He shook his head. He was lucky that Dak had the ability to remotely get into files that even Homeland Security couldn’t access. What his friend had uncovered was very disturbing--the corruption in this particular case went deep into the US government, deeper than he’d ever imagined. It wasn’t only the FBI that was involved, but also the CIA and the USN.
However, since Special Agents Warner and DuBose had taken over, corrupt agents were being rooted out, some of them providing information for plea deals. It was a bloody mess.
At some point he would have to tell Lennox everything since it appeared the Feds had no plans to do so. She had every right to know what could possibly be in that box…or at least, what the Feds hoped was in it. No wonder someone was ready to kill her in order to get it.
And speaking of the box…he wondered if she had it with her now. He hadn’t asked, but assumed that she did, figuring it was packed in her luggage. It didn’t matter. The box was hers to go through when she was ready, without any coercion from anyone.
However, he hoped that there wouldn’t be any more kisses. He couldn’t afford to be distracted right now because nothing was more important to him than keeping her safe.
Nothing.
• ••
Rylee reached across the desk to pick up her phone. “IT Department, this is Rylee Danville. May I help you?”
“Hello, Rylee. This is Mattie, Mr. Connelly’s administrative assistant.”
Rylee immediately sat up straight in her chair. Hank was still out on vacation and all his calls were being forwarded to her. However, this was not a forwarded call from the executive office—it was a direct one.
“Yes, Mattie?”
“I understand you’re this year’s ambassador for the American Heart Association’s Night on the Town event.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Mr. Connelly wanted me to make you aware that he will be attending the event this year.”
That was a surprise. She’d been informed months ago that he wouldn’t be coming. “That’s wonderful,” she said.
“He also requested that I get your address. He’d like to send a private car for you and your date.”
A private car for her and her date? “That’s a kind offer, but I won’t be bringing a date that night and I can drive myself. I don’t want him to go to any trouble.”
“You’re representing the company, Ms. Danville. Mr. Connelly would prefer that you arrive in a way that signals that.”
Rylee didn’t say anything for a moment. This was her first year as an ambassador, but she didn’t recall this being done for the ambassador last year. But if that’s the way Mr. Connelly wanted things done, then she could certainlyoblige him. “I appreciate the gesture,” she said, then rattled off her address before ending the call.
She leaned back in her chair. Having a private car pick her up would be kind of nice. It would add to the ambiance of the night.
Rylee smiled. She couldn’t wait to tell Ireland. Her daughter would be tickled over it and would think it was pretty lit. In this case, she would have to agree with her.
LENNOX GLANCED AT HERwatch--they’d been on the road all day. According to the road signs, they were now in Ohio. They had stopped a few times for potty breaks, as well as for lunch and dinner. Not taking the risk of dining in either establishment, they had done take-out and eaten in the back area of the parking lot, facing the building so they could see who approached.
She glanced over at Roland. Instead of jeans, he was wearing khakis today. They looked just as good on him as jeans did. “Where are we headed exactly?”
“To a place that’s on Lake Erie Beach. We should get there before dark. I think you’re going to like it.”
“I know I will.”
He glanced over at her. “And how do you know that?”
There was no way she was going to tell him she’d like any place, as long as she was with him. After all, there was a reason they were together, trying to put so many miles between them and Charlottesville. She wasn’t about to forget that someone—actually, a lot of someones—wanted herdead. Still, it wouldn’t do her any good to dwell on that. And to keep her mind off her troubles, she saw nothing wrong with shifting her focus to a more passionate kind of danger--her seduction of Roland Summers.
All she’d had to do was lie in bed to remember the way she’d practically melted in his arms as he’d kissed her and all the incredible sensations she’d felt. He’d definitely given her something to think about. And that’s all she’d been doing this whole day.
“Lennox?”
He was waiting on her response. She’d zoned out there for a moment. “I feel safe knowing I’m being protected by you. I’ve noticed you’re very good at your job.”