Chapter 17

“Well?” she said.

“Well, what?”

“Don’t be coy, boss.”

“Don’t ask, and I won’t tell.”

“You’re no fun.”

“Others might disagree,” I said, pointing at the rose.

“Obviously.” She turned and went back to her desk.

I retrieved my BlackBerry and punched a number. When Rion answered, I said, “We’re even.”

He chuckled. “I thought you’d like it.”

“Yeah. Now mysecretary is curious.”

“As you said, we’re even. What time will you be home?”

I told him about Sam’s plan.

“Yeah, that should work,” he said. “I’ll be waiting.”