“Yes.” The door opened before I could say anything more, and Fiona stepped inside. I raised a brow. She knew better than to interrupt me unless there was an emergency.

“Mr. King, may I have a word with you?” She widened her eyes to communicate that it was important.

“Excuse me for a moment.” I stood and walked over to her. “What is it?” I asked quietly.

“Willow is waiting outside. She’s very pale. I thought you’d like to know.”

Fuck. Something must have gone wrong.

“Thank you, Fiona. I’ll be out in a moment.” I returned to my chair, and Fiona closed the door as she left. “Yes,” I repeated, picking up where I’d left off, “I was trained by Frank Lennox, but I left the company after he passed away to go into business on my own.”

He cocked his head. “Is it true that Tom Lennox fired you?”

I ground my teeth together. “Tom and I don’t see eye to eye. If that’s a deal breaker for you, then I’m sorry, but that’s just the way it is.”

Sometimes connections meant more to people than quality of work. Disappointing, but an indisputable fact.

“Not at all.” My prospective client smiled. “I’m afraid Tom isn’t half the man his father was. The Lennox name doesn’t carry the same weight it used to.” He stood and extended a hand. I reached over to clasp it. “I’m looking forward to doing business with you. I’ll have my people get in touch.”

“Thank you.” I escorted him to the door, impatient for him to leave. “Have a good day.”

But before the man could go, his gaze alighted on something to the right of my door, and he beamed. “Willow, is that you?”

I turned to follow his gaze, and my gut clenched.

Willow stood with a bouquet of flowers clasped to her chest, practically vibrating. She was as pale as Fiona had said, but it wasn’t fear that burned in her eyes. It was fury.

“Roger.” She summoned a smile, but I could tell it was difficult for her. “It’s nice to see you.” Her eyes flickered from Roger to me, and I could see her realizing why the man was here. She blinked, silently taking the hit.

“What on earth are you doing here?” Roger asked jovially. “Scoping out the competition?”

She cleared her throat. “Actually, I work here.”

She didn’t mention the job was temporary, and that gave me hope. I liked having her around. Maybe she’d want to stay.

“Well, that’s perfect,” he exclaimed. “I can continue to support the Lennox child I actually respect while working with a better firm.”

“You’re signing on with King’s Security?”

“That’s right.” He had the decency to look chagrined. “I’m afraid Lennox just isn’t what it used to be. Times have changed. But you must know that or you wouldn’t be here.”

She nodded and flashed her teeth. “I’d hate to hold you up, Roger.” She glanced at me. “I know how busy you are. But it was nice to see you.”