“I’m fine. How are you? How’s your diabetes?”
“Stupid disease,” her father grumbled. “My chef won’t let me eat many of the things that I love. But his insistence is keeping my numbers good, so I guess I should be grateful.”
That eased the tension that had tightened Lacy’s chest. She worried a lot about her father. He had supposedly retired from being one of the biggest arms dealers on the planet, but she was quite sure he was still involved in that world. The stress would do him in if he wasn’t careful.”
“To what do I owe the pleasure? Are the wedding plans progressing nicely? Is there anything you need help with? I am looking forward to seeing you and Logan.”
“I am looking forward to seeing you, too, and yes, the wedding is in hand. That’s not why I’m calling.”
“I can tell by your voice that you are concerned about something, yes?”
She let out a sigh. “Yes. I need your help.” She went on to explain the situation in detail, not leaving anything out, because not only was he one of the most well-connected and protected men in the world, but he was also her father. She just needed to unload all of her worries.
“This has you quite upset,” her father commented. “I know you and Alex have always been like sisters but I’m sensing you are getting a bit frustrated with her.”
Lacy took a sip of coffee. She hadn’t admitted that to herself, let alone said it out loud. But her father was pointing out the truth. She sighed. “I am, if I’m being honest. The stealing thing was… well, it was never really fine, but it was more acceptable when she was younger. Now I feel like we’re all getting a bit old to be involved in these capers. And now, Gage might be arrested because of it.” She smoothed her hand over the hair she’d slicked back into a ponytail.
She continued, “To be fair, she hasn’t done a job in quite a while, and she only took one recently because Leo asked her. But the job was a risk and not just to her, to all of us, and now we’re flailing around trying to find out what’s going on.”
Her father clucked his tongue. “Darling, you have always been far more responsible and resourceful than most. Could it be that you’re feeling a bit frustrated with your own life, so you feel frustrated at Alex for enjoying hers?”
Damn. He’d done it again. Found the truth. Heaviness weighted her breath. “I don’t know,” she grumbled, but then added, “You could be right.”
“Are you having cold feet?”
“About Logan? No! But that’s the only thing I’m not having cold feet about.” She played with a pencil on her desk. “The truth is… as much as I like event planning, I kind of miss the excitement of law. Okay, mostly it was just boring paperwork that I hated, but there were moments of real excitement when I went head-to-head with another lawyer. I enjoyed that part of it so much, and I miss it.”
“So, you need to combine the two things you love,” her father supplied as if it was that simple.
“What lets me plan event and then argue with people over an issue?”
“Break it down to the skill level. You enjoy organization and you enjoy a challenge. You also enjoy finding out the details of something and doing something that brings people joy. Think of where you get to combine all those skills.”
“When you put it that way,” she chuckled, as if it would be an easy thing to do. Still, she started to smile. He was right. She would need to noodle the idea around more, but it had appeal. Surely there was something she could do that would combine all her skills.
“Thanks for the pep talk. I guess I needed it.” Feeling the weight in her chest ease again, she continued. “On the other issue, can you do some subtle poking around and find out who is pushing this break-in within power circles? It can’t just becoming from the museum. It feels like there are power players behind it. It’s all just a bit…unrealistic.”
“Of course. I will ask around but be the soul of discretion. I must run. Send my love to all. I’ll see you at the wedding.” With that, he was gone.
She was happy that their relationship was closer these days. Not having to pretend that she was just another lawyer who worked for him instead of just being his daughter made a huge difference. He listened to her concerns about his health more and had taken to asking her opinions on things. He’d also turned into a great sounding board for her. She’d come to appreciate his mind much more.
She glanced at the clock. It was still early, and chances were excellent Ty wouldn’t pick up, but she could leave a message and maybe he’d call her back. Or maybe not, and then she’d have to call him again, but that would be a problem for later. She needed to call him because he would have the inside scoop on Gage’s case, or at least he could get it. She couldn’t let her desire to avoid Ty at all costs stop her from helping Gage.
She took a large swig of coffee and swallowed as she hit the button on her phone.
“Yo,” the male voice said on the other end of the phone.
Lacy’s mouth went dry. She really hadn’t thought he would pick up.
“Hello?” Ty said again.
“Um… hi, Ty. It’s Lacy. Uh, Lacy Carmichael.”
There was a long silence. Finally, “Lacy? Is everything alright?”
“Sure.” She took another sip of coffee, attempting to get her mouth to work right. “Um, so how have you been?”
“Fine.” His voice was flat.
