Page 208 of Power
“When do you expect him back?”
“Normally, he lets me know when he’s off-site, but it looks like he never came in today.”
“Please let him know I stopped by.”
On her way toward the elevator, Simone texted Teddy. “On my way down. Where can I find you?”
“Right where you left me,” Teddy replied.
She found Teddy standing next to the SUV, talking with two people in suits. She waited in his vehicle while they finished their hushed conversation.
“Special Agent friends of yours?” she asked as he pulled into traffic.
“Maybe,” he replied. “Whad’ya learn from Hirzog? Lemme guess? Deny, deny, deny.”
“He wasn’t there,” Simone pulled out her phone. “I’m calling him.” The phone rang several times before rolling to voicemail. She hung up and sent him a text.
Are you okay? Call me
Teddy turned onto 11thstreet, made a right on H, a left on 10th, and a right on Palmer Alley. He drove under the building, parked in a VIP spot along the front row, and cut the engine.
“C’mon, let’s go inside.” He was out the door and moving toward the building entrance, so she kicked up the pace to catch up.
He opened the door for her, she stepped into the upscale building, and stopped short to take in the magnificent lobby.
SANTINI INTERNATIONAL
US Headquarters
The white neon company sign brightened the black wall behind reception. The long counter was manned by two men and three women. Dressed in their Santini duds, everyone was using bright pink earbuds. Some were talking while others typed away on their keyboards.
Polished white marble reflected the pendant lights dangling from the second story. Bursts of bright colors, from oversized abstract art, clung to the dark walls.
The expansive waiting area boasted modern white sofas with rounded edges and several stunning black chairs situated in a corner facing a round coffee table. There was a state-of-the-art coffee machine, giant-sized indoor plants staged throughout the space, and the entire company was abuzz with unbridled energy.
Simone’s headache went away, the excitement running rampant through her.
“Is this the nexus of the universe?” she murmured to Teddy.
He chuffed out a laugh.
One of the receptionists ran over. She threw her arms around him, hugged him hard, then stepped away. “Hey, Tank. I haven’t seen you in so long.”
“What’s goin’ on?” he asked.
The young woman batted her lashes at him, and Simone bit back a smile. “Nothing. You?”
“Hangin’. Can you check us in?”
“Sure. How’s things?”
“Busy,” he replied.
She ran behind the counter. “I’m hoping we can get together soon.”
“Same,” he replied before ushering Simone through the door.
“She was cute,” Simone murmured.
