Chapter 28

Shirley

Moving Jean’s belongings into my spare bedroom was more exhausting than I’d imagined, but I have to admit that the physical labor was rewarding. Plus, seeing Eliot’s smiling face as he ran around my apartment and pressed his face against the tall windows to look out at the city made me forget about most of my aches and pains.

My own unpacking was a lot simpler as I just put away my toiletries and threw all my clothes in the wash. It almost felt too easy - returning to everything and settling in like I’d never left. That thought causes unwanted feelings to press up from my heart, heading straight to my head as I gaze around at my bedroom.

Wanting to stop them, I abruptly head for my bedroom door, crossing the narrow hallway so I can poke my head into Jean’s new room.

“Hey,” I say as I give a small knock on the doorframe. “Can I borrow your phone?”

Jean swivels to look at me, stopping mid step as she balances a few books in her hand. “You threw it away in the airplane bathroom, remember?”

Oh, shit - that was right. I’d realized halfway through the flight that Ralph could contact Jean at any time considering she still had her phone. Or he could track her, which would be a nightmare - especially if he ever suspected Anya was somehow connected to Jean.

“Right,” I reply, pursing my lips as I begin to weigh my options. Finally, I look up at her once more. “I’m just going to run downstairs to use the payphone.”

Jean nods in response, jumping into motion again as she goes to the bedside table to arrange her books. “Take your time.”

Turning, I go to the front door where I slide on my shoes before I slip outside. I take the elevator down to the first floor and then walk out to the street where I only have to go down a block before I find the nearest payphone. Typing the number I know by heart, I stand restlessly as it rings, only perking up as I hear someone answer.

“Hello?”

“Alana,” I state. “It’s Shirley.”

“Shirley? What number are you calling from?” she asks, fully confused.

“Just a random payphone,” I state nonchalantly. “I lost my phone.”

More like I smashed it into pieces.

“I see,” Alana breathes, but then gathers herself. “Well, what can I do for you?”

“I was just wondering if you were in the office,” I tell her, looking out the glass wall as a taxi goes speeding by.

“I am,” she confirms. “Is there something you need?”

“Not at this exact moment,” I reply, staring forward again and twirling the phone’s cord in my fingers. “But I figured we could discuss a new assignment when I come in.”

“And when is that?” she asks.

“In about thirty minutes,” I inform her, dropping the cord.

“What!?” she calls. “You’re back? Since when?”

“Since last night. My plane got in just after midnight,” I say.

There’s a pause on her side of the phone, utter silence. However, after a few moments, it’s disrupted as she begins to laugh, in absolute disbelief.

“You just can’t help yourself, can you?” she asks, though her tone is more admiring than malicious. “You’ve been home for less than twenty-four hours and you’re already dying to get back to work.”

I give a breathy laugh as I glance back out at the street, then push some hair out of my face. “So do you have a job for me or not?”

To that, Alana lets out a mischievous hum, and I can hear the soft sound of papers being pushed around.

“Actually,” she draws out coyly. “I have just the thing for you.”

~

Alana’s smirk still hasn’t left her face as we sit in her office - she’s leaning back in her large chair, still likely amused that I came crawling back so eagerly.

“So what’s the job?” I ask her, cutting right to the chase.

“It’s a big one,” is all she says at first, but I can tell the size of the assignment is also behind her good mood. “They threatened to give it to Sorensen a week ago, but I told them it was better in your hands - so we waited for you.”

That’s nice of her, especially considering I’d been gone for so long with barely any explanation. I’m just thankful she has enough trust and faith in me to look out for me.

“A major - and I’m talking major - client is looking to take their company public. However, they need an auditor and won’t settle for anyone less than perfect.” Alana rattles out.

In return, I nod.

“They’re offering a huge payout, benefits, and will pay for all expenses in order to have you go stay at their pack’s location,” she continues. But then she grows a little more serious. “Shirley, I mean it. This client is the real deal. It could lead to a lot more opportunities.”

Instantly, I catch her drift, which causes me to nod again. “Then I’ll take it,” I say with no regard.

Not only does this job sound too good to be true, but it also gives me the immediate outlet I was hoping for. Honestly, I would have taken anything, but I’m thrilled that the odds are in my favor.

“Perfect,” Alana says with a content smile, then sliding over a folder on her desk. “Then let’s talk specifics.”

As Alana finds the necessary page, I make sure to open up my small notepad, ready to jot down anything worth remembering. Once we’re both settled, she continues.

“The pack is located on the east coast,” she states. “I know you just got back, so I hope spending a little more time away won’t be a problem.”

“Not at all,” I say, shaking my head.

In fact, I wouldn’t mind visiting the east again. I love my home, but I was fond of the surplus of trees decorated with red and orange leaves, and the colder air.

“Great,” she replies, turning back to her notes. “They’re offering to let you stay at a charming, Tudor home only a mile down the road from the Alpha’s so you’ll be close if they need you.”

“That’s gracious of them,” I reply, flashing a smile. Clients usually just offer to pay for a hotel or small apartment.

“It seems they expect you to be there for a while and want you to be comfortable,” she explains. “Can’t argue with that.”

“Definitely not,” I say in agreement.

“And the Alpha wants to get in touch as soon as possible to negotiate and discuss their needs further. So I’ll make sure you get a copy of his information right away,” she continues. “I think an introduction email should suffice.”

“Thank you,” I reply.

“His name is…” Alana pauses, pushing around a few pages before she locates a specific one. “Keith. Keith Gatlin.”

My breath catches as I hear her read out the name, my pen nearly slipping out of my hand.

Keith…Surely, she can’t mean Keith. It has to be a coincidence - including the fact that the Keith she mentioned is also an Alpha, resides on the east coast, and needs an auditor.

“Our pack’s company is about to go public, and we’re in need of a Senior financial audit.”

Keith’s words from the night club swirl around in my head, but I try to push them away because there’s no way in hell it can be him. I stare at Alana, still frozen as I pray she’ll put my worries to bed, tell me I’m wrong.

“He’s the head of the Lockheart Pack.”

Oh holy Goddess…