Page 49 of Defending Love
“I’m sure Damien could tell us more. From what I was told, Darius knew we needed more than generic insulin and saline to keep us viable, but Darius was terrible at management. He had multiple different formulas in development.” I shook my head. “He wanted to get Sinclair into anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications.”
Eli furrowed his brow. “Did you say earlier that Darius is now working with Dwain Welsh?”
“Yes, on natural wellness products.”
“But…I’m trying to recall from when I worked with you before. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Moon Medical, Welsh’s company, specialized in anti-anxiety medications.”
I sat straighter. “You’re right.”
“Do you think they were working together back then?”
“That doesn’t make sense.” I pressed my lips together. “Why would Darius want in on Welsh’s market if they were friends?”
Eli shook his head. “Darius wanted to diversify...”
“Right, but he was spending too much money on too many things. Development is expensive. That’s why when Damien found Dr. Carpenter and the research on Propanolol, a never-before marketed formula, he convinced Dad to turn off Darius’s pet projects and concentrate on just one.”
Quickly, I turned toward Eli. “You said your camera outside was disabled?”
“I haven’t looked at it, but it didn’t send a notification that those two phony agents were at the door.”
My pulse sped faster. “Your camera is Guardian.”
Eli agreed.
“If it was scrambled, the men that were here knew it would be a Guardian camera.”
His eyebrows knitted together. “They had to. They also knew we opened your dad’s safe.”
“How?”
“That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”
The blue gloves reminded me of the envelope. “Do you think we can open the envelope now?”
“I’d rather keep you here on my lap. My cock likes the feel of your tight ass.”
Grinning, I wiggled my behind.
Eli growled. “You’re killing me.”
I lifted my palm to cup his cheek, feeling his scruffy beard growth. “There’s been enough killing. I want you to keep living and keep breaking your rules.”
Slipping the gloves back on, we went to the bathroom. The air within was thick with warm steam. My first look at the shower stall caused me to gasp. The envelope was gone. Looking down, I saw that it had fallen to the floor. “Thank goodness it didn’t fall in the shower.” As I squatted down to pick it up, I saw that the flap was open.
Eli turned off the shower.
Standing with it in my grasp, I met Eli’s green stare. “What did Dad think needed to be protected?”
Tilting his head, he led me back to the computer room and cleared a space on one of the desks. My hands trembled as I pulled the single page from within. My pulse quickened at the sight of my father’s handwriting.
Eli stood by my side as we both read.
* * *
If this is ever found, my worst nightmare came true. I pray it was only me that he came after and that those I love are safe.
The decision wasn’t easy, but given the circumstances, I would do it again. No price is too high to save that which was built.
