Page 53 of Protected
“Nothing important. I just haven’t heard from you in weeks, so I decided if you won't call me, I’ll just call you and interrupt your busy day to tell you we’re in town for a few days.”
“I’ve always got time for you, Mother. Sorry I’ve been distant, work is crazy, but we should make time for dinner. Are you free tonight?” They had only just begun dating. How would Darci feel about meeting his parents? He had told her he was working late, but maybe he would surprise her with dinner.
“Tonight would be wonderful. I think your father has dinner meetings the rest of the weekend, anyway.”
“Would you mind if I bring someone with me?”
“Who?” she asked, curiosity evident in her voice.
“Just a friend. She’s staying with me while her apartment is being worked on.” It was close enough to the truth.
“She?” his mother asked conspiratorially. “You’ve never introduced us to a girl before.” He winced. He shouldn’t have said anything. “It’s your fault you know,” his mother continued.
“What’s my fault?”
“That your father is running for president.”
He laughed. “How in the world is that my fault?”
“If you or one of your brothers would give us a couple of grandkids, he wouldn’t be so bored.”
He groaned. “I should have known where you were going. We both know dad doesn't get bored.”
His mother chuckled. “Sorry, I had to try.”
When he ended the call, Bradley poked his head into the reception area to ask Adara to make reservations for four at one of the more touristy restaurants in the city. Hopefully that would make up for springing his parents on Darci without asking.
To his surprise, he found Detective Michael Silas perched on the corner of her desk. They were staring at each other, sharing a laugh. He cleared his throat to announce his presence. Adara’s head spun in his direction, and for a moment she seemed flustered, but she quickly recovered.
“Hey boss, I was just about to come see you. Detective Silas just dropped by. Wants a few minutes of your time. You’ve got about twenty minutes before your next meeting.”
Bradley waved the detective into his office.
“What can I do for you?”
Michael shoved his hands into his pocket once the door was closed behind him.
“How’s Darci doing with security?”
Bradley leaned against his desk. “I think she hates it, but she’ll survive.”
Michael nodded. “Good. Umm. Look.” He looked at the ceiling and Bradley could tell he was uncomfortable.
“Just ask what you need to ask.”
Michael chuckled. “Sorry. I don’t normally have an issue questioning people but Darci’s scary.”
Bradley laughed. “She certainly can be.”
Michael’s phone rang and he scowled. “Hang on.”
He answered the call and had a terse conversation that lasted no more than ten seconds.
“This conversation can wait. I’ve got to run. But uh…” He scratched at the back of his head then chuckled. “Would it be weird if I asked your assistant out?”
Bradley laughed. “What she does on her own time is none of my business.”
• • •
