by Kym Grosso
“Belladonna. It’s been a while since I’ve studied this, but as I recall, it causes hallucinations…affects the mind,” Garrett said. “If he’d somehow eaten it, which I don’t even get that part because I’m tellin’ you he was fine, but let’s just assume he ate it, something again he never ever does before a jump, I guess that might explain how he didn’t see a problem with his gear.”
“If they hadn’t messed with it, the chute would have automatically deployed. He’d vomited prior to landing. But you know…the condition of his body. It was difficult to see what had happened at the time.”
“Yeah,” was all Garrett could manage. The sight of his friend’s mangled body would haunt him forever. Evan had lost a hand as well as part of a leg. Face down, his skull had cracked wide open, exposing his brain.
“So about the files…”
“I’ll get you what I’m allowed to share with you. You know this, Dean. There are some things you cannot see. No matter how much I want to share them, I can’t. If I did, that’d be paramount to treason, something I’m not going to do, not even for Evan.”
“All right, but I may need to take further legal steps.”
“You do that. Hey, if you can get a court to get me to expose my projects, then so be it. But you don’t have cause right now. All you’ve got is a theory that his death is related to work. No proof at all. And like I said, I think you have other people in his life with motivation.”
“A woman thinking he was a dick is a far cry from murdering him,” Dean countered. He slipped a folder into his briefcase and stood.
“People kill all the time for pretty much no reason. We don’t know who he’s been dating on the side.”
“He hasn’t brought anyone to the club. Sure he’s played with a few of the women there, but he hasn’t…”
Garrett shot Dean a look in an attempt to silence him. His eyes darted to Lars, who shook his head. He hadn’t told Selby about Altura. He’d planned to tell her, to invite her to the party on Saturday, but he hadn’t had a chance to discuss it with her yet.
“What?” Dean asked.
“I’ll tell you later.” Garrett caught Selby staring at him and he broke eye contact.
“We should be done here in a few more hours,” Dean told him. As he went to leave, he hesitated. “One more thing. I noticed some glass in his office. Looks like a few specks of blood as well. Any idea how that happened?”
“I was in his office last night.” Garrett’s eyes darted to Selby’s for only a second and then he firmly met Dean’s gaze. “I was looking at that photo of us…remember when we climbed Denali? Selby came looking for me and I accidentally dropped it. We were cleaning up the glass, and she cut her hand. It’s her blood you’ll find in there.”
“Yeah, I saw the mess. Just wondered what went on.”
“I was going to clean it up but I forgot to tell housekeeping about it. Staff has been ordered to stay out, so no one’s been allowed in his office.” Garrett approached Dean and offered his hand. “Listen, I’m sorry to be a hardass but my hands are tied. We’ll catch up on Saturday.”
“I know this has been hard on you, Garrett. You know I’m damn sorry about Evan.” Dean shook and released Garrett’s hand, then turned to Selby and Lars. “Miss Reynolds, I’ll meet up with you to get the files?”
“She’ll be out to assist with them in a few minutes,” Garrett answered for her.
He shut the door behind Dean and sighed. “Lars, I need to talk to Selby.”
“I can’t believe he was murdered,” Lars exclaimed, ignoring Garrett’s implied request for him to leave. “Do you really think he was working on something someone would kill for?”
“I can’t believe any of this is happening either. And yeah, Dean could be right. But at the same time, I can’t disclose secrets to someone who doesn’t have the clearances I sponsor. It’s just not happening. Speaking of which…Lars, can I call you later? Right now I have to talk to Selby. In private.”
“Yeah, sure,” Lars agreed.
Garrett inwardly protested as he watched Lars hug Selby goodbye. As she returned his embrace, Garrett wondered if their relationship had gone further than friendship. Not usually a jealous man, the thought of her with anyone else bothered him. He wanted Selby for himself, he thought. Despite sharing other women with Lars, there was something about Selby that made him think that wouldn’t ever happen.
As Lars waved goodbye and left his office, Garrett steeled himself for the conversation with Selby. He’d been stern with her, perhaps going as far as to embarrass her in order to establish dominance. It was how it had to be. In business, he’d seek her valuable opinion on many matters, but in the end, all decisions were his and his alone to make.
“Selby, we need to get a few things straight,” he began.
“I was wrong,” she interrupted.
“What?”
“I was wrong about you. Today at the beach. Just now,” she said. “Why keep me here in the room? You want me in here for a meeting where I’m obviously not welcome. Then you tell me to shut my mouth as if I’m a child. Seriously, is this some kind of test again?”
“Sit down,” he told her.
“No. I’m a grown woman. You may think just because you run this company that you get to treat people like shit, but I have news for you, Garrett, that doesn’t work with me. The next time you want to embarrass me, just do me a favor and don’t. I can’t believe I thought…”
“Selby,” he said softly. He reached for her hand. She went to tug it away but he held firm.
“No.”
“I’m sorry, okay? Look there are some things with us that aren’t negotiable.” Her fingers softened and he sat on the edge of his desk. He waited for her to look at him but she defiantly looked away to an empty chair. “When Evan died, I knew that something terrible had happened. No, not just terrible. I knew that there was no way he’d make a rookie mistake or fuck up his gear. Today when Dean came in here asking for files…I didn’t want you to say anything that would give him reason to press further with his request for information.”
“But why wouldn’t you want him to know?” She finally locked her eyes on his.
“Because some of the technologies we develop are top secret. Granted, some of them aren’t, they’re civilian products for the fun of the sport. But there are projects we have that will create things to help our country. Things that help protect our protectors. I know damn well there are people out there looking to steal government secrets, and I’m not going to make it easier for them. I trust Dean with my life, but the people he works with…”
“He’s with the police.”
“Exactly, and most of them we could trust, but you and I know there’s a process for establishing clearances. People are vulnerable to blackmail. Corruption. I can’t do that.”
“Why did you lie about what happened in Evan’s office?”
“I don’t know…I just don’t want you involved in this. And honestly, your reasons for being in there last night involve a laptop that I’m not willing to turn over to Dean as of yet. I don’t know what’s all on it, but I knew if they discovered he’d been murdered, they’d be looking for it. I’m certainly not going to tell Dean you were snooping around Evan’s office and drag you into this.”
“I wasn’t snooping,” she insisted.
“Yeah, you kind of were. Don’t bullshit a bullshitter, Selby.” He raised a questioning eyebrow at her.
“I already told you what I was looking for.”
“Yeah, and I told you it was confidential. And I would have told Dean the same thing.”
“I understand, but you can’t talk to me like that.” Her bottom lip wavered, her eyes flickering in anger.
“I’m sorry, but again, I give the orders, sweetheart. You, on the other hand, take them. I think we reviewed that rule already.”
“That’s not fair.”
“I’m sorry for the way I said it but I couldn’t risk you saying anything else to Dean.”
“Okay, but what happened today…”
“Come with me on Saturday. We’re having an event. A few investors will be there. I think it’s important you meet more of the Emerson family.”
“But you and I…on the beach…we need to talk about what happened.”
“We do, and that’s why I want you to come to the party. I could sit here and tell you about the circle of people who drive this company, the people who were Evan’s friends, but I want to show you.”
“But today…” she stammered.
“Today,” he began and then laughed. “Today, you scared the ever loving shit out of me.”
She laughed and shook her head.
“But you were amazing. And because of what happened today, I need to show you who I really am, so you can meet the venture capitalists who helped me create Emerson Industries. I think it’s time.” Garrett knew introducing Selby into the group would be tricky. Lars wouldn’t be pleased, and he expected, from Seth’s reaction, that he’d be less than thrilled. Yet his instincts never steered him wrong. Selby had shown courage today, had even somewhat forgiven him after he’d publicly reprimanded her in front of Dean and Lars. Moreover he wanted her more by the hour. The only way he’d be able to enjoy it was if he thought they had a chance of having a relationship. Until she accepted his inner sanctum, it was meaningless to go any further.
“Time for what?”
“It’s time you learned about Altura.” As the words hung in the air, he hoped that Selby wouldn’t disappoint him.
Chapter Thirteen
For the rest of the week, Selby kept her nose down, meeting with employees affected by the transition to DLar-Tech. After her earlier conversation with Garrett, she’d wanted to ask him details about Saturday’s event. But when she’d gone to see him, he’d been conveniently busy in meetings. Selby had grown cautious, aware that she didn’t know him that well. Although he’d nearly brought her to orgasm with just his smile, the way he’d spoken to her had planted a seed of doubt. Lust in itself, including a fascination that bordered on obsession, hadn’t meant she’d chosen wisely as far as relationships went.
Garrett had insisted on sending a car to pick her up from her condo. The extravagance of being ushered into the black stretch limo shouldn’t have surprised her, but still, she’d been caught off guard. After riding in Garrett’s Jeep, she’d been lulled into thinking his down-to-earth transportation extended into other parts of his life. She’d forgotten that he wasn’t just anyone. As she ran her fingers over the soft leather interior and stared out the window, she was reminded that he lived in a world that wasn’t like her own. Wealth in and of itself wasn’t unfamiliar. She worked for rich clients every day of the week. But she’d never kissed one, and without a doubt, she hadn’t slept with one.
As the car turned into the sprawling estate, she was astounded by the breathtaking fountains that were lit up in shades of red and white. The colossal waterfalls appeared to wax and wane as if they were dancing to Tchaikovsky. She imagined the 1812 overture playing in the distance, creating a well-coordinated waterworks display. As a child, she’d learned how to play piano, mastering several compositions. While she’d always been partial to Mozart, she’d fallen in love with the ballets, immersing herself in both the Nutcracker Suite and Swan Lake.
The limo slowed as it approached the main home, its circular cobblestone driveway lit up with luminaries. A waiting bellman opened the door, and she swallowed the nerves that had built in anticipation of her arrival. Trepidation was soon replaced with awe as he assisted her out of the car. She glanced up to the spectacular mansion, which appeared like a modern fairytale castle. Its massive stone arches led to a wooden door which was flanked by turrets.
As her escort guided her up the steps, Selby teetered in her platform wedge sandals, and wished she’d worn flats. She adjusted her dress, concerned that perhaps she was showing too much cleavage. Although the royal blue minidress displayed a plunging neckline, the sexy teaser was offset by its long sleeves and wispy silk skirt.
Her breath silently caught as the door opened into candlelit dimness, and she had visions of entering a haunted house. She fought back the butterflies as she obediently followed her guide into the abyss. In the silence, her heels clicked on the black Spanish marble, reverberating throughout the mansion’s spacious lobby. Although she hadn’t seen a soul as they navigated toward the back of the home, she detected the distinct sound of a bass beat in the distance.
Selby’s stomach nervously clenched, as she wondered what kind of party was occurring. She wished she’d pressed Garrett for details. Selby didn’t do surprises. She did her job well because she prepared for all scenarios. Yet tonight, there’d been no file to review, no numbers to check, no data to process. The only thing she knew was that a special memorial for Evan had been held the previous evening. Garrett hadn’t invited her and she hadn’t offered to go.
A pang of guilt stabbed at her given that she hadn’t been completely honest with Garrett about Evan. She hated lying but she still hadn’t found any concrete evidence that Evan was involved in wrongdoing. Everyone had secrets, albeit some were more dangerous than others. Garrett had lied to his friend, the DA, about what had happened with the picture and the laptop. After years of friendship, Lars had failed to disclose his relationship with Garrett and the club to which they belonged. It was as if he’d hidden a whole part of his life, making her wonder if she knew him at all. Deceit. Secrets. Danger. It appeared they thrived on it. As the assumption lingered, she considered how easily she’d concealed her own truth. She was becoming what she despised.
“This way, ma’am,” the butler announced, jarring her from her spiraling thoughts. As they arrived in front of a set of intricately carved doors, her heart pounded. Whatever lay beyond the exotic entrance, she needed to face it with courage and grace.
“Mr. Emerson requests you wear this, madam.” Selby watched with interest as he reached inside his jacket, retrieved a sparkling item and held it up to the flickering light.
“What’s that for?”
“It’s a masquerade event,” he explained, displaying a silver mask adorned with white crystals.
“Um, yeah, okay,” she agreed. As if her evening hadn’t been cryptic enough, guests were donning masks?
“If you could just turn around for a minute, I’ll tie this for you,” he offered. “If you wouldn’t mind lifting your hair?”
“Of course.” Selby did as he asked and held the cool metal in place as he fastened it underneath her hair.
“Well done.” He turned to the door and gave her a warm grin.
“Thank you.” Selby’s nerves had soared out of control. She suspected that whatever happened tonight would change her life.
“Welcome to Altura.”
The doors opened, and she stifled the gasp that rose in her throat. Selby stepped into the great room, astounded by the sight. Hundreds of glass balls, illuminated with tea lights, descended from the cathedral ceiling. A band played in the corner, several couples dancing on a small parquet floor. Blood-red leather chairs and sofas accented small round tables adorned with white tablecloths and exotic orchids. On the left, several people sat on mahogany stools along a brass-topped bar. A cool breeze drew her attention to a wall made entirely of glass, which opened onto a veranda.
As if in a daze, her eyes studied the elegant party. Slowly, she ventured into the room, weaving her way through the tables of guests. She squealed as a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist, warm breath on her ear.
“What are you doing here?” Lars whispered.
Recognizing his voice, she spun around and gave him a small smile. This was his hidden world, she knew, and he hadn’t invited her.
“Garrett asked me to attend,” Selby told him.
“He shouldn’t have done that.”
Selby stood firm, despite his annoyed expression. Over the years, she’d seen him both frustrated and determined, but never angry.
“It�
��s not like I asked to come. Garrett invited me.” She crossed her arms, irritated that he hadn’t welcomed her.
“Dance with me.” It was a command, not a request.
Selby marched to the parquet floor, allowing him to take her in his arms. The music slowed to a ballad and she began to plead her case.
“Please don’t be mad, Lars. You’re the one who got me into this.”
“I’m sorry, it’s just…” He exhaled loudly. “Look, Selby, the people in this room…you’re not like them.”
“Gee, thanks. Nice.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. But come on, you know you’re not big on any kind of adventure. These folks are here because they share a passion. You wouldn’t understand us. What we do…it’s not something you are ever going to do. We’ve been friends for a long time, but Garrett shouldn’t have brought you here.”
“Everything we do has a risk. I’m afraid to fly but I still do it anyway. And do you know why? Because at the end of the day, data speaks, bullshit walks. I know full well that I have a better chance of dying in a car accident than I do getting on a 747.”
“Well, your chances are a helluva a lot greater when you base jump. Try more like one in sixty.”
“True, but you haven’t died yet, and there are things I do that are a little risky.” She guessed that singing at the club wouldn’t rank very high on Lars’ list, but as far as she was concerned, it counted when it came to bravery.
“Get real. You can’t even go down an escalator without saying five Hail Marys and holding on for dear life. This club,” he gestured to the people dancing around them, “the people here tonight…they embrace it all. Pushing the envelope of what we’re supposed to be doing.” He paused and added, “Including sex.”
“What?” Selby had fully expected the ‘we like to do dangerous things’ lecture, but hadn’t expected him to talk about sex.
“Look around.” Lars spun her in a circle to the beat. He whispered in her ear. “The couple in the corner. It’s Chase and Penny. Do you see them?”
