The unexpected teasing from their publisher produced hearty laughter from the budget meeting attendees.
Alex cleared his throat and leaned closer to the polished conference table. “I’m actually here to find out what more Mr. Williams has on the Briarcliff buyouts. Let’s see if his suspicions have any merit.”
“Why don’t you go on and get us started, Casey?” Clifton Knowles instructed.
“Well, something shady is definitely up,” Casey began, opening the file folder he’d brought into the meeting. “I’ve been looking into Lockhurst Properties. My source connected with the case can confirm they are the Realtor handling the buyouts. Lockhurst, however, is actually purchasing the businesses on their own behalf.”
“Buying it for themselves? There’s no other client?” someone asked.
Casey smiled. “There is, but we got no other name to tie them to... .”
Alex listened as Casey shared his findings. The young reporter mentioned a source and Alex didn’t need long to guess who that was. Obviously, the mysterious buyer was more than a simple company looking to expand its holdings. Someone was going to great lengths to ensure secrecy. Clearly, they wanted that property badly enough to do anything to get it. Topaz certainly didn’t need to be involved, he thought to himself. Unfortunately, he had no idea how to convince her to step aside.
Casey’s presentation was brought to a halt when the distinctive ring of a cell phone pierced the air. Alex grimaced, pulling the tiny machine from the inside pocket of his moss-colored suit coat.
“Sorry for not shutting this thing off, guys,” Alex apologized as he stood. “Go on, Casey,” he urged, crossing the conference room and pressing the phone to his ear. “Alex Rice.”
“Alex?”
At the sound of his cousin’s distinctive nasal tone, Alex muttered a curse. “I’m in a meeting, De,” he softly informed her, though his aggravation was clear.
“Don’t get in a huff,” DeAndra quickly urged. “I’m only calling to confirm your attendance at the party.”
Alex bit his tongue, knowing it was the only way he could resist telling the woman what he thought of attending the gathering.
“You remember Josie Sharp, right?”
“What?”
“Lex, please pay attention. Josie Sharp? You remember her from my party? She’s with the City Council. I think you all had dinner recently—”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I remember her. Why?”
“Well ... she’s going to be at the party.”
“And this is important to me because ...”
“Lord, Alex!” DeAndra hissed, her cousin’s unapproachable mood finally testing her patience. “I only thought you’d like to know there’d be someone there that you already know.”
“I wasn’t worried about that, since I’m bringing someone.”
DeAndra was silent almost a full minute. “Bringing someone?” she repeated, her voice dropping on the last word.
Alex smiled.
“Who?”
“You’ll meet her at the party.”
“Well, thanks for telling me at such a late date, Lex. The caterers are already prepared for a specific number of—”
“So have ’em set one more place.”
“It’s not that simple—”
“Well, that’s why you’re the great party hostess you are. Figure it out. I gotta go.”
“Lex—”
“Bye ...”
“Lex? Lex? Damm it,” DeAndra breathed, slamming the cordless to her white oak desk. Her mind racing with suspicions, she leaned back in her chair and concentrated. Within seconds, a devilish smile tugged at her thin lips.
“DeAndra Yvonne Rice, sometimes you’re just too smart for your own good,” she whispered, reaching for the cordless. “Hello there, how does a party sound to you?” she asked when the connection was made.
“Hmph, sounds good right about now but—”
“No buts. I want you there Saturday ready to have a good time.”
Simon chuckled. “I appreciate the invite, De, but I got a ton of stuff goin’ on at the office. Saturday’s gonna be a full day of work for me.”
DeAndra studied her bloodred-polished nails while Simon declined attending. “I think a break would do you good. I know Topaz would love to see you.”
“Topaz.”
“Mmm. She’ll be there.”
“What you up to, De?”
