him to meet me here and to come alone.
He waited for his food at a table outside and waved as I walked up.
“Thanks for meeting me. I’ll join you as soon as I order,” I told him.
“Sure thing.” He looked nervous, like a kid called down to the principal’s office.
After ordering, I returned with my tray of chips and salsa—including the red sauce Iwasn’tsampling today. I’d learned my lesson.
He lifted a chip with a shaky hand. “What did you want to talk about?”
The sound was unmistakable as a Harley thundered up the street.
“I want to get to the bottom of the missing money. With Lara out for a while, I’ve decided to call in some experts.”
“Experts?”
