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19
Hunter
Wednesday
All night, I thought about Grace. And now in my office, I was still thinking about her. God, how I wanted her, and I was certain she wanted me. I couldn’t blame her resistance to me. I was a risk. I could be unpredictable, and I often let down the ones I cared for in spectacular fashion.
At the same time, I felt like a new man with her. I didn’t feel like I was idolizing her or whatever that transfer thing was that she was talking about. Instead, I felt more alive, more a part of the world around me. I’d been walking around numb and trying to keep to myself because I didn’t trust the world or myself. But with Grace, I felt calm and safe. And I wanted to be a better man, and to make her happy. The only reason I went to the group and yoga was because I wanted her to know I wanted to be better, and for her to be proud of me.
I shook my head, knowing my brothers would call me pussy-whipped if they knew that was how I was feeling. I didn’t give a fuck. Whatever reason I felt that way, transference or not, whether my brothers thought I was a pussy or not, I liked it and wanted more of it.
It also occurred to me when I woke from my dream with Grace telling me to let go of the rope, that it could mean I needed to let go of the guilt I was feeling. She’d said as much, but I wondered if that’s what the dream meant. Of course, that was easier said than done. I didn’t have control over my dreams. The fact that Sara’s battered and bruised face always showed up accusing me of killing her baby, suggested my subconscious still felt guilty. But myabe, the appearance of Grace in my dream meant I was making progress.
There was a knock on the door, and Jacob poked his head in. “Sir?”
“Come in, Jacob. Find anything?”
“I’m not sure sir, but both your restaurant and club use the same linen delivery service. They each had deliveries about a day before the thefts. I didn’t see anything suspicious, but you said to look for anything that was similar between the two.”
I sat back pondering what he was saying. “Are there any other overlaps? Booze or food delivery?”
“You use the same service for both, but the linen delivery was the closest to the break-ins.”
I nodded. “And why would the booze delivery take booze from one of our places when it would be easier to take it from the truck or warehouse.”
Jacob shrugged.
“Good work, Jacob. Have you been through all the tapes?”
“No, sir. I’ve got several more to go through.”
“Keep at it. This is good.”
I watched him leave, feeling good about helping him, while also liking that I didn’t have to go through the tapes.
I was reviewing security plans for the resort in Florida, when another knock sounded on my door. I wondered where Yvonne was that she wasn’t announcing my guests.
Ash opened the door. “Don’t shoot the messenger. Chase has called a meeting.”
“Okay.” I closed my folder and stood.
Ash quirked a brow. “No grumbling or snarky comment?”
“Do you want one?”
He laughed. “No.” We walked together to the conference room. I noticed Yvonne over by the other secretaries, sitting on the edge of a desk. When she saw me, she smiled and crossed her long legs. I had a strong will, but I’d be the first to admit that I’d let a woman seduce me. In this case though, I wasn’t the least bit interested. So, I ignored her and walked into the conference room.
Chase sat in my father’s spot, while my me and my brothers took our usual positions.
“Any updates on the thefts?” Chase asked.
“I’ve thought it could be an inside job. I’ve got a new guy working on the surveillance tapes. He’s caught that the linen service was done just prior to the break-ins at the restaurant and club, so it could be a periphery job. There’s nothing more to report, but I’ll look into it.”
“Any new incidences?” Chase asked.
I shook my head. “None that I’ve heard of. We’ve beefed up security and re-ran background checks.”
“Is that legal?” Kade asked.
“Do you care?” I quipped.
Kade smirked. “Not really. I just don’t like people invading what’s mine.”
“Sounds like you’re on top of it. Great work,” Chase said. I liked the kudos, but I only responded with a nod. Then I waited for him to ask about my work with Grace. What was he going to do when he learned I wasn’t working with her anymore? I figured, as long as I stayed even-keeled, I’d be alright.
My brothers shared their updates and Chase gave us an overview of the rest of the company, and my father’s trip to Europe.
