Van
On the way to my meeting, I sent Connie a text. It had to do with Julia’s reasoning for not attending tonight’s party.
I didn’t blame Julia for her apprehension considering today was the date of her canceled wedding. If Connie could continue her magic, in a few hours Julia would receive a delivery, complete with everything she will need for tonight’s party. Hell, Julia was gorgeous in my shirt, but for this occasion, she should not only feel beautiful but also powerful because that was what she was.
Though I’d been unable to get a complete confirmed copy of tonight’s guestlist, it was safe to assume that Marlin, Gwen, and Skylar Butler would be in attendance. There was one other Butler I wondered about—Logan.
Michael pulled the sedan near the curb in front of the restaurant. “I’ll be waiting for your call, Mr. Sherman.”
“Thank you, Michael. Keep the man outside the suite. I don’t want Julia leaving, but if she does, I want her followed.”
“Is there a particular threat? A person we should be watching for?”
Fuck, I wish I knew.
The list was growing by the moment.
My private detective had yet to locate Phillip. My brother’s house was empty, a fact that now had me concerned about Brooklyn. I’d told the detective to check my parents’ home in Austin. It was the holidays. Family gathers. That was the most reasonable explanation.
And also under the category of threats, there were the Butlers. Marlin was obviously displeased that I wouldn’t play his game. Nevertheless, I didn’t see him as the dangerous one, not in a physical sense of the word. Oh, he’d fuck Julia and me out of Wade and money if he could, but he wasn’t the one who was prone to violence. That was Logan.
I answered Michael. “Ms. McGrath is to be my wife. That in and of itself is a threat.”
“Yes, sir. We have one man watching the suite and another in the lobby ready to move if necessary.”
“I gave her your cell-phone number. If she wants to go somewhere beyond walking distance, she agreed to call you.”
“And if she does, I’ll call you,” he said.
I nodded as my phone vibrated. The text from Connie confirmed that her magical powers were still working. Julia would be getting a delivery from Saks Fifth Avenue this afternoon. Connie didn’t elaborate more than that the dress and shoes would be perfect for Julia.
Michael came around, opened my door.
As a light flurry of snow swirled between the buildings, I stepped out onto the sidewalk and tugged at the sleeve of my topcoat as from the corner of North Rush Street and Grand Avenue, I looked up and down both streets.
“Sir, I can park the car and come inside.”
“That won’t be necessary. I can handle myself. It’s Julia I’m concerned about.”
It was probably being back in the city.
No matter the cause, I had an uneasy sensation I couldn’t shake, like an itch that can’t be scratched. Nothing significant, just infuriatingly irritating. I was fucking ready to get Julia back to our snow globe.
Entering Joe’s Seafood on the Magnificent Mile, I took in the rich decor, the dark wood, and the ambience. I should be here with Julia. I wasn’t. In no time at all, I spotted Lena at a table near the back of the room.
“May I help you?” the hostess asked.
Lena lifted her martini glass and grinned her painted smile.
“No, thank you. My party is here.”
I made my way through the tables, taking in Lena’s short hairstyle, the current shade was darker than before with more red. She was a beautiful woman and had gotten even prettier with time. It wasn’t her shell alone that improved her appearance. It was the confidence that she possessed, the ingredient she lacked when we first met.
When I reached the table, Lena stood, leaned close, and placed her hand on my shoulder as she gave a chaste kiss to my cheek. Returning the gesture, I found myself surrounded by her perfume. It wasn’t too much, but I knew from experience that it was expensive. The classic scent was part of her signature, the blended mix of flowers, fruits, and spices. Creed Royal Service and Lena went hand in hand.
“Van, I’m glad you could fit me into your busy schedule.”
“Lena, always a pleasure.”