Page 47 of Love Under the Microscope
As if reading my mind, Jack smiles. We seem to be on the same wavelength, or perhaps our proximity plays into it.
Nigel’s shoes edge closer, and it’s clear he’s looking for something on his desk.
“I do, yes…it’s all about putting those ungrateful pieces of shit in their place,” Nigel says to someone who I assume is on the phone with him since I only heard one pair of footsteps enter the office. “That’s not your worry, it’s mine.”
The shuffling above us continues.
Jack gives me a what’s he talking about look, and I shrug.
I’m relieved the question wasn’t direct because I have a good idea what Nigel’s talking about, but I don’t want to tell Jack. I probably should because we’re supposed to be partners in this little plan of mine, but I’m not ready, plus I still don’t trust him.
Nigel laughs, though it sounds more like a cackle. “I have an ace up my sleeve, my friend…you’ll find out as will they…go on then.”
Something thuds. His phone landing on the desk?
Ugh! I want to scream at him. I want the conversation to continue because I’m sure it’s about ruining Zentello and taking control of Orchid. I try to recall every word of the brief conversation, but concentrating while lying on top of Jack isn’t easy. Especially when something in his pants feels harder than it should. He isn’t fully erect, but he’s turned on, so I can imagine how big he will be at full attention.
Stop thinking about sex. You need to focus.
I take a breath.
I have an ace up my sleeve.
What the hell does that mean? Is it the pages from my notebook?
A clicking sound captures my attention, and I notice Nigel’s feet have disappeared from view. Something creaks and then clanks. The safe?
More papers rustle, and then there’s a bang.
Yes, the safe. He must have slammed the door closed.
“It’s a safe,” Jack whispers, barely audible.
I nod, and Jack stretches as if to see what Nigel is doing. He shifts around but then retreats.
Nigel’s feet appear again. He turns, and the next thing I hear is a door closing behind him.
“Quick, let’s go,” Jack says. “We’ve had enough luck for one day.”
“The papers?” I scramble from under the desk. “We haven’t searched everywhere.” Like the safe.
“We have to go before someone sees us.”
“He might look at the CCTV, if they have it. Their security is really lax, Jack.”
“So you said. But if they have cameras, no one will recognize us.”
My hands go to my wig, and I giggle. “Maybe I should have gone with blonde.”
“I don’t know.” He tips his head to one side to study me. “I kind of like the brunette.”
Tension coils between us until Jack clears his throat. “We really need to get out of here.”
“Come on. It’s my turn to take you to a bar.”
With a nod, he takes my hand and leads me out.
Jack
