“You think you’re up to that?”
“Of course. If there’s something going on with her, I’ll find out. But you want to know everything about your new employee, right? Especially one who’s going to be taking care of Willa.”
“I did my research,” I said. “No criminal record, nothing but glowing references. Hell, she was even on the dean’s list in college.”
“In state college,” she said with a small smirk.
“Just because someone didn’t go to an Ivy League doesn’t mean they’re beneath you,” I said.
“I know, I know. So…you want me to do it?”
“Get to know her,” I said. “But don’t treat this like a spying operation. April could use an actual friend around here, you know. If you do find anything out, however, let me know.”
She gave a playful salute. “You got it.”
I was about to turn my attention back to my notes, but a pointed throat-clearing from Shauna brought my eyes back up.
“Yes?”
“There’s something else.”
“Get to it.”
“I know you’ve been trying to ignore it, but Anton’s charity ball is coming up.”
I winced. Anton, as a way to distract from his more lurid enterprises, as well as to form connections with the elite of the city, had started a charity aimed at giving work opportunities to kids around New York.
As much as I found it distasteful that he’d use the less fortunate for his own ends like that, the charity—called “Step Ladder”—had managed to do some good. I’d always imagined some scenario in which Anton would step aside from his criminal dealings to focus exclusively on the charity, but the man was too in love with money and power to ever consider anything like that.
“You’re right—I have been trying to ignore it. Got too much on my plate to worry about something as frivolous as a ball.”
“But it’s not like you can’t go. People would wonder if the CEO of the company didn’t show up.”
“I know, I know. I’m going—Anton doesn’t need to worry about that. But what’s to consider? I put on a tux, make small talk, and leave as soon as it’s socially appropriate.”
“Well…” Shauna looked at me coyly.
Oh, great. I see where this is going.
“You’ll need to take someone with you.”
And there it was. “Yes, you’re right. I’ll find someone. Again, not too concerned.”
She smiled. “Well, if you want to get the whole thing sorted out now, there’s a certain single assistant who’d be more than happy to spend the evening on your arm. Um, in a totally professional way, of course.”
Shauna might be insisting it would only be professional, but I knew better. Sometimes this made me wonder if she was the right person for the job.
“Thanks for the offer,” I said, keeping my voice as dispassionate as possible. “But let’s focus on the ‘professional’ part of that.”
A disappointed look appeared for a brief moment. “Fine, fine. Scott’s been looking for a date—maybe he’ll be the Ryder brother who knows a good thing when it’s right in front of him.” She smiled, suggesting she was only joking around. But with Shauna, sometimes I wondered.
Moments later we arrived in front of my building. When I entered my office, Scott was there, seated at my desk, his back toward me.
“What have I told you about sitting in my chair?” I asked.
“Just admiring the view,” he said, folding his hands behind his head. “It’s like the whole city is yours. Amazing shit.”
“Your view’s not much different.”