Page 21 of Don't Tell

I am right about one thing though. I know it can't be Neil.

“Are you sure? Adrian? Where did he even get the resources?”

“Not entirely sure. His father might’ve had some offshore accounts we weren’t aware of. Probably what he used to start up his business.”

I place a hand under my chin. “Hmm…”

“What do we do? Do you want me to take this to the police?”

I shake my head. “No. He’s harmless. He’s barely twenty-five. I’ll handle him myself. Thank you for doing this.”

“You don’t think you’re being too relaxed about this? He drugged you. He robbed you. We have a case here. You just want me to do nothing?”

“Yes. I’ll handle him. I’m not going to treat him like a threat. I’m going to treat him like an inconvenience. Leave it to me.”

I end the call.

The Nightingale building is on Pine Street with twenty-two floors and my name in granite at the entrance. The receptionist stands when I come through the lobby. Tomas is waiting in my office with a stack of contracts and a list of meetings.

“Mr. Nightingale. I made calls regarding the Cresswell, and I’m expecting to hear back soon.”

I sit down. “Good. Let me know if I need to step in. Some of these families can be…difficult.” Then I hand him the signed contract for the artists. “Let’s proceed with Collins as earlier discussed.”

Tomas nods and leaves. I try not to think about Suzanne as I review the pieces from promising artists, but it is more impossible now because I know this is something her hands can do — maybe even better.

Suzanne is committed to resisting me in every way possible. The only question is what I can do to remedy that.

“Cade.”

I look up from my desk to see Neil Sutton standing in my doorway. He has a folder in his hand. He’s frowning deeply. The sight of me must have ruined his day. How tragic.

“Neil.”

Neil Sutton is a pompous, round man. He’s a board member, but he believes we’re equal. I’m not sure what gave him that idea, but I do enjoy putting him in his place.

And he always deserves it.

“You’re in the office.”

I glance around the space for effect. “It appears so.”

He clears his throat. “I’m surprised. I thought you abandoned the executive floor.”

“You know I’d never make it that easy for you, Neil.”

I hear him grind his teeth. He shifts the folder from one arm to another. Then he starts muttering under his breath. “This is what I always say. When you don’t work hard for your business, you don’t treasure it. Mommy’s money will always be there to — ”

I look up. “What did you say, Neil?”

He adjusts his collar with shaky fingers. His eyes dart left and right. “Nothing, Mr. Nightingale.”

“Hmm…” I fix my gaze on him. "I thought I heard a fly buzzing. I hope I was wrong, Neil."

"You were."

"Excellent. Close the door on your way out."

He glares at me, but turns around and shuts the door behind him, while I get back to work.