by Jillian Neal
“I’m pretty sure Miss Haydenshire has the perfect formula for that.”
Fionna giggled and nodded her head.
When they arrived, Dan prepared sodas and beers while Fionna slowly heated some soup she’d made a few weeks before and then frozen. Dan helped her fix sandwiches and grilled them under her instruction.
Garrett spread the documents out on Fionna’s living room floor while Rainer checked his phone constantly for the text from Mitchell.
As Dan and Fionna served the plates, everyone pulled a folder to them and began going through the documents. Fionna stayed by Dan and looked over what he was going through. Emily did the same with Rainer.
Logan and Adeline arrived from the hospital and were handed plates, drinks, and another folder. At a quarter to eight, Rainer’s cell chirped. Visible relief washed over him.
“Mitchell says ‘He came and didn’t stay long. Got the files back in, no problem.’” Rainer didn’t sound like he believed it had really been that easy.
“Are you going to let his dad out?” Fionna asked softly.
“Yes, tomorrow,” Dan assured her that Mitchell’s sacrifice wouldn’t go unrewarded.
“What is that?” She pointed to a stack of papers. The word Angel caught her eye. Dan picked them up and began reading. He felt all of the heat in his body turn to frigid disbelief. He set down his sandwich carefully as he flipped to the next page and shook his head.
“What is it?” Rainer slid closer. Dan handed him the top sheet as he continued to read the ones underneath.
“He can’t do this.”
Dan felt nausea wash over him in waves, as he realized that he’d just forced Thomas Kent to market his twelve percent of Angels Enterprise stock at the same time that Dominic Wretchkinsides was trying to force a hostile takeover of the Arlington Angels.
Emily grabbed the paper Dan had given Rainer, as he shook his head in stunned disbelief.
“What does this mean? What’s a proxy fight?”
“Uh,” Rainer stammered, “well that means that, in this case, the Interfeci Organization is going to try to convince the owners of the Angels to put the team under new management and to give the controlling interest and the capital that you produce to Wretchkinsides.” He sounded sickened as he said the words.
“What?!” Emily and Fionna gasped at the same moment.
“He can’t buy us. We aren’t for sale,” Emily determined. Rainer grimaced at her tone.
“Em,” Rainer soothed as Dan watched, impressed with how he handled her. “Just listen to me for a minute, okay?”
Emily stared up at him with tears in her eyes. Fionna tried not to cry as Dan embraced her.
“The Angels are a business, just like anything else, baby. Remember, we talked about this after Chloe was attacked while we were in Paris. We thought they’d backed off. They can be bought and sold, but I will not let Wretchkinsides buy out the Angels. I’ll buy them myself before I let that happen, and your dad can help us stop them as well. The real problem is going to be keeping the majority- holders and their families safe, until we make certain that he can’t make the purchase. The next board meeting is Friday night. That’s when Kane will sell his shares.” Rainer began considering everything Dan had already gone over in his head.
“I won’t have a job,” Fionna broke down as Dan cradled her against his shoulder. He rubbed her back; sharing heartbreak with Rainer over what this was doing to the women they loved.
“They never backed off. Nic focused all his efforts on getting Pendergrath out of prison. That took up his time. He’s refocused now,” Garrett lamented, as he stood and quickly put his plate in the sink and threw away his beer bottle. He slapped Logan on the shoulder. “I think I’m gonna go check on Chloe, and I think I’ll see if her father and the other shareholders will meet with us tomorrow. Why don’t you and Rainer go talk to Dad?”
Dan began to wonder what it was that Garrett Haydenshire really wanted. They were throwing punches a few days before, and now he was clearly trying to give Fionna and Dan some privacy as she continued to sob onto his shoulder.
“Thank you,” Dan said quietly as everyone stood to leave.
“Call me if you need me, okay?” were Garrett’s soothing words as he kissed the top of Fionna’s head, moved quickly to pull her front door open, issued everyone out, and then locked it with his key.
Gold
“Dan, this house cost me a lot of money,” Fionna shuddered against him. “I used all of my savings for the down-payment. I haven’t really saved much since then because I paid for all of the construction work, and I have credit cards.” She broke down in sobs as Dan cradled her to him and tenderly tried to get a word in between her convulsive sobs. “I don’t know how to do anything else.”
“Fi, shh; listen to me.” He tried to wipe away her endless tears. “First of all, I will not let him do this.” He gestured to the document containing the plans for the takeover. “If Lawson doesn’t buy out Kent, then I will, and it will take more than those shares to make any changes in the team. My main focus will be making certain that the majority holders don’t give in to the threats they will certainly be receiving soon. I need them to know that I will keep their families safe, so that I can keep the team safe.”
She nodded as she tried to still her trembling chin. Her abdomen quivered in her effort to stop crying.
“Shh, baby; it’s okay.” He brushed a tender kiss over her forehead. “Fionna, I would never, ever let you lose your home, or not be able to pay your bills, sweetheart.” He’d been trying not to be offended that she thought he would allow that.
“But what happens if you can’t stop him? What happens if the owners get scared and sell to him? I won’t play for him. He’s a murderer!”
She needed a contingency plan, something concrete that she could cling to. She was coming unglued. He cradled her face in his powerful right hand and gazed into the depths of her tear-filled eyes.
“I will not allow that to happen; but if it does, then I will pay off all of your credit cards, honey. And then I’ll just go ahead and ask you to move in with me.” He watched her eyes widen in shock as he tried to hide his own. “I’d already been thinking about it. I do think we should wait and see what happens Friday, because I don’t want you to do anything you aren’t sure about. I know how much you love this house. I’d even be willing to sell and move in here with you; but whatever happens, baby, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere, and you don’t have to do this alone.”
She needed a rock to keep her safe, something to hold fast to that wouldn’t let her down. He’d be the buoy that kept her afloat. He would be her shield. That was all he wanted anyway.
She shook her head. “Dan, we just started dating. I can’t let you pay off my credit cards. You don’t even know how much is on them, but if you go upstairs and look in my shoe closet, trust me, you’ll take back that offer.” She squeezed out several additional tears as her eyes closed tightly. Dan chuckled as he shook his head.
“Sweetheart, maybe I didn’t explain myself well enough when we were in Sydney. When I started at Iodex, I took out substantial life insurance policies for myself and for Amelia. I never thought that anything would happen to her,” he admitted in a haggard breath, “but I wanted her to be taken care of, should anything happen to me.
“When she was killed, our house was instantly paid for, and I had several million dollars sitting in my bank account. My dad sold the house for me, and I tried desperately to give the money to her parents, but they refused. So, I used the money to buy where I live now, and I bought my bike. I invested the rest. Like I told you, sweetheart, I haven’t really spent any money in the last ten years or so, and I make a very nice salary.” Giving her an adoring smile, he chuckled, “So, it didn’t even scare me that you just told me that you have a closet just for shoes.”
Fionna finally giggled. The sound unfettered his soul. “Do you really think you can stop him?”
“Yes, sweetheart, I do, bu
t I’ve got a lot to do between now and Friday. It might mean that I won’t get to be here with you as much as I would like. You’re welcome to come up to the Senate any time you want, though.”
She continued drawing deep breaths and running her hands over her eyes.
“How about this….” Dan stood and pulled her up with him. He guided her to her couch, which had several quilts draped on the arms and quite a few large accent pillows. He pulled one of the pillows to the end and guided her down as she furrowed her brow. After unfurling the quilt that was on top, the one that looked the most worn, he gently tucked it around her. “Now,” he whispered, “I know you’re exhausted and this has been a hell of a day, so…” he moved to her entertainment system, pulled out Some Like It Hot, a comedy about running from the mob was almost clichéd at that point, and he popped it in the Blu-Ray player.
“I noticed that you didn’t say you wouldn’t move in with me,” he pointed out, as he restacked the documents from Wretchkinside’s briefcase and piled them on the floor beside Fionna’s couch. He seated himself on the floor near her head, and glanced her way before he began going through all of the paperwork.
“I’m really scared, Dan,” she admitted in a pained whisper. Setting the paperwork down, that he’d pulled from the stack, he turned and kneeled at her head. He tenderly brushed her hair behind her ear as he gazed down at her.
“I know,” Dan nodded his understanding. With all of her other qualities, she was very wise, as well. “I’m scared, too; but I know that I don’t want to think about going home and you not being there. So, we’ll wait until you’re ready. You just let me know. I’ll wait. I don’t mind being patient if you’re the one I am waiting for.” He hoped that the knowledge that the ball was in her court would help.
She smiled up at him. “Okay,” she agreed as he kissed her again and settled back down on the floor. “If I fall asleep, will you tell me what you find and what you’re going to do, when I wake up?”
“If I can; Governor Haydenshire really shouldn’t have let me show you and Emily any of this. Of course, I’m not supposed to have any of this, and our new Crown has never really done a very good job of not telling his wife everything that goes on in the Senate. I guess that’s why he allowed it.”
Fionna seemed to understand. She settled on the couch and began watching one of her favorite movies. Dan glanced at his watch with a grimace. He pulled his cell phone and texted Fitzroy, chief of Elite Iodex in France, and his best friend. Call me as soon as you get up.
With that, Dan began reading document after document, feeling abject disgust wash over him the deeper he dug. His cell phone rang, and he glanced at the screen and moved to the kitchen to talk to the Crown Governor without disturbing Fionna’s movie.
When he returned, he continued to slog through the evidence of the Interfeci’s vile work. An hour later, a broad grin spread across his face. “Bingo,” he whispered. Fionna had fallen sound asleep cuddled up on her couch.
Dan stared at her as she slept. He allowed himself a moment to think about what the two of them had and how it had come on so suddenly. To Dan’s surprise, he could locate no fear in the recesses of his mind, as he sealed heat into the fibers of the quilt and turned the television down. He felt love, and hope for a future; emotions that he hadn’t experienced in so long, they were hardly recognizable to him.
Turning his attention back to the documents, Dan prayed that what he’d just uncovered would make him able to save the Angels and prove to Fionna that he would be there no matter what. She never had to be afraid again, because he would take care of her.
At eleven-thirty, Fitz called. Dan answered on the first ring and sprinted back to the kitchen. He didn’t want to awaken Fionna.
“I haven’t even had coffee yet, man; this better be good,” Fitz yawned deeply.
Chuckling, Dan tsked, “You could say that. I just struck gold.”
“Oh yeah?” Fitz goaded. “Thought you were busy showing some new girl all your skills.”
Dan laughed. “She’s not just some girl; she is the girl.” He tried to imagine the look on his best friend’s face as he made the statement.
“I’m sorry. I thought I’d dialed Dan Vindico’s cell. To whom am I speaking, exactly?” Fitz demanded as Dan continued to laugh quietly.
“I’ll tell you about her later. Right now, listen to me.”
“I’m listening, but I’m still in shock, so speak slowly.”
“Wretchkinside’s nephew came through for me. I have copies of all of the documents that were in his briefcase.”
“Are you freaking kidding me?” Fitz demanded excitedly.
“I’m not, and,” he baited, “I just found a list of bank accounts that we had no idea existed.” Stunned silence rang from Paris to Alexandria.
“Well, what are you talking to me for? Shut them down and see who crawls out of the walls.”
“Whoa, there; not yet. I plan on shutting them down about noon on Friday. I could really use some help this week and, if you come out here, you could meet Fionna.”
“Okay, is someone holding you at gun-point? Just say the words ‘Fitz is king’ and I’ll get your men out there to save your sorry ass.”
Dan tried not to guffaw. “Not a chance.”
“So, this is the girl, and you want me to meet her?”
“Yes, in fact, I took her to meet Mom and Dad a few nights ago.”
“I gotta sit down,” Fitz scoffed in utter disbelief.
“So, you’ll come out?”
“Hell, yeah. Are you kidding me? I don’t know which I’m more excited to see: the briefcase or the girl. Wait, what time is it there? I’m booking a flight.”
“It’s a quarter to midnight.” Dan could hear the keys on Fitz’s laptop click.
“Where are you?” Fitz drawled suspiciously.
“I am in Fionna’s kitchen.” Dan’s face had set in a permanent smirk.
“And where is Fionna?”
“She is asleep on the couch.” Dan braced for what he knew was coming.
Fitz chuckled. “Because she already let you play, and you were about to leave.”
“’Let me play? What are you, twelve?” He leaned out of the kitchen to make certain that Fionna was still asleep on the couch.
“Hey, it’s not even six in the morning here, and so far you’ve said nothing that has convinced me that I’m not still dreaming, so indulge me.”
Dan rolled his eyes. “Fine; no, on both counts.”
“So, you’re telling me that you didn’t, and that you’re staying over?”
“That is precisely what I’m telling you. Now, do you think you could just book your flight, and stop asking me about my sex life?”
Fitz drew an audible breath. “All right, I’ll fly out at noon here. That’ll give me time to buy Maddie something nice for leaving her here alone with the boys.”
Dan chuckled at his plan. “Actually, is there a later flight? I won’t be back in the office until tomorrow afternoon.”
“Yeah, I can leave here at two. That’d put me there in time for dinner.”
“Perfect, and do you mind staying at my house either alone, or if Fi and I stay there, too?”
Fitz laughed. “I don’t know. Is she loud?”
When I get her going, she sure as hell is, Dan thought with a delighted grin, though he avoided any response at all.
“Must be,” Fitz concluded.
“So, when you grow up you let me know, and I’ll see you tonight, asshole,” Dan goaded as Fitz guffawed.
Suddenly, Dan felt Fionna’s arms wrap around him from behind as her breasts pressed into his back. She laid her cheek against him.
“Hey, baby. I’m sorry, did I wake you up?”
“Saint enfer,” Fitz gasped in his ear. “I don’t even know who you are.”
Dan spun and wrapped his free arm around Fionna, as she giggled after hearing Fitz’s declaration.
“I’m hanging up now,” Dan informed him as Fionna l
aughed harder.
“I’ll see you tonight,” was Fitz’s parting line as Dan ended the call.
“Fitz can stay here,” she immediately offered through a deep yawn. Dan beamed at her.
“You don’t need to entertain my friends, honey. He can stay at my place. He’s coming for work anyway.”
“Dan, it’s fine; and my guest bedrooms actually have furniture. If he stays here, then when we go to sleep we won’t be in the room directly over the couch, which you force your best friend to sleep on when he comes to see you.” She gave him a lusciously naughty smile.
Dan nodded as he considered.
“Does that mean you’re worried Fitz might overhear you screaming out my name and telling me you want more?”
She blushed violently. “Something like that.”
He chuckled. She was adorable, but Dan didn’t allow his mind to dwell her concerns. The sounds she made for him were far too intoxicating. He’d be hard up, with no reprieve.
“I don’t know, Fi. I don’t want to put you out. I just know I’m going to need some help this week to get everything in place for Friday night.”
“Dan, you’re doing this for me and for the Angels. Letting Fitz stay here is the least I can do. I’ll even make a big dinner for you both tomorrow night, if you’ll be home in time.”
“Honey, if you want us here for dinner, then we’ll be here, but I don’t want you going to a lot of trouble. And,” Dan glanced at the clock on Fionna’s oven, “I’m either going to get up early and pick up Garrett, then go get you a rental car, or you can come into the office with me. I can bring the rental back home, but either way I need to put you to bed, Ms. Styler.” He gently caressed her face with his hand. She let her eyes close blissfully. He swallowed down the sudden emotion that always came over him when he considered how small and delicate she looked in his arms. She sighed but then drew a deep steadying breath.
“I’ll just go in with you and bring Lola back home. You don’t need to worry about her, too.”
Dan shook his head.
“I will get you a rental, honey, and I will take Lola to meet Sam, and I will take care of the Angels and,” he drawled pompously, “as soon as you’re up to it, I plan on taking excellent care of you as well. So, why don’t you just stand back and watch me work?” He waggled his eyebrows as she beamed at him, feigning being impressed.