I didn’t bother to tell her this was more than business.

I’d let her think what she wanted, at least for the time being.

“So where are we going now?” she asked.

“Just a couple of other places,” I said.

She just laughed and shook her head.

Six hours later, I brought her back to the building.

“Elias, brunch, the salon, jewelry shopping, and a trip back to the tailor’s is not a ’couple’ of other places,” she said.

“You don’t have time to complain. You need to get ready,” I said.

She laughed and then went up the stairs.

I didn’t stare after her but realized that that afternoon with Kayla had been one of the best I could remember.

Twelve

TWELVE

Elias

“So who’s going to be here?” Kayla asked as we got out of the SUV.

“Who’s not going to be here is a better question,” I said.

She nodded and looked comfortable, far too comfortable as far as I was concerned.

I realized how silly I had been, how careless, to let Kayla be so involved in the business.

I’d have to put a stop to that, though I knew she would fight me every step of the way.

We crossed the street and walked to the warehouse, which was drab gray brick on the outside. But it had large windows, and I could see the inside was very well lit.

“You weren’t kidding when you said everyone, I see,” she said, a frown on her face.

We had just walked into the building, and she’d spotted Vahe.

“Go get us drinks,” I said instead of responding to her comment.

“You’re bossing me around,” she said.

“No ice in mine,” I said, again ignoring her.

She laughed and then walked away, and I started walking toward Vahe. There was a low din in the room, but I didn’t pay attention to that either, instead focused on one person.

Were it any other day, I would have made my presence known in a much bigger way, but given the occasion, I settled for putting a hand on Vahe’s shoulder, squeezing tight enough for him to understand this wasn’t a social visit. And besides, being loud wasn’t necessary. The two casts he wore spoke loudly enough.

“Vahe,” I said.

“Elias,” he responded, his voice tight, though I could tell he was trying to be brave. Still, he was squirming, and I saw as he reached for his collar but then stopped when he remembered his fingers were immobile.

“Edgar made your suit?” I asked.

“Eh, too old school for me,” Vahe answered.