Page 47 of From the Shadows

My shoulders sag along with my mood. “You did, of course. I forgot. Let me just get done what I can this morning and then we’ll close the office. I’ll work from home where Evie can play.” It’s basically what I’d planned.

“No, sir. You have a meeting with your client from the city. We’ve already rescheduled it twice.”

Outwardly, I wave off her concerns, but dread swirls with panic on the inside. “Thank you. I’ll figure it out.”

“I can reschedule my⁠—”

I cut her off. “No. I’ve got this.” I say it with a world of confidence behind it.

Unfortunately, it turns out I am not able to figure it out nor do I have it under control. While the client meeting is conveniently scheduled during Evie’s nap time, the office does not provide the same restful calm as Jess’s house and my tired Evie is not having it.

“Mr. Yore, I have patience to a point, but we are quickly approaching the out-of-range stage. This is highly unprofessional.”

“I understand. This is an unusual situation, I assure you. If you’ll give me just a moment.” I stalk out of my office rubbing circles on Evie’s back as she clings to me while synchronically pushing me away. “Coccinnelle, you are so tired. Close your eyes and rest, sweet girl.”

Desperate times mean calling Christophe and asking for the one thing I’ve sworn I’d never do.

He answers immediately, and I waste no time. “I need help. Jess got called in, my receptionist is out for the rest of the day, and I have a client. Can you send Sophia to my office?”

“Of course. I’ll have her there in…”

The rest is lost to the pure shock raining down on me at the sight of Amie waltzing through my office door.

“My precious girl, Mummy has missed you,” she coos. Over the top. Dramatic. Theatrically. “Come here, baby, let me see you.” She holds her hands out, but Evie burrows into my chest and clings tighter.

I mumble, “I’ll call you right back,” into the phone before ending the call. I glare at Amie. “Where have you been? No. Don’t answer that. I truly don’t care. I have a client in my office. Sit right here with our daughter until I’m done and then you and I are going to have a discussion.” My voice is calm for the sake of all involved, but I’m seething.

“Don’t be silly. Eveline and I will go home. I don’t know why you didn’t leave her there with Chantal.” Amie’s expression sours when I turn, pulling Evie out of reach.

“You will sit right here”—I point to the vacant reception chairs—“and I will wrap this meeting up as quickly as I can.”

“Yore, are you done playing the child’s nurse maid? Get your ass back in here, or I’m leaving. I’ll find someone who prioritizes appropriately.” The old bastard doesn’t even bother to leave the comfort of his chair to issue his demand.

“Give her to me and go play lawyer.” Amie pries Evie from my arms, appearing shocked by her loud protest.

Evie reaches for me, crying, but the asshole in my office is still grumbling and I need just a minute to get out from under this storm.

“I’ll be right back, sweetheart. You’re okay.” Amie gets another glare as I go back to my soon-to-be former client.

As quickly as possible, I wrap up the meeting, surprising myself that I don’t fire the asshole. But, when I walk him out, there’s no sign of Amie or Evie, just a note stating that she’s taken “her” daughter home.

Chapter 19

Messy

JESS

Muck squelches up around my boot as I drag the last bag to the door. There’s no growling in my ear and no dirty promises whispered. Today was not a day for an audiobook.

There are too many thoughts tumbling around in my head, and for a change, the quiet is a welcome distraction.

Fine. The dirty promises and growls aren’t the same if they’re not coming from Eddie. And I needed the silence to concentrate on what turned out to be a surprisingly messy endeavor.

So much about this is just… off.

The liquidity, the gelatinous goo, the timing. Each of those things is different on their own but wrapped up together brings it to a whole different level.

And the victim.