Page 88 (2/2)

“Once again, your thought process is incorrect Get me a sandwich, and a latte—extra foam—no fat I want Brian Maxwell on the phone—now” I sure the pockets were empty “Take this to the cleaners—I want it back this afternoon”

She sat stock-still, gawking at me

“Are you deaf?”

“Which would you like done first?”

I flung down et it done!”

I slammed my office door

Fifteen minutes later, I had my sandwich and latte My intercom buzzed “I have Mr Maxwell on line two for you”

“Fine” I picked up the phone “Brian I need to meet with you Today”

“I’, Richard”

“Not in the mood When are you available?”

“I’m booked all afternoon”

“Cancel”

“I’m not even in the city The earliest I can be there is seven”

“Fine Meetthe intercom “Get in here”

The door opened, and she tripped in—literally I didn’t even bother to hide the fact I rolled ust I had never met anyone as clumsy as her—she tripped over air I swore she spent more time on her knees than led to her feet, picked up her notebook, and found her pen Her face was flushed, and her hand shook

“Yes, Mr VanRyan?”

“My table at Finlay’s Seven o’clock Book it My jacket better be back on time”

“I asked for rush service It, ah, there was an extra charge”

I raisedit was your fault”

Her face darkened even ue with me “I’ll pick it up in an hour”

I wavedas it was in my possession before I left

“Mr VanRyan?”

“What?”

“I have to leave today at four I have an appointment I sent you an email about it last week?”

I tapped ers on my desk as I observed her My assistant—Katharine Elliott—the bane of et rid of her, but I’d never had any luck Nochore she handled without co? Done Make sure my private washroom was stocked with my favorite brands of toiletries and condoms? Without fail Alphabetize and cleanthem into the office? Coed my mind” and had them delivered back home, spotless and in order Not a word passed her lips Send flowers and a brush off e to whomever I had dumped that month or week? Yep