Jethro and I both stood. ‘We’ll be next door when you’re ready,’ I said as we went back to the adjoining apartment.
Ten minutes later Lucy came through the door with her heels in hand. She looked sad but collected. I handed her the wig and glasses from the table and waited while she got back into costume.
‘Go out the front door and walk to the shop on the corner. Kim and Gabe will be waiting for you there.’ I touched her shoulder. ‘I know it’s overwhelming now, but we WILL get you past it. When it’s over, your lives will be your own again.’
She rewarded me with a weak smile as she made her way to the door.
Half an hour later, Jethro got a text from Kim that they had made it home without incident. I went next door to let Adam know.
The game was afoot.
Chapter Nine
Lucy and Adam’s phones were checked. Lucy’s was fine but, as we suspected, Adam’s was wired. That made our job a little easier. We wouldn’t have to worry about helping Eliza to find us, and we could stage conversations for her to overhear.
Jethro left, going to join Kim and Lucy. We weren’t sure if Eliza’s next move would be to Lucy or Adam, but we wanted to be prepared for both.
Adam and I dressed to the nines and went out for dinner. We knew Benham was bringing a group out tonight and we wanted to be seen.
We walked into La Maison to be met by the maître d’. He fussed like we were royalty and led us to a quiet table. I would have to thank William later. He had exceeded my request. We would certainly be noticed. The table he put us at only seemed discreet.
Adam was doing surprisingly well at presenting a cheerful front.
We held hands across the table and gazed into each other’s eyes, practising for our show. Benham was due to arrive soon, with his party. Included in the number was Eliza’s new boss. We planned a show for them, knowing it would cause gossip that Eliza would be sure to hear.
We were halfway through our meal when the party arrived. ‘Showtime,’ I murmured.
We waited till they were all seated and the hubbub of ordering had settled to quiet conversation. I knew they hadn’t spotted us yet. We could wait, it would eventually happen, but I decided to speed things up a little. We had rehearsed this so Adam would follow my lead.
I stood and walked around the table. Turning Adam’s face up, I kissed him full on the lips. I turned and with a sashay of my hips I sauntered towards the amenities, making sure to glance back lovingly as I walked away. I had to go past the CEO’s table, and made the most of the walk, in my very tight dress.
On the way back, I made sure all eyes were on me as I came up behind Adam. I again took Adams face and turned him to accept my kiss. He caressed my arse as all good lovers would.
I slid across from him and subtly glanced at the table. I leaned across the table to Adam, and he got the message and leaned towards me.
‘It’s better than we thought. Eliza is with them and she looks decidedly miffed,’ I said softly in his ear.
Adam let out a loud laugh and drew back from me, his face truly happy for the first time this evening. Our game was working better than I hoped. We chatted, appearing to be relishing each other’s company as we finished our meal.
‘Heads up! Your boss is coming over! Can you do it? I can take control if you’d prefer.’ I watched as Benham excused himself and headed our way.
Adam gave a slight shake of his head and squared his shoulders. He could do this! He winked at me, which made me smile, then started at the hand on his shoulder, as if surprised.
He spun around, took in the man standing behind him. ‘God, Arthur, you startled me!’
Arthur frowned and glanced at me pointedly. I was why he had come over: I was clearly not Lucy.
‘Lucy not with you tonight?’
‘No.’ Adam wasn’t going to make it easy for him.
‘I heard there was a fracas in your office today. Of course, I didn’t believe it could be true. I thought—well, we all thought you and Lucy were the perfect couple. What are you doing, throwing something so good away? I thought you had more sense.’ In his indignation, Arthur was going red in the face.
Adam allowed his disdain to show on his face. He regarded Benham for a moment then spoke.
‘First of all, it is no one’s business.’ His voice was cold. ‘Secondly, no one can judge from the outside! You only know what’s presented in public!’ He lowered his voice slightly. ‘Nobody has the right to judge me, especially not you. This has nothing to do with the company, so I would request you keep your opinions to yourself.’
Arthur looked like he would argue but as he opened his mouth to reply, Adam forestalled him. ‘Don’t tell me it’s bad for the company image,’ he snarled. ‘Having multiple affairs is, too!’
With that Adam turned his back on his boss and looked at me, a smile lighting up his face, Arthur already dismissed.
‘I’ll see you tomorrow, Arthur. Have a good evening. I intend to!’ He waved his hand over his shoulder.
His boss was left with no choice but to return to his table. I was sure Adam would be called into his office in the morning. I grinned at Adam. ‘My hero!’ I said, loud enough for Arthur to hear.
We spent the rest of the meal touching each other’s hands and faces, murmuring softly and gazing into each other’s eyes, for all the world like a couple in love. I could see Adam had enjoyed the chance to let off some steam. I suspected what he’d said to his boss had been something he’d wanted to say. We would need to discuss things, but such discussions would wait till we returned to the apartment, just in case someone nearby could lip read. Yes, I was truly that cautious.
Each time I glanced up we were being closely watched. I was pleased to see Eliza was struggling to maintain her composure.
By the time we finally left I knew all at that table were convinced we were in the middle of a hot affair. I wondered which would be the one to call Lucy to “commiserate”, because sure as my name is JB, one of them would.
When we got back to the apartment, Adam collapsed on the sofa. ‘That was bloody hard work,’ he groaned.
‘Well, thanks for that!’ I grinned.
Adam looked up, shamefaced. ‘I didn’t mean it like that,’ he stammered.
I laughed. ‘Don’t worry, I was only yanking your chain.’
He sat up and laughed with me.
‘Seriously though, I’m exhausted from playing a role all night. It’s tougher than you would think, maintaining a front.’ He rubbed his hand across his eyes.
‘I wasn’t sure I could do it, when Arthur came over, but then I got mad! Who the hell does he think he is? He’s been cheating on his wife for years and everyone knows it!’
‘Might I suggest you hold that anger, because I suspect first thing tomorrow he’ll call you to his office to explain yourself! You think you can handle that?’
‘I rather think I can,’ he laughed. ‘Pompous old goat.’
I laughed with him. ‘You know, if it wasn’t so serious this whole thing would be funny. The expressions on their faces were priceless.’
Adam laughed again. ‘I’ll have to take your word for that, but Arthur’s was funny enough.’
‘Back to Benham.’ I sobered us up again. ‘Stick to the idea it has nothing to do with work. If you feel you may lose it, then repeat that as you storm out. Nothing they can do, if you refuse to discuss it. You won’t be on your own. You’ll be wired and have an earpiece, so we can help you if you get stuck.’ I grinned again. ‘It might help to think of him as a pompous old goat.’
Adam smiled. ‘I’ll probably do that. I think that may be one of the easier things to I need to tackle.’ He rubbed his face again.
He did look tired. I guess it had been a tough day. He had more at stake than I did.
‘Why don’t you call Lucy, then try and get some sleep? I expect tomorrow will be another long, tough day.’
Adam smiled through his yawn, the thought of speaking to Lucy perking him up a b
it.
‘Don’t forget to use the burner phone,’ I reminded him as I went through the adjoining door. He waved his hand to indicate he got it and disappeared into the bedroom.
Chapter Ten
A new day and new challenges.
Adam was dressed, ready to go to work. I was in a racy red negligée as I saw him out the door with a lingering kiss.
We’d impressed on Adam we had to assume we were being watched in any public moment. One break could ruin it all, although this morning we knew Eliza was around, watching.
We had Tim watching Eliza. Tim Callas is one of our operatives. He does mostly surveillance. He usually does night shifts, paired with Pete Dunleavy who does days, but on this case, they were working separately. Tim had been assigned to Eliza and he had alerted us a few moments ago that she was in the building.
As the elevator doors opened for Adam, I noted Tim’s presence. If Eliza confronted Adam he was covered, although Jethro and I agreed we thought it more likely she would confront me first. She would want to warn me off.
I watched Adam get into the elevator and as the doors closed, I turned to go inside. I felt a hand in my back, pushing me through the door, slamming it behind us. I turned sharply, displaying surprise. ‘What the hell?’
And there stood Eliza, not so pretty at that moment. Her face was red with rage and her breast heaving, clearly in a high temper. Guess she’d had all night to work herself up.
I knew Jules was monitoring next door. He would keep an eye on me and alert Jethro to her presence. This would be his chance to get into her place for a look.
‘Who the hell are you? Get out of my place!’ I yelled.
I went to try and open the door and push her out, but she shoved me back, away from the door.
‘I suggest you sit down, because I am not leaving until we have a little talk,’ she growled.
‘Well, if we’re going to talk I’m going to get dressed.’ I shrugged and, turning my back on her, went into the bedroom. I closed the door softly behind me.
I wanted her to know she didn’t have control, that she didn’t intimidate me. I wanted her off balance. I also needed to leave her alone, give her an opportunity and see what she did with it.
I dressed quickly. I wasn’t a fool, but didn’t return to the living area for a good ten minutes. I figured she’d wait or come barging in here. Either put her on the back foot. I suspected she’d wait and use the time to her best advantage.
When I finally returned she had seated herself at the breakfast bar. She looked far more in control. I knew it was an illusion, however, as there was a pulse ticking at the base of her throat.
I moved into the kitchen. ‘I’m making coffee. Want one?’
‘This is not a friendly visit,’ she snarled.
‘Guessed that,’ I responded pleasantly. ‘No reason you can’t have coffee, though.’ I raised an eyebrow as I grabbed a cup. She eyed me for a moment then nodded once. I grabbed a second cup and made us both coffee. I made hers how I took mine, making it clear I didn’t care about her preferences. It was a control ploy I had learned.
As I put her coffee in front of her, I spoke sarcastically.
‘Let me guess. You’re here to tell me Adam really loves Lucy, I’m just a passing fad, should leave them alone, they’re perfect for each other!’ I sat back and sipped my coffee.
Eliza looked me up and down. ‘And if that was what I wanted to say?’ she queried.
‘Then I would tell you I’m not a passing fad! Adam and I have been together for months. We bought this place together, so we had somewhere to go.’ I shrugged nonchalantly.
‘He wanted to move in with me, but wanted to let Lucy down gently. Now that she’s found out, there’s no longer any need to sneak around. Adam is with me now and Lucy will just have to deal—’ I let my words trail off.
Eliza watched me closely as she answered. ‘You’re right. Lucy will have to deal!’ She smiled coldly. ‘But you’re wrong about you and Adam being together.’ She paused, making sure I was listening then stated baldly, ‘Adam is MINE and you’re going to back off!’
I sat down hard on the stool and started to laugh. ‘You can tell Lucy you tried,’ I gasped between laughter. ‘But Adam and I are together and we’ll be staying that way.’ I stopped, as if I had just realised what she said. ‘Wait. You’re not here for Lucy, are you?’
‘You’re so quick,’ she snarled.
‘You’re the secretary! MS Roberts!’ I stressed the Ms and laughed even harder. ‘Oh, that’s even better! Just wait till Adam hears you tried to warn me off. You’re a hoot!’
I stopped laughing for a moment and shot her a pitying look.
‘Why do you think Adam got rid of you?’
‘He was being sensible at work, discretion was required, he has a reputation to uphold. Of course, a woman like you could never understand, which is why you can never be good for Adam. He needs someone who can help him in his work.’
I laughed again. ‘Oh, and of course that someone is you.’
She nodded, and I caught the beginning of a smile. She thought I was going to see sense. I decided it was time to deflate her.
‘It had nothing to do with reputation. He simply didn’t want you around. You were overt in your desires and he just didn’t reciprocate. He did try to tell you and when you wouldn’t listen, he had to get rid of you. He was worried you might set off Lucy’s radar, before he was ready.’ I shook my head at her, giving her a pitying look.
‘He’s too wrapped up in me, to even give you a second thought.’ I lifted my head and gave her a sweet smile.
‘I guess I should thank you! You did help to bring things to a head. Now Adam and I can really be together.’ My gleeful laugh rang out again.
When I quietened, she replied with ice dripping from her voice, ‘You’ll soon learn you can’t mess with me.’
She shot me a disdainful look. ‘Adam is mine, He’s always been mine! Soon he’ll remember that, then you’ll be NOTHING!’ She stood and headed for the door, casting a haughty glance at me, perhaps ruined by the fact that I had again started to laugh. She left, slamming the door behind her.
Seemed I may have got under her skin. I hoped it was enough to draw her away from Lucy. From her reaction, I suspected it was! She was beyond angry and now focussed on a new threat, me.
I slipped next door, coming back and sweeping the living area. Sure enough, she had used the time I left her alone to plant a device. Jules nodded at me from the doorway as I handed him back the sweeper. I grinned. It was always good when they were predictable.
I picked up my phone and dialled a number. ‘Hello, sweetheart,’ I purred. ‘Your old secretary was just here.’
‘Did you manage to leave her alone?’ Jethro’s voice answered.
‘I did indeed. I must say, sweetheart, you’ve made quite an impression! She seems to be under the impression there is undying love between you two, and I should step aside, if I don’t want to suffer.’
Jethro laughed on the other end. ‘And she planted a device, I take it?’
‘Yes. Honey, I know you told me it was nothing, but she seems so convinced.’
‘I’ll get Lucy to let Adam know.’
‘I think you should do it, honey, it’ll be in the voice. You need to talk to her and make her understand.’
‘Got it, I’ll talk to Adam and set it up.’
I let my voice soften. ‘Love you too, honey,’ and disconnected the call.
I left the apartment, locking the door behind me.
Chapter Eleven
At 12.30 I strolled into Davis & Co. The receptionist looked up and a gleeful look flitted across her face, before the polite mask descended. Probably wondering what further gossip I was going to provide for her to fascinate the others with.
I gave her a sweet smile. ‘Let Adam know I’m here, please.’ With that, I turned my back on her, and looked outside.
She dialled a number and spoke for a second. Listened, then pu
tting down the phone announced, ‘He’ll be out in a moment.’
‘Thank you,’ I replied without turning back to her.
True to his word, Adam strolled out a few moments later.
‘Come on, let’s get out of here,’ he said, grabbing me into a hug then taking my hand and guiding me out of the building.
‘You’re in a hurry, my love.’ I said lightly. ‘Am I to take it you’ve had a tough morning?’
‘You could say that,’ he grimaced.
I held up the basket I carried. ‘Good thing I got us a picnic then,’ I laughed. ‘We can go to the park and find a secluded spot.’
Adam looked at me closely and raised his brows in query. I indicated with my eyes. His eyes narrowed for a second, as he spotted what I had already seen. He shot me a look and started to laugh as well.
‘You’re right. Let’s find a secluded spot.’ He swung my hand as we strolled to the park, looking for all the world like lovers.
I felt more than saw Eliza move away from the side of the building.
We found a spot that gave us a clear view around, so nobody could get within hearing distance without us seeing. We both dived into the picnic basket, feeding each other titbits, laughing and chattering, knowing we were being watched.
‘So, tell me about your morning,’ I asked keeping my voice light and my mouth covered. Adam replied, imitating my tone and actions. He was a quick study, made him easy to work with.
‘Arthur was in my office, almost as soon as I got there. He is “concerned” for my welfare, and doesn’t think I understand what I am doing, to myself, Lucy and the company. He thinks I should take a long hard look at myself.’ He frowned, recalling the conversation.
‘I reminded him of his many affairs over the years. Do you know what he said?’ He was clearly astounded.
‘That he was never stupid enough to leave his wife for one of them. Family is everything!’ I responded, with a light laugh at his expression.
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