by Lara Earlman
“That’s pretty much what I was told,” Dane said. He didn’t know if he should be mad at Lexi for almost getting herself in serious trouble, or to be proud of her for standing up to the thug – both, he guessed.
“Your girl started downing the drinks, so I stuck around until I saw her friends show up. The big military-looking guy was perusing the room as if searching for threats, so I motioned him over and told him my story.”
Dane nodded his head, even though Ferguson couldn’t see him. He hadn’t been aware that Dice was back in DC, but was glad of it.
“Anything else?” he asked.
“Yeah, Ms Alberton’s been seeing an accountant; a friend of a friend. Her business is in big trouble and it seems weird to me that she’s keeping it on the down-low.”
“Not really,” Dane interjected, “A large company like Al-Tech is big game for the media as well as bait for a corporate take-over. She has to be careful about who she can trust, especially after the shaft her uncle gave her. I’m sure Bravanger has steered her to a responsible firm.”
“I understand that, and you’re right,” Ferguson agreed. “I had the guy checked out and he comes up squeaky clean, but he wasn’t recommended by any of her father’s friends. Except for the Carsten girl staying with her, Ms Alberton hasn’t had any contact with the others. Looks like she’s doing things on her own, and according to some inside information, she’s running out of liquid assets and the banks are not exactly standing in line to offer her a loan. Her uncle has apparently sullied the Alberton name in record time, but she still seems determined to get the company up and running again. She’s gone through anything of value she found in her father’s safes and most of her trust fund, and that was just to get the building reopened with as many essential employees back as she could. Cost her big to persuade her top scientists to return.”
“I can appreciate that,” said Dane. “With her mother gone, the scientific staff is Alberton Technology’s bread-and-butter. She probably had to top any other offers they got, as well as convince them that her parent’s policies would be adhered to.” Dane shook his head, why was she being so stubborn? Carsten Enterprise made it their business to step in and turn around failing companies; they had the assets and the knowhow. Hell, his grandmother would be happy to help fund Lexi’s endeavors. He didn’t bother to question why she hadn’t confided in him. Shit, things between them should have – could have been different, he lamented.
“You don’t know the half of it,” the P.I. continued. “She hasn’t made a dent in paying off her creditors – she’s planning on putting her house on the market.”
“How do you know all of this?” Dane’s gut twisted at the thought of someone else living in the house which held so many happy memories for him.
“I have my sources,” Ferguson smartly announced, “by way of a pretty little blonde who is much smarter than she lets people think. She’s been cozying up to the boy genius accountant.”
“See if she can get me a list of names and companies Lexi’s obligated to… Oh, and the name of the realtor. I owe you for this one, Jack.”
“Consider us even. I’ll get back to you with those names.”
»ɞ»ɞ«ɞ«
“Wake up, Lex! There’s someone here to see you – and he’s gorgeous!” Fani bounced onto the bed, adding an energetic Chihuahua into the mix. Lexi pulled a pillow over her head.
“I’m pretty sure there are countries where they shoot people who are so happy this early in the morning!” came her muffled admonition from under the feather padding. A cold nose inched its way beneath the pillow, followed by a wet tongue which promptly invaded Lexi’s face. Ewww! “For God’s sake, tell them to go away and allow me to die in peace!” Her dour moans were met with laughter.
“It’s only a hangover! Here, sit up and drink this. You’re just dehydrated.”
Fani plucked the pillow from Lexi’s head, giving Louis a clear shot at her face and thus producing the desired results. Lexi shot up into a sitting position, a reflex move to protect her face from being covered in doggie drool.
“Would you kindly get that overgrown rat off of my bed!”
“She didn’t mean that, baby,” Fani cooed, but she did lift him off the covers. “It’s just the pain talking.” She released the dog to the floor and picked up a glass from the end table. Handing two tablets to her friend, she waited for her to pop them into her mouth before holding out the liquid. Lexi grabbed the glass and swiftly washed down the pills.
“Whoa,” it even hurt when moving her head to swallow. “Remind me to never drink… What was it I was drinking again, last night?” she moaned, caressing her forehead.
“Long Island Iced Teas,” her friend eagerly provided. “You were really putting ‘em away, and those things pack a delayed super wallop. I tried to warn you.”
“Yeah, I think I’ll stick to wine from now on. Did Stef really see me drunk out of my gourd, or did I imagine him taking us home?”
“Yep, it was Stef, but at least you didn’t throw up on his favorite Italian loafers.” Fani paused, watching for a reaction.
“Small favors,” Lexi droned. “Wait…” She remembered getting out of the car and turning to retch… “Boots, did I…?”
“Ding, ding, ding! Right again,” Fani announced. “A direct hit to Dice’s combats!”
“Oh no – I didn’t, poor Dice!” Lexi felt horrible. She couldn’t even remember Dice being there. “Wait,” she said again, “I thought… I mean, wasn’t Stefan talking to…?” Lexi clamped her mouth shut before she said his name.
“Dane?” Fani teased.
“I didn’t say that. I just thought I remembered him calling someone English. Anyway, I didn’t realize Dice was back from overseas. I’ll have to invite him over for dinner and an apology.”
“He didn’t seem too upset about it, but then who can tell with Dice? He wears such a poker face. I mean, has anyone ever seen him smile? I’m talking about a let-your-happiness-shine, kind of smile.” Fani shook her head emphatically. “I wonder if he’s one of those new military secrets, like a combat robot or something.”
Lexi laughed at that, and then grabbed her head from the pain it caused.
“I don’t think so,” she said. “For one thing, he’s no longer in the service and I think the government would want to keep such an expensive, not to mention dangerous secret.”
“That’s true,” Fani agreed. “Besides, I might have seen a slight smile last night when you were serenading us in the car.”
“I didn’t!”
“Yep, and you were so loud that Stefan asked me to quiet you down so he could hear Dane on the other end of the phone.”
“Oh, my God,” Lexi put her face in her hands. “But then…” she looked up at Fani, “he was talking to Dane. Why was he talking to Dane?”
Fani ignored the question, turning instead to pick up her little dog and give him a kiss on his nose.
“Fani?”
“Your company’s waiting for you, Lex. We can talk later.” She scuttled out the door.
“Fani! Ouch.” It only made her head hurt to shout after her ex-friend. Lexi rolled out of bed and stumbled to the shower.
“Reg, I’m so sorry to keep you waiting.” Lexi said as she approached the tall handsome man in her sitting room. “I see Edith has been taking good care of you.” Reginald Mangus set his drink on the end table, rose, and returned Lexi’s hug and kiss on the cheek.
“Edie always takes good care of me,” he confirmed. “I would’ve waited for you in the kitchen with her, but you know how jealous her husband gets.” Lexi gave him a playful punch on the shoulder.
“You’re incorrigible,” she chastised. “Come on into the office.”
Reggie Mangus had been Alex Alberton’s personal assistant, kind of a protégé. He had the brains and know-how to run Al-Tech; actually, he pretty much did when Lexi’s father succumbed to grief over his wife’s death. That was when he and Lexi had bonded. Their relationship resemb
led that of siblings; in fact, Reg had always looked up to Alex as a father figure. Lexi was sure the feeling was mutual. Her father left a generous inheritance for the young man, along with his wish that Reggie would share the running of Alberton Technologies alongside Lexi. Although honored, Reggie had no aspirations to boss people around and instead enjoyed working as a personal assistant.
“You know, you really need to grow up and get serious, Reg,” she told the young man who towered over her and had the lean, lithe body of an athlete.
“I think I’ve grown as much as I’m going to,” he replied, taking a comfortable stance on the couch with his feet propped on the coffee table. “But, as far as taking life seriously…” he shrugged, “never gonna happen. Life’s too short.”
Lexi knew what he meant, but her friend had so much potential. He was only a couple of years younger than she, and he was smart and efficient. He did take his work seriously, mostly. He just avoided heavy responsibility, and would rather hang around with and be one of the minions. Of course he was a very good source of gossip, so there were advantages to having him around – and she knew she couldn’t do her job without him. Although he preferred to party, Reggie stepped up when she needed him to.
“So, word is you got serious with some Long Island Iced Teas, last night,” he crooned. His eyes inspected her neck. “And, had a confrontation with Billy Chen – busy night.”
“Is that who he was? Well I wouldn’t know,” she replied, self-consciously rubbing her neck “so, how do you?”
“I have my ways,” Reggie bragged. “Anyway, I totally understand why you look like shit warmed over, this…” he pointedly glanced at his expensive watch, “afternoon.”
“Did you have a reason for calling this meeting?” Lexi decided ignoring his remark and getting down to business would be the prudent way to go. Reggie sat up and leaned forward.
“I think it’s time for you to come out of hiding and show the rest of the world that Al-Tech is back in business, even if it is in a limited capacity. There’s a black-tie dinner being held by the IMS to celebrate the retirement of Arthur Dixon from his seat on the council. It would be the perfect opportunity.”
“I don’t know, Reg,” Lexi hesitated to agree. “Do you really think we’re ready?”
“I think you’re scared, but you need to show the industry that your parents’ business is not dead along with them.” Lexi cringed. “I’m sorry to be harsh, girl, but we need to put an end to all the rumors going around.”
“What kind of rumors?”
Reggie ran his fingers through the dark roots of his sun-bleached hair. A gesture Lexi recognized as a sign of anxiety.
“Let’s just say that there’s not a whole lot of confidence in us out there – understandably, for sure. The thing is, we’ve got our top core scientists and engineers back and we need to build their assurance up, too. You’re the only one that can do it, Lexi.” He leaned closer and grabbed both of her hands. “You can do this.”
“Will you come with me?”
Reg squeezed her hand. “I’ll be right next to you,” he assured. “Besides, I look awesome in a tux, baby!” He plastered a cocky grin on his face and endured another, harder, punch in the arm. At least he made her smile.
»ɞ»ɞ«ɞ«
Chapter Sixteen
Dane knew the exact moment when she entered the room. Sure, conversations paused in unison for a split second, perhaps the occupants were surprised to see her, maybe curious, or was it her beauty? But that wasn’t what had alerted Dane to her presence; no, he’d felt his whole being react before he even turned to set hungry eyes upon her. Surely it was her beauty, he concluded, for indeed the noise in the room returned to its previous volume, but the eyes continued to cast greedy glances her way. He reminded himself to breathe. And then, resisted the urge to rush to her side and claim possession of her.
Taking a casual sip of his drink, Dane watched her hesitate and take a deep breath before stepping further into the ballroom. Her eyes took a tour through the crowd, quickly skimming past the spot he occupied. So, she felt his presence as well. The realization brought with it a sense of satisfaction that warmed him. She tightened her clutch on the arm of her escort, almost as if she had read his mind. He only wished. Who the hell is that chap, anyway? A strange feeling of panic rose from his gut as he caught how she drew strength from the man beside her. They seemed to be close – was he an old boyfriend? Had they rekindled their relationship? Was he sleeping with her?
“I have to say, it takes nerve.”
Dane was jerked out of his reverie as the owner of the voice slid up beside him. Penelope, of course, she’s a member of the International Merchants Society.
“Nerve?” he repeated.
“Well yes, surely you’re aware that Alberton Technologies owes money to pretty much everyone in this room. She’s lucky she doesn’t get lynched by this group.”
“Do they look to you like they want to lynch her?” Dane asked, gesturing to the throng of men pressing in to get close to Lexi.
“So, they’re curious, and she’s attractive,” Penelope huffed. “They’ll soon move on, the room is full of beautiful women.” Dane leaned in close to make certain she heard his quiet response.
“Yes, but she’s the only one here who doesn’t use it as bait,” he said. He started to walk away, but she grabbed his arm to stop him.
“So, what happened to your engagement?” she asked, a bit snidely.
“Still on,” he answered confidently. “We just have obligations which are taking us in separate directions, right now. Excuse me; I must have a word with Randal. It’s been a pleasure, as always, Penny.” Dane allowed his tone to convey otherwise.
As he walked away he pondered the possibility that he had ever been attracted to her and, for that matter, other women of similar kind. What could he have been thinking – or had he been listening to an organ other than his brain? Even so, neither organ stirred up much of anything for her now – except perhaps disgust. How had he not noticed her vain superiority before? By the time he reached Randal the man was deep in conversation with another gentleman.
“I don’t care how persuasive she can be,” the other man was saying, “the pretty little thing has no business trying to run a big corporation like Al-Tech, just because her parents left it to her.”
The speaker had obviously downed a few drinks already, by the way he was slurring his words. It was no wonder they were standing adjacent to the open bar; it was probably the first place the guy headed the moment he’d stepped through the door, and he likely hadn’t left the spot since. Still, it sent Dane’s hackles up the way his tone had insinuated something dirty with the word persuasive. His fist clenched, readying to punch some sense into the ignorant son of a bitch.
“There you are, English.” A familiar voice and a friendly clap on the shoulder turned Dane’s attention to the figure behind him.
“Well, Droid,” Dane returned the shoulder slap to his friend, “hell of a place to finally catch up to each other. To be honest, I would have thought you’d leave these kinds of functions for Gretchen to attend.”
“Oh, she’s here, too,” Greig said. “Droid, huh?” He shuffled sideways, giving Dane the hint that he wanted to speak somewhere more private.
“Mostly metal,” he explained, taking his friend’s suggestion by moving to an open space near the wall.
Greig chuckled. “I like it,” the sci-fi buff admitted. “Actually, I came to keep you out of trouble, and it appears I showed up just in time.”
“Just what made you think I’d get into trouble at a boring IMS dinner?”
“Guess it was instinct, but when I found out that Pip would be here… something told me you’d show up. Admit it, English; you never come to these lame gatherings, either.”
“I’m not sure I understand what you’re insinuating, Droid. I came here to spread the word about moving my home office to the states. It seemed like the perfect opportunity and that is all.” Dane
straightened his shoulders and lifted his chin. “I believe your instincts need checking.”
“Ri…ight; look, don’t go all crusty Britt on me. I know…” the rest of his sentence trailed off as the discussion nearby drew his attention.
“Alberton Technologies is nothing without Alex and Alicia. Look what happened when Richard took over. I’m still taking a beating from the inferior quality on the last orders I received from them! No, she should cut her losses and find some guy to play house with. Alberton Technologies is defunct and it’s time she accepted that.”
“Lexi was as much a part of the business as her parents were,” an angry Greig cut in. “Alex and Alicia lived and breathed it, and when she was born they took her to work with them every day! She can run that place in her sleep.”
“How about she just pays up what the company owes us in lost revenue – can she do that in her sleep?”
Although Greig had kept his voice low, a small crowd gathered to join the conversation. Gretchen appeared by her brother’s side.
“My brother is correct,” she said. “Be assured that Lexi Alberton has things under control. She will make things right with all of you. You just need to be patient and allow her to do as her parents taught her.” She turned to Greig and lowered her voice. “I need you to meet someone; we’ll only be a moment.”