Page 16 of Love Under the Microscope
His brows crinkle. “You said I could interview him.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m doing you a favor here so you can start on your feature, but if you’d rather wait—”
“No.” Jack picks up the pen and scribbles on the notepad, one question after another. “These are just a couple to start with.”
“Questions beget questions.”
“They do.” His gaze meets mine, and he wets his lips. “I’ll have more.”
We always knew Mr. Z couldn’t keep hiding behind Nate forever, but we didn’t consider Orchid’s launch to be the time to go public. If I thought for a second that Jack would take money to write the article I want him to write, I’d pay him six figures. I get a feeling he’d be offended if I even offered, so that’s why I went with the next best thing.
Mr. Z himself.
I smile. “I’m sure you will.”
“About this help you need.”
Before I lay all my cards on the table, I need proof that Nigel Carrington, the chief scientist and CEO at UnoPharm, is the one messing with Zentello. But I’m shooting from the hip, and that’s so not me. I need time to regroup and plan what I’ll need from him. “I told you. We’ll talk more about that later.”
“When?”
“Soon. You have my word.” I motion to the notepad containing his questions. “I’ll make sure you get everything you want, Jack Parker.”
His face drops. “How …”
“I have my ways.” And an excellent but expensive PI firm on retainer, thanks to Ashton. “And just so you know, I intend to find out who your magazine’s source is. That person is feeding you crap information about our company and the Orchid project.”
“Can you provide proof of that?”
“Orchid has finished the third phase of clinical trials and been approved by the FDA. I haven’t heard of UnoPharm submitting anything. If they originated the formula, wouldn’t they be ahead of us in development?”
Jack studies me. “Why would someone lie about that?”
He can’t be that naive. “Nate Lowe and Mr. Z run one of the biggest pharma companies in the world. Someone could be trying to influence stock prices or wanting a payout. Or someone is holding a grudge.” I really hope it’s not that last one. “There are hundreds of reasons, but I’m sure they have an idea of who might be behind this.”
Jack grabs the pen and writes something else on the notepad.
“You want to know who they think it is,” I say without even trying to peek at what he’s written.
His half laugh proves I’m correct. “Don’t you?”
“I want whatever Nate and Mr. Z want.”
“Will they trust you to work with me?”
“I have no idea. Just so you know, I don’t trust you at all. At least if we work together, I can keep an eye on you.” What’s the adage about keeping your enemies close? I stick the pen in my hair and hold out my hand once again. “Thanks for coming over on such short notice, Jack. I appreciate it.”
He shakes my hand, and I ignore the tingle running from my palm and up my arm. “Nice to finally meet you.”
“I’ll have Mr. Z answer your questions and be in touch.”
Jack pushes out of his chair and stands. “I’ll wait outside your office for Earl to escort me out, boss.”
I’m sure Earl’s out in the lobby area waiting for Jack. “That’s fine. And don’t forget that word boss.”
It’s something no one calls me, and I like it.
As he leaves, I relax in my chair and contemplate what I’ve just done. I sure hope I haven’t just signed a deal with the devil.
