“It’s me,” said Felicia.

“Come in.”

“Marcus said you might need this.” Her bag.

“I felt like something was missing. I think I had too much caffeine this morning,” she said. “Tell Marcus thank you.”

“I’ll do that. You get settled in, and I’ll bring you a drink. What would you like? We have a full bar.”

“Is there anything you don’t have?” she asked, grinning.

Felicia laughed. “Probably. There’s always that one little item we miss, but as a rule, Mr. G likes to leave no stone unturned.”

“Thank you again. This is a dream,” she said. “I think my fear of flying is a thing of the past.”

“You’ll be as comfortable as we can possibly make you. We’re still waiting for the copilot to arrive. He’s going to be delayed longer than expected, so just relax, and I’ll bring you whatever drink you’d like.”

“Oh, sorry. Just a ginger ale. I’m not much of a drinker,” Lauren said.

“One ginger ale coming right up,” Felicia said. “Now, relax. Enjoy the trip.” She flashed a beaming smile. “That’s an order.”

Who couldn’t relax when traveling in an aircraft fit for a king?

She took her laptop out of her bag and opened the file containing her notes on Mr. Giampalo. She would have to remind herself to use his full name when they met; she didn’t want to assume it would be okay to call him Mr. G. Not yet, though if he was the man she’d researched, she felt sure he’d invite her call him Mr. G, too.

She hadn’t given much thought to his son, though she knew he had one. Apparently, Mr. G had kept his son out of the business, but she planned to ask about him. She typed several questions that came to mind. Another tap on the door.

Felicia said, “It’s just me, with your ginger ale.”

“Thank you.”

Lauren took the glass from the tray Felicia was carrying. Real crystal, clear ice. Perfect. She took a sip.

“I needed that. Nerves,” she said. “I always get a dry mouth when I’m nervous.”

“Are you sure you don’t want a drink, something a bit stronger, a glass of wine?”

“No, really. I’m nervous, but in a good way.”

“All right, but don’t hesitate to give me a call if you need anything more,” Felicia said. “I’m going to see to your lunch now.”