Uncontrollable Bachelor (Bachelor Tower Series), стр. 41
“Are you sure it wasn’t one of my guys driving by?” Carlton said. “That wouldn’t be a good thing, obviously – we’re supposed to be subtle. But I’ve come to realize Shannon is more observant than I thought,” Carlton stated.
There’s a lot about her that I’ve missed. I never realized how much courage it must take to do what she does for work, never mind continuing after being threatened by Babboo. She also doesn’t back down when she believes someone is taking advantage of a situation. Which right now is me.
“And you’re positive that none of Babboo’s goons are lurking around?”
Carlton said, “Gabe said there still hasn’t been one word regarding Prince Babboo.”
“That means what? He’s dead?”
“He’s in some sort of isolation. This tells us the data was located and they have come to the assumption that Babboo was plotting against the King. With such a charge he won’t be allowed any visitors. It’s possible even Babboo’s own security team will step back in order to save themselves. They might be loyal to the Prince, but everyone knows the King has final say.”
“Unless he spoke to them ahead of time.” My mind was racing. “We were able to plant the information. Can’t we go back in and…add another level so his team doesn’t want anything to do with him?”
Carlton shook his head. “You need to have patience. Let this take its course.”
“And do what? Sit back and wait to see if it worked? I’m not a gambler. I prefer to make things happen,” I said.
“Then focus on something else and let me handle this,” he said.
What could be bigger than Shannon’s well-being? Nothing. Not even my own life. But I understood what Carlton was trying to say. Mistakes are made when you react instead of act. I’d done everything I could, and so had Carlton and Gabe. If this didn’t work, we’d regroup and try something else. Shannon had something Babboo didn’t – people on her side who were involved for the right reasons.
“She pretty much threw me out of the house. So I guess there isn’t much more I can do on that end,” I admitted.
“Shannon is upset. What woman wouldn’t be? After this is all over, you can sit her down and explain everything. And this time, don’t leave anything out. Women don’t like to be lied to. And they have very long memories.”
“You didn’t see the look in her eyes when Ralph said I brought her there just so Babboo couldn’t find her. There’s no coming back from that. Why would she believe me over her father? After all, I bailed on her once before. There’s no reason for her to trust me now.”
“I could talk to her if you want,” Carlton offered.
I laughed. “I appreciate the offer, but I think enough people have spoken for me. It hasn’t worked out so well. And you and I both know this wasn’t going to last anyway. You know my lifestyle. Shannon doesn’t fit into it.”
“So I’ve heard you say. Guess you’re right. Let her go. She’ll find someone else. She’s beautiful, funny, and intelligent. Hell, maybe I’ll ask her out,” he said.
I growled, “Over my dead fucking body. You’re no better for her than I am.”
He laughed. “You don’t sound like a guy who is ready to walk away.”
“You’re an ass, you know that?”
Carlton nodded. “One of the things you and I have in common. But for now, I need to go and relieve one of my men.” He got up and said, “I know you say you’re out of the picture, but I’ll keep you in the loop with everything.”
“Thanks,” I said as he left my office.
Betsy didn’t show up to work again. Hopefully she was with Shannon. The temp filling in for her was trying my nerves, though. She had no idea how to answer or screen calls. My entire morning had been things Betsy would never have let through. I couldn’t believe I actually missed having Betsy around
My cell phone rang. Each time, part of me hoped it would be Shannon. Even if she was calling to cuss my ass out, at least we’d be speaking. But it wasn’t. It was Gabe.
“What’s going on, Gabe?”
“I just got word that there was a plane crash, and the Prince was on the plane,” he said.
Fuck! “The King had him killed?” I was sick thinking that I actually had anything to do with it. It was something I would have to live with, but grateful that Shannon wouldn’t.
“Actually, no. It was really an accident.”
“You know this how?” I asked.
“Prince Babboo had renounced his title publicly. There was no reason for the King to take action. He had nothing to gain. From what I’ve learned, Babboo boarded a small charter plane in order to leave the country, which later crashed due to high winds.”
It sounded bad, but that was the best news I’d had all day. “Does this mean Carlton’s team is no longer needed?”
“It does. I haven’t spoken to him yet. I thought you’d want to be the first to know,” Gabe said. “Do you want me to make the call?”
I wanted to, but I knew Carlton would somehow use this news to try to get me to see Shannon. “You can call him. I’m sure he’ll have other questions for you as well. For me, as long as she is safe, that’s all I care about. Thanks, Gabe. If you or your brothers ever need me, I’ll be happy to repay the favor.”
“I’m sure the opportunity will arise. Take care,” he said and ended the call.
I tossed my cell phone on my desk and spun around to look out the window. This used to be one of my favorite views. Now all I saw was a sea of metal and glass everywhere. Since the buildings hadn’t changed, that must mean I had.
I