Page 48 of Masked Secrets
“Yes. I do have a question. Ms. Bennett, am I correct that the governing documents for the Foundation allow the remaining Board members to choose Mr. Champion’s replacement?”
She nods, even though Dad can’t see her, as she answers, “Yes, sir. That is the procedure. If there is a tie, then you cast the deciding vote.”
“Thank you. I’ll have more questions later. That’s all for now. I appreciate your help. And son, remember, stiff upper lip and all.”
“Of course. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
And speaking of stiff, I ask, “Brooke, will you join me in my suite for a stiff drink? I doubt either one of us wants to be alone right now.”
“I shouldn’t.”
“That wasn’t the question. The question iswillyou join me?”
24
STUART
Iwake up the next morning in a fog, holding Brooke tightly against me to protect her from the knife-wielding man who is trying to steal her necklace. There’s no way that I’ll let him take it from her.
Wait a minute. That’s not right.
Shaking off the cobwebs, I replay the nightmare in my head. The guy who killed Mr. Champion was trying to kill Brooke. That can’t be right. Those crimes happened on different days.
A weird sense of relief floods over me when I realize it was only a dream. And even better, Brooke’s body is molded against mine this morning. Unfortunately, Mr. Champion is still dead, and her necklace is still missing.
It’s not surprising that recent events invaded my sleep though. The death of Mr. Champion was such a shock.
What’s worse is the concern that someone could be targeting the Foundation’s charity events. More supporters could be in danger at the masquerade ball. We have to put a plan in place to make sure no one else is hurt.
As I’m considering options to protect everyone, the chime of an incoming text interrupts my thoughts.
José: Jason would like to meet in our office at 11 am this morning if you are available at that time.
Me: Yes, that works.
José: Excellent. We’ll invite Ms. Bennett as well.
Me: Thank you.
That means I have to wake Brooke up. Disturbing her when she looks so peaceful is the last thing I want to do.
Nuzzling my face against her neck, I begin peppering it with soft kisses as I let my fingertips stroke up and down her arm. She moans softly and snuggles closer to me but doesn’t open her eyes. Nibbling on her ear, I whisper, “Wake up, love. We need to be at the PR firm soon.”
She groans, “Can’t I keep pretending to sleep while you kiss and caress me?”
I laugh. “I’d love that, but we promised my dad that we’d meet with Jason today. José just texted. The meeting is at 11, and it’s already 9:30.”
“Oh, no. I’m still wearing last night’s clothes. I need to go home first.”
“I hate to tell you this, but you’re not wearing any clothes,” I tease, lightly spanking her bare bottom.
She swats my hand away. “You know what I mean. I don’t have clean clothes with me.”
“No time to go home.”
“Well, none of the stores are open yet, and I’ve already used the spare set I usually keep in my office. I don’t have a choice,” she says, sitting up in bed, holding the sheet over her chest.
