“A little piece of heaven.”
“But…”
“I bought it a few years ago, this business needed an asset, so I chose this.” I had bought this island in the Pacific shortly after Lawson had left the firm and our business had recovered. It was terraformed and equipped with top of the line, tech, so there were all the comfort and technology you could wish for, while it still being a fine getaway spot for a few days. It was peaceful and quiet, with very little wildlife. I hadn’t been here in at least a year, but other members of the firm came fairly often. Which was good, it was meant to be used.
I watched Sydney walk away from the plane and to the edge of the tarmac. She said, “I do love it.”
“Good. We can stay as long as you want.”
She didn’t reply, but I felt that preposition made her feel uncomfortable. Thinking it had something to do with the auction, I took her hand. “Hey, this isn’t about the money for me, do you understand? Sure this is a business arrangement of sorts, but I didn’t bring you here for that. I brought you here to get to know you better.”
And to run away, but she didn’t need to know that. The blackmail photo of the District Attorney was still burning a hole through my pocket. One simple call and that whole issue would be dealt with.
“I’d like that, too, Owen.”
“Let’s go then.”
I led her to the car, and then doubled back to get some food from the plane. The stewardess handed me a picnic basket and a bottle of wine.
“Enjoy your stay, sir.”
When we were ready, I fired up the engine and took off, tires squealing on the tarmac.
I circled the plane in our vehicle and then drove off the landing strip, onto a nice road that took us around the island. I viewed the beach, and couldn’t wait to take Sydney there for a swim.
“Are we alone on this island?” I asked.
“Pretty much. Some staff fly in from California to take care of the place, make sure everything works. But I’ve grown used to it being just me.”
She took my hand. “I’ll keep you company for a few days.”
“Yes, you will.”
There wasn’t much else to show on the island, at least not from the road. There were some interesting caves deeper inland, and a small freshwater pond, but nothing too exciting. Or perhaps it was because I had studied every inch of the island, and it no longer excited me. Either way, I wanted to show Sydney every corner of it. But first, we needed to eat and shower.
Five minutes later I slowed down and left the paved road in favor of a dirt one, following a short road between trees on either side. It had a very southern feel to it; even though the trees were palms. We rounded a corner and my house stood in front of us. Technically it’s the company abode but I had designed it. White with huge pillars and a bright teal door made it feel light and summery, even in the winter.
I watched Sydney’s mouth make a beautiful little O.
“There is a system of solar panels on the roof and around the island, so the house is self-sustainable,” I explained, watching those fuck me eyes of hers grow wider. “There’s Wifi
, a movie theater, you name it. A perfect weekend house.”
“I would say so,” Sydney agreed.
I pulled the car in front of the circular drive way and helped her out. Then we walked to the house. “Go ahead, it’s open,” I encouraged.
She opened the door, as I brought in the basket and wine. Inside, the house was cool and freshly cleaned, just how I liked it, which reminded to me to leave an extra tip for the staff.
“What was it that you do again?” she asked.
“I have a business consulting firm. Well, maybe around a hundred of them, all over the world. Maybe it’s two hundred already, I’ve lost track.”
“Not a bad thing, in this case.”
“Not at all.”
She walked around some more, and then joined me in the kitchen. I was cutting fruit.