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I stepped out of the bedroom Kimble was in the hallway

“Do you have thedetails for today?” I asked

He looked at his watch “I’ll have the car ready to leave in an hour,” he reported

I took a deep inhale “I’ll get ready”

6

Knight

First rule of business: arrive five minutes early My father had burned the lesson intoabout a few of his business principles I found this particular one gaveunsteady for my competitor

I didn’t know if it was possible to rattle Lucien Martin during thisI also didn’t have a clue what he already knew about hter Did he know his bodyguard had wrenched her away frounpoint? It was the reason I had stuck with last naood chance he assu to have drinks with my father

I didn’t believe in chance I didn’t think for a second he hadn’t blown into toithout knoho his biggest competitor would be—my father It wasn’t a coincidence they were interested in the same hotels, more specifically the boutique hotel

I straightened the cuff on et Lucien to back off before my father used the full force of his business to shut hiive a shit who round But this tiht in the crosshairs of our fathers’ business war

I checked my watch One minute

I ordered a gin on the rocks and waited for Lucien I dug in arette but then remembered the way Kennedy’s nose turned up when she saw the pack I opted to leave them where they were

The bar I choose was old-school New Orleans Heavy alls Brass fixtures A direct nod to the established faar smoke every time someone opened it

The server delivered the gin drink on a tray and didn’t say a hen he noticed the seat next to me was still vacant Maybe business was done differently in Philadelphia Lucien was nearly five lass when the door opened

The sunlight was a startling contrast to the inside of the bar My chest tightened when I saw Kimble enter first I assumed he was Lucien’s top security aide His head swiveled left then right He nodded when he spottedroom He held the door open