Page 92 of Love Under the Microscope
So far, all the plans have been mine, and we’re no better off than when we started. Maybe it’s time I listen to what he has to say. “What’s your plan?”
“We set a trap for Nigel. A trap to prove he’s a liar.”
Jack sounds so confident that I sag with relief. I just hope trusting him again won’t be a mistake. “Tell me more.”
Jack
Yes! I pump my fist. Zelda is on board. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
With that, I disconnect from the call. I doubt I’ll sleep tonight, but I’m grateful Zelda took my call. A part of me worries she’ll be upset with me when she finds out the truth. The trap I told her I’m setting for Nigel isn’t that different from the plan I’ve already put into place. I just can’t tell Zelda about my original one, or she’ll never speak to me again.
Zelda won’t care that she’s the one who gave me the idea when she told me the formula he has isn’t complete. I realized I could trap Nigel by offering him the rest of the formula. I know enough biochemistry to do that, even if it won’t recreate Orchid. But now that Zelda’s part of the other trap, she’s altering the formula, which will look more authentic.
Not telling her about meeting Nigel elsewhere, however, is risky, but I honestly don’t believe she would stick to my original plan. She’s too passionate about Zentello, and she hates Nigel so much.
She also doesn’t know that Nigel came to me via Drew, proving he’s been the magazine’s source. Nigel wanted to speak with me about our break-in at his parents’ house. Apparently, Frank and Malisha thought we were fans trying to take pictures or something that belonged to Neil Carrington, so neither had been concerned when we ended up in Nigel’s room. Nigel, though, appeared shocked, and when I told him what happened, he immediately went to his parents’ house to check if I was telling the truth.
When he called back to say he believed me, I offered him the completed formula for a price. I also told him Zentello is moving up their launch date, so he should hold a press conference to announce UnoPharm’s new product. I was supposed to deliver my side of the bargain earlier today, but with Drew’s story and Zelda dumping my ass, I put Nigel off. Now, I can record him during our meeting, then release the tape via PharmaNews and any other outlets that will take it. I want the entire industry to know how Nigel Carrington operates. I can’t wait to watch him and his empire crumble.
After I brand him as an industry thief, no one will want to work with him or his company. And once I take care of Nigel, I can figure out a way to make up for my deception to Zelda.
The following morning, I meet Zelda outside the entrance to Zentello. She glances at the time for like the tenth time. “You won’t be late, will you?”
If she didn’t appear so tense, it’d be cute, and I’d kiss her quiet. Seeing as she can barely look at me, I doubt a kiss will be received well. Who am I kidding? She’d probably jump out of the way, and I’d end up kissing the air.
“No,” I reply. “I won’t be late, and you shouldn’t be either if you want photographic evidence.”
“Oh, I’ll be there waiting, don’t you worry.” She bounces on her toes as if excited. “I can’t wait to finally nail that snake to the ground.”
As I think about what’s about to happen and the secret I’m keeping from her, I realize this might be the last time I’m with Zelda. There’s a good chance she won’t forgive me. I take a breath, hoping to lessen the sting in my chest.
“You have the altered formula?” she asks.
I pat my jacket pocket. “You’re sure it looks real?”
“Yes. I’ve made a few changes.” She grins mischievously. “Now the formula will only create a harmless drug that chills someone out. It’s no different from taking a nice, long bath.”
“Excellent.” I check that my phone’s in my other pocket. I’m all set. “Okay, make sure you arrive before ten. Nigel and I will get there at ten fifteen. The reading area on the second floor of the library is your best vantage point to take pictures.”
Zelda chews on her bottom lip. “You’ll record everything?”
I look everywhere but at her. I’m afraid she’ll see something in my eyes that’ll tip off what else I’m about to do. I also might grab her and not want to let go. But this is the best—the only—way to trap Nigel. I only hope she understands that when she finds out there are two plans—one for her and one for Nigel and me. “Yep.”
“Right, it’s nine forty. Goodbye.” Zelda leans in as though she wants to kiss me, but then she straightens, clearly thinking better of it, and heads for the door.
“See ya.” I’m hoping this isn’t goodbye, so I’m not saying that word.
When I’m satisfied she won’t return, I pick up my car keys so I can drive to UnoPharm, which is on the opposite side of town from where Zelda will wait for us. I don’t want her to see me passing information to Nigel, even if it’s a fake formula she gave me.
This isn’t the first time I’ve lied to a woman I care about. I’m not sure if that makes me as big of an asshole as Carrington or a bigger one. My hope is that some situations justify not telling the complete truth. In Aisha’s case, I told her she’d be alive on our wedding date even though I knew in my heart and in my mind she wouldn’t. But her doctors had told me that a positive attitude would help her, so I knowingly lied and continued to plan our wedding. In the best outcome, we would’ve gotten married as intended. In the worst … I scrub my face. I ended up losing money on deposits and things, but it was worth every dollar to see a smile brighten her tired face.
And now I’ve lied to Zelda.
Given her past, she’ll see this as a betrayal more than anything else. We’ve been partners in crime to take down Nigel Carrington, but I’ve left her out of this final part. Fuck, I’ve sent her to stake out a meeting that won’t be happening where she is.
It’s for the best, I remind myself.
I’ve been telling myself that for two days.
