This was exactly what she had expected based on all she’d read about the venerable Victoria Colby-Camp. The agency—the woman, really—was legendary. Whether you were in Chicago or Paris, those in the know recognized the Colby name.
The lobby was large and decorated in a sophisticated yet comfortable style. A glass desk that actually looked like a work of art stood in front of an enormous glass wall that showed off the breathtaking view of the city beyond it. Also behind the desk was a woman, who Allie decided must be a receptionist.
“Good morning, Ms. Foster.” The woman, who was around Allie’s age, smiled then looked to the man right behind her. “Mr. Durham, Victoria and Jamie are waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Madeline.”
Steve pressed a hand to the small of Allie’s back and gently guided her toward a long, wide corridor. Still gawking in an attempt to take it all in, she wondered how different these offices were from the original ones. According to her research on the Colby Agency, the original offices had been blown up bya longtime enemy. The family had withstood far more than their share of personal attacks and tragedy. But they were survivors with a truly incredible history.
Allie could not believe she was here. She only wished she didn’t feel so underdressed. The black slacks were the closest thing to dressy she owned. The white button-down with the big collar was from forever ago. She’d spotted it online and had to have it. She’d worn it one other time besides today. The biggest change to her usual look was that she’d left her hair down.
She never did that.
She glanced at the man next to her. It was mostly because of him. He looked great. It was impossible not to feel lacking in style around him. His navy slacks and the lighter blue button-down looked amazing just because he was wearing them.
Good grief, she was besotted with the man. Which was only going to make it harder to say goodbye when this was over.
Dismissing the thoughts, she focused on this place and how lucky she was to be here. The agency hired only the very best and had a reputation for being the most discreet in the industry. She was so grateful to have this team on her side. She was reasonably certain she had told Steve this countless times already.
She sent him a sideways look. “This place is amazing.”
He smiled. “It is. More than you know.”
No doubt, she mused.
The desk in Victoria’s private lobby was empty.
“Rhea, Victoria’s personal assistant, is off today,” he explained as he walked straight through to Victoria’s door. He opened it and waited for Allie to go in first.
Always the gentleman. As old-fashioned as it sounded, she liked that too.
Holding her breath, Allie stepped into the head of the agency’s private domain.
Victoria met them in the middle of the room. Allie had seen images of her online, but she wasn’t fully prepared for just how awe-inspiring it was to be in the woman’s presence. There was a sense of sophistication and wisdom that made Allie want to curtsy as if standing before a queen.
She definitely wouldn’t say that out loud.
“Allie.” Victoria extended her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you already.”
Allie glanced at Steve as she took the other woman’s hand. “The pleasure is mine, ma’am.” She bit back all the new gushing compliments that came immediately to mind.
“Please, call me Victoria.” She gestured to a young woman seated at the small conference table on the far side of the office. “This is my granddaughter, Jamie.”
Jamie extended her hand across the table as Allie approached. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Allie.”
“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you.” Allie couldn’t help smiling as she shook the other woman’s hand. She wore her blond hair down around her shoulders, and her blue eyes literally sparkled when she smiled. The gray sheath she wore looked as if she’d just stepped off a fashion show runway.
“Let’s sit,” Victoria urged, taking her seat at the head of the table. “The others will be with us soon. I’m aware you have another appointment, so we’ll make this quick.”
With those FBI agents. Allie wished she could forget about that meeting, but unfortunately it was impossible.
They all settled into upholstered chairs around the table just as three other members of the Colby team entered the office.
Steve made the introductions. “This is Nicole Reed Michaels and Simon Ruhl—he worked at the Bureau in a former life. He may be able to provide some insight into their agenda in your case.”
“A very long time ago,” Simon pointed out.
Allie smiled at the two. “Thank you for all you’re doing to sort this mess.”
