On his way out, he paused and glanced up at the soaring structure. A thrill surged through him at having such power over the lives of so many other human beings. It wasn’t fair he should get this much pleasure from his work, since it was the high pay that had originally suckered him into the business––and he didn’t mind killing, hadn’t since he was a teen.
He grinned. What would it feel like to fall? If you knew it was your last day, would you have eaten a different breakfast, one high in sugar and cholesterol? Too bad he couldn’t ask Matt Jackson. Stupid kid had poked his nose into one too many holes.
There were only a few subtle details to take care of and he’d leave the site. Soon, one carefully orchestrated calamity would be the coup de grâce for Farrington—just as the boss wanted. And if he did a good job, he’d get the ‘big bonus’ he’d been promised. The extra money would come in handy.
He chuckled and murmured under his breath, “Jingle bells, Jingle bells…just in time for Christmas.”
CHAPTER FIVE
On the second floor of Farrington Towers, the hostess at the Green Tree Restaurant seated Kate and Darcy at a table beside a cluster of potted palms. The trees reached upward toward two-story high greenhouse windows. Tropical plants, saltwater aquariums, and a cascading waterfall gave the large eatery a lush outdoor ambiance.
“Darcy,” Kate whispered, not wanting to be heard over the bubbling of the nearby aquarium. “We’re through our first week and we’ve gotten nowhere. I don’t know how much longer we can get away with this.”
“I mailed the letter to Matt’s old supervisor as you asked.”
“Well, let’s just hope Carr calls me since I couldn’t find a phone number for him.” Kate frowned and worried her bottom lip with her teeth.
“You still think Trent is responsible?”
At Darcy’s hopeful expression, Kate winced. “Yes, I do.”
“Maybe Matt falling and the man burning his hand were just two separate accidents. Maybe you’re all wrong about the Farringtons.”
“But how many accidents can one company have?” Kate pointed out. “They’d have to be extremely careless. I just don’t see any evidence of that.” She sighed. “I’ve got to get into Trent’s office soon.”
Darcy frowned. “Well, be careful.”
“I will.” Kate shuddered at the prospect of snooping around his lair. She’d found no damning evidence so far, and even gaining access had taken longer than she’d anticipated. “And I haven’t been able to get into Purchasing’s online records as my job description doesn’t allow me access. Luckily, Mr. James Farrington, being old school, requires paper backups of everything. But every time I tried to get into Purchasing’s file room, Cecilia was sitting at her desk—and that woman does not like me. I don’t know how I’m going to get in there.”
After the waiter delivered their food, Kate chewed a bite of seared tuna and lettuce and contemplated the entire mess she’d taken on.
Darcy stared over Kate’s shoulder and her fork paused midair. “Oh, My God. Don’t look… He’s here.”
Even though Kate faced the opposite direction, she knew Darcy meant Trent by the excitement in her voice. Kate was annoyed too that her own heartbeat accelerated with anticipation.
“Not so loud,” Kate whispered.
“Okay, but there really ought to be a law against someone looking like him.”
At her friend’s awestruck face, Kate drawled, “You mean don’t hate him because he’s beautiful?”
Darcy nodded. “And Greg’s with him. Gossip says they’ve been friends since high school.”
“Really?” Kate asked, frowning. “Interesting that corrupt Farrington should have such a nice friend.”
She hadn’t seen Trent since he’d come to her office two days before. How strange it was when he abruptly left that day, however, not before he’d made the comment blaming Matt for not taking proper safety precautions, being negligent, and causing his own death.
Beneath the folds of the tropical-print tablecloth, Kate clenched her hands in her lap. “Darcy, be careful around him. If he finds out we’re trying to get information on him… Well, we just don’t know what lengths he’ll go to protect his precious money and his company.”
“All right, but you’re being awfully cryptic.” Darcy took a bite of her sandwich, swallowed, and then gave Kate a pointed stare. “Don’t you at least find him compelling?”
“No,” Kate lied and pierced a piece of tuna with her fork. “But I agree he does seem to have everything going for him, so why would he steal?”
“Yeah, he certainly does have it all,” Darcy quipped.
“You know what I mean.” The other day, after he apologized, he had seemed nice, but a friendly facade was probably how he got away with his criminal activity, and how he got to know the women in the company.
Resolved to remember why she came to Farrington Construction, Kate said, “He’s a crook who caused Matt’s death. I have every reason to hate him, you know.”
“And you have every reason to distrust men, but in this instance, you might have the wrong person.”
“I think you’re swayed by his handsome face.”
Darcy giggled. “And don’t forget that gorgeous body, but I won’t forget to be cautious, Kate… At least until you find out you’re wrong.”
“I don’t see how I can be wrong.” Could she be?
“Uh, oh. The hostess is leading them in our direction.”
“Act like you don’t notice them. Maybe they’ll pass us by.” Kate ducked her head and hoped the potted plants hid them.
“Hello, Kate, Darcy,” Greg bellowed. She glanced up as he swayed back and forth to get a view of them through the palm trees. “Mind if we join you?”
Kate sighed in dismay. “Oh, we were just about to leave.”
Darcy smiled and nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, come on. Please, join us. We can stay a little longer, can’t we, Kate?” Kate narrowed her eyes at Darcy’s deliberate ploy to keep them there.
Greg’s friendly smile contrasted with Trent’s somber nod toward her. Although his reluctance seemed to match her own, he sat in the chair next to hers.
His nearness caused Kate’s heart to pound in an erratic rhythm. Irked by her reaction, she told herself it had to be because she planned to search his office soon.
The glass doors to the restaurant opened. Cecilia, the woman who had flung herself at Trent in the lobby on Kate’s first day at Farrington Construction, strode toward them. Her tasteful cream-colored suit flattered her svelte figure. Gossip ran rampant around the building that Cecilia was hot for Trent.
When Cecilia reached the table, she ignored everyone else. “Hello, Trent. I was hoping to catch you for lunch.”
At Cecilia’s unintentional pun, Kate caught how Greg’s lip curved into a slight smile. He sent his friend a sideways glance. Trent raised a sardonic eyebrow in return.
When Cecilia turned to Kate, the skin on the back of Kate’s neck prickled.
“May I join you all?” the brunette asked coolly.
Kate nodded. “Sure.” How could she or Darcy refuse? Cecilia’s expression told Kate she could be gunned down on the spot if they declined.
Although both men stood, it was Greg who strode to a nearby table and grabbed an extra chair for Cecilia.
“Next to Trent,” Cecilia instructed. Once seated, she scooted her chair even closer. Her dark eyes gleamed as she leaned toward him. Her shirt was unbuttoned to reveal just a hint of cleavage and her lacy bra. Her fragrance, light and elegant, carried across the table.
Losing her appetite, Kate tossed down her napkin and stood. “I need to get back to work.”
Greg pleaded, “Don’t go, Kate. You haven’t finished your lunch. And we’d like to get to know you better.”
We?
Reluctantly Kate sat down again, not knowing how to refuse such a nice request, but she didn’t think for one moment Trent felt the same. After their last meeting, where he’d abruptly le
ft her office, he had limited his contact with her by communicating through their assistants and emails. She hadn’t seen him—which was perfect for her. She unclenched her teeth and took a sip of water. She’d just have to endure a few more minutes in Farrington’s presence.
The waiter took the rest of the food order and left.
Trent turned to Kate. “Have you met Cecilia Sheffield?”
When she looked into his eyes her stomach fluttered. Kate hated herself for being so weak just because he was so physically appealing. “No, not officially.”
Wrenching her gaze from his, she smiled at Cecilia, but the woman’s narrow-eyed gaze was scrutinizing Kate as if she were competition.
“Of course, I remember her,” the brunette said. “She’s the woman who nearly fell in the lobby.”
Trent introduced them. “Dr. Meyers, Cecilia works in Purchasing.”
Cecilia gaped at Kate. “You are a doctor?”
Kate smiled. “Yes.” Difficult as it was, she resisted tweaking the woman’s jealousy further. She might need to befriend Cecilia to get into the Purchasing department.
Not returning the smile, Cecilia gave Kate a thorough going-over. “I received the memo that we had a new Human Resources Manager, but I didn’t imagine you were the one. She doesn’t look like a psychologist, does she Trent?”
He lifted an eyebrow. “What’s a psychologist supposed to look like? Sigmund Freud?”
“That would be a good start,” Cecilia retorted.
Greg smiled at Kate. “No. She doesn’t look anything like him to me.”
“Not quite, but give her a beard and she could.” Cecilia dimpled and turned a perfect little grin to Trent. “When I was told the company had hired two new women… Well, I’m just glad it’s someone like you, Dr. Meyers.”
The woman didn’t realize that competing for Trent Farrington was the last thing on Kate’s mind. It was more important for Kate to make friends with Cecilia to access Purchasing, than to have a catfight with one of Trent’s potential girlfriends. One day, she wanted him to eat his words that her brother had been responsible for the condition of his shoddy harness and for his own death.
Kate kept her face serene. “I’m glad to meet you, Cecilia. I hope we’ll have a great working relationship. Perhaps we can go to lunch together soon.”
Cecilia’s forehead creased as if she hadn’t expected a friendly response after her statement. She turned toward Trent and patted his arm. “How is your mother? Have you spoken to her?”
Trent shook his head. “No, not since she left for Europe three months ago. However, I don’t keep tabs on her. Call the house. They’ll fill you in.” He sipped his water, but Kate noticed his expression had soured and his shoulders hunched when he spoke about his mother.
Cecilia smiled. “I know she wouldn’t miss you getting accolades for your building. She’s so proud of you—like we all are. I’m sure she’ll return in time for the awards ceremony next month.”
Trent shrugged. “One never knows with her and it’s too early to say I’ve won.”
Cecilia touched his arm again. “I need to speak to you this afternoon…about some matters… I’ll come to your office—”
He gave her a sharp look. “No. I’m leaving for the Karger site. I won’t be back today.”
“Tomorrow then?”
“I’ll let you know. You can run anything for me through Mrs. Nash.”
Too excited to think, Kate didn’t listen to what else they said because this was her chance. He would be out of the building.
The rest of lunch was served. While Cecilia held his attention with her constant chatter, and Darcy and Greg discussed the upcoming party, Kate considered her next move. This afternoon, when Trent was out, she would find a way to sneak into his office.
* * *
While Cecilia rattled on about things that didn’t interest him, Trent watched Dr. Meyers out of the corner of his eye. She’d not been happy to see him. Her first cool glance told him that. He thought she’d gotten past his accusation that she was in on his grandfather’s schemes. When he sat next to her, her full lips pressed into a grim line. Despite that, she laughed enthusiastically at something Greg said.
Trent sucked in his breath. From her smile, he had to speculate she was interested in his friend—he himself seemed to be the only one she despised. Today, she was dressed as drably as the previous two days. However, instead of making her seem pale, the plain, light gray, shapeless suit gave her skin a creamy glow. He didn’t think she wore any makeup. He wondered why she didn’t go for contacts or for glasses that were more attractive.
Greg smiled warmly at her, too. No doubt, his friend had taken a liking to their new HR Manager.
Greg threw Trent a wink as if he knew what he was thinking and then glanced at Dr. Meyers and her assistant. “I have several tickets. Either of you like the Dolphins?” he asked.
Darcy chimed in, “I love football.”
“Do you, Dr. Meyers?” Greg asked, more pointedly.
Trent didn’t get the chance to hear her response because Cecilia gripped his arm and said something in his ear. He turned and said, “Sure,” too distracted by Dr. Meyers’ voice and her pleasing laughter to know what Cecilia had said.
“I didn’t think you would ever say yes,” Cecilia purred near his ear.
Frowning, he stared at her. “What?”
She beamed. “I bought tickets for the musical, hoping you’d agree to go out with me. You can pick me up on Saturday at six.” She leaned in closer, her hot breath fanning his cheek. “We can have dinner before the show.”
Trent frowned. How would he get out of it now?
Lunch was over and Dr. Meyers did not meet his gaze again.
On the way out of restaurant, Cecilia clutched his arm as if they were a couple. “It’s about time we went out together. When I heard two more women would be working here, I admit I was jealous, Trent. Can you imagine yourself with a woman like the doctor, with those horrible glasses and suit, or the other woman with her garish red hair and freckles?”
He didn’t dignify her comment with an answer. He’d had no problems fantasizing being with one of Farrington’s newest employees. In fact, he’d dreamed about Dr. Meyers the night before—a dream so hot, he would scorch Kate Meyers’ dainty little ears if he were to tell her about it.
And despite his conviction that she was not potential for a seduction, he found himself more and more concerned with why she disliked him. And he had to question himself: Why did he want to change her mind?
* * *
With a sinking heart, Kate strolled past Trent’s office for the fifth time that afternoon. With him out of the building, she could explore his office if she could get in. She checked her watch. After five p.m., and his secretary was still at her desk. Although she knew Trent’s whereabouts, she’d just have to find out if the elderly lady was going to remain firmly ensconced at her secretarial chair all night.
Kate smiled and stepped into Trent’s assistant’s office. “Hello, Mrs. Nash. You’re still here. Is Mr. Farrington in?”
“He’s at a meeting. I don’t expect him back today, but the ‘Ice Queen’ called—she’s in town. Oops, sorry. Perhaps I shouldn’t have said that since Mrs. Farrington is one of the executives.” The older woman rolled her eyes. “But that’s one of Trent’s endearing names for his mother.” She added under her breath, “And frankly it fits.”
Kate recalled his hunched shoulders and his cool reaction at the mention of his mother at lunch. “That’s okay,” she said softly.
Mrs. Nash stood. “I was just finishing up a letter, dear, because I might be in late tomorrow. My husband’s ill. Thankfully, Trent is very understanding—unlike his mother. He’s a fine man and deserves…” She sighed. “Oh, dear, do forgive me. I’m saying too much. Comes with the territory. We’re like family around here, so many of us have been with the company for years.”
Kate smiled. “I understand.” But she wondered how such a nice olde
r woman could work for and respect such a louse…
Trent’s secretary straightened her desk, readying for the next day. “I’m just so anxious. Norm’s cold has gotten worse. Thankfully, it’s not his heart this time, but I’m going to run him to the Urgent Care Center as a precaution.”
Mrs. Nash was a sweet lady and Kate had to admit she liked the employees she’d met so far. Sighing, Kate made a pretense of checking her watch. “I’m sorry to hear he’s not feeling well. Well, if it looks like Mr. Farrington isn’t returning, and it’s nearing five-thirty, I’ll talk to him some other time.” Kate walked Mrs. Nash to the elevator. “I hope your husband feels better.”
“Thank you, sweetie. He worries me half to death sometimes.” She pushed the call button and soon a ding announced the elevator had arrived.
“Oh, I just realized I left something in my office.” Kate hated to lie to the kind woman, but she had no choice. “Goodnight, Mrs. Nash.”
Once the elevator doors closed with a whoosh, Kate blew out a deep breath. She whirled and hurried down the hallway to Trent’s office.
Her stomach clenched into knots as she turned the knob on his door. Locked. No way would she get in tonight.
Relief swept through her that now she wouldn’t have to go through with this, but then she groaned in frustration. She had to search his office, as she was getting nowhere. She swiped her hand along her perspiring forehead. She didn’t want to contemplate how close she would have to get to him to get his keys.
Very close. She dreaded the thought.
Her gaze flew to Mrs. Nash’s forgotten jacket hanging on a coat tree. Was it possible? Kate crossed the floor, shoved her fingers into the pocket and felt a cool metal key ring. Bingo. This might be it. With shaking hands, she unlocked the office.
She paused before the darkened room, guilt washing over her. She had always respected a person’s privacy and here she was ready to go through a man’s office. Once she crossed that threshold there would be no turning back.
What had made her think she could do this? She was not like Bill Jackson—her stepfather had never had a conscience. Instead, she agonized over what she planned to do. She blew out a deep breath. She had to find some evidence and her time at the company couldn’t last forever. Any day,they could find out she’d falsified her resume.
Disguised with the Millionaire (Dangerous Millionaires Series Book 2) Page 7