Mad, Bad and Blonde - Cathie Linz [31]
“Of course.”
“I e-mailed you a list of talking points about why West Investigations is their best choice. The appointment is for eleven thirty, so you’d better get a move on. I’m counting on you to get this deal done.”
Thompson and Associates was located in the Dirksen Federal Building, a short walk away. Once inside, she went through the security checkpoint with its metal detectors before heading for the bank of elevators. A slight jostling at her side had her looking in that direction. “You don’t take direction well, do you,” Caine said. It was a statement, not a question, as he pointed to her purse and waved her wallet at her.
She grabbed it back for the second time in as many days. She belatedly noticed that Caine had changed clothes since she’d last seen him a few hours ago. Gone were the jeans and T-shirt, replaced with a dark suit, white shirt and black tie.
She hadn’t seen him in business attire. He cleaned up nice. Real nice. Hot, hot nice. He still had that Dark Knight thing going on.
“I see you left the wings at home,” he said. “And before you ask, no, I’m not following you. I’m here for a business meeting.”
“Me too.”
She stepped into the elevator and punched the button for the eleventh floor. “What floor do you want?”
“Eleven.”
“Where’s your business meeting?”
“Sorry, I can’t tell you that. Confidential information.”
He held out his hand for her to precede him out of the elevator. Instead, she reciprocated the gesture right back at him. “No, you go first. Please.”
This gave her the chance to admire him as he walked in front of her. He had the upright military posture of a Marine. And he walked right into the offices of Thompson and Associates.
“I have an appointment with Mr. Kneeson,” Caine said.
“So do I,” Faith said, hurrying to stand beside him at the elegant reception desk. “At eleven thirty.”
“I’ll let his assistant know you’re here,” the receptionist said.
Faith stepped away from the desk to study the ACHIEVE poster elegantly framed on the wall.
“Small world, huh,” Caine said.
“I can’t believe they send you out as a sales rep.”
“They don’t usually, but the regular guy got sick.”
“Sure he did.” She shook her head. “This is just another chance for you to hassle me.”
“I’m sorry for this mix-up,” the administrative assistant, a woman in her late fifties with a choppy haircut, said. “Usually we don’t book these kinds of appointments so close together. And usually Mr. Kneeson doesn’t get a flat tire on the Edens Expressway. It’s just been one of those crazy days. He should be in shortly. Again, I’m sorry for the confusion.”
“No problem.” Caine smiled at her and held out his hand. “I’m Caine Hunter with King Investigations, and I know all about crazy days.”
The assistant, who was old enough to know better, melted. “I appreciate you being so understanding, Mr. Hunter.”
“Call me Caine.”
“Can I get you a refreshment while you wait, Caine? Some coffee or tea?”
“I was here first.” Faith said, sounding like one of the kids in her story time group. “Hi. I’m Faith West with West Investigations. I have an eleven thirty appointment with Mr. Kneeson.”
“As I just stated, he’s not here yet. He had a flat tire. Would you like to reschedule your appointment?”
“No, I’ll wait.”
“Caine, would you like some coffee or tea while you wait?”
“Why didn’t you ask him if he wanted to reschedule?” Faith said.
“Because she’s smart enough to know the answer would be no,” Caine replied on the assistant’s behalf. “And some black coffee would be great, thanks.”
“Do you have any chai tea?” Faith said even though the assistant, whose name Faith had yet to discover, hadn’t asked her if she wanted anything. “And I’m sorry, but I didn’t catch your name.”
“Linda Dennis. And no, I don’t believe we have any chai tea.”
“That’s okay,” Faith said.