Page 96 of Craig

“Then you don’t. And I’ll use my considerable influence and resources to make your life a living hell.”

He placed the check and document on the desk and moved away.

“If you want time to discuss it with the missus,” he glanced at the silent and fearful Mimi and shook his head, “then please feel free. I will instruct the manager to collect the document.”

He walked to the door. Turning back, he slid his contemptuous gaze over the man who was staring daggers at him.

“She’s a fantastic woman. She must have taken it from her mother.”

Chapter 15

Dylan had time to think about the best approach on his way over. In thinking about it, he had stopped at her favorite diner to pick up a skinny latte and a slice of strawberry shortcake, her weakness.

He needed all the help he could get.

The conversation with his father had been very enlightening and satisfactory.

Craig Muldoon had put the fear of God in the man and sent him scrambling.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open to noise and chaos. Workmen were crawling everywhere, and the din of power tools was astounding.

His sister was standing in the middle of it, talking to a balding man with a tool belt hanging from his waist.

He waited until she had finished the conversation and turned. When she saw him, her eyes lit up and a smile bloomed.

Christ! Even wearing faded denims hanging low at her hips and a skinny teal-blue sweater rolled up at the sleeves, she still managed to look like a model.

"There you are!" She raced toward him.

He just managed to save the latte by lifting his arms as she threw hers around him.

"Whoa. I did not just come from war. I've only been gone a couple of days."

"And you never bothered to tell your only sibling that you were going under," she said in an accusatory tone.

"Going under means radio silence." Bending forward, he brushed his lips on hers.

"I bought you an apology gift."

She eyed him for a minute before snagging the cup and paper bag.

"You stopped at Sally's."

"She wanted to know if you're upset with her."

"I haven't been there in weeks." Tucking her hand through his arm and balancing her cup, she drew him out of the noise and into a small room with comfortable chairs and a conversation area.

"This is the chill area where people can come and relax, have some refreshments. It's the only place that's all the way completed."

She took a seat on a ruby-red sofa and patted the space next to her.

"Things are hopping along."

She nodded, her eyes bright. Taking a sip of her latte, she let out a sigh and stretched her legs out.

"You cannot talk about the operation."

"No. Just to say it was successful." He shifted so he was facing her.