Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 61939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
“Get down, sir,” he commanded.
I remained standing.
If someone was bold enough to breach my building, I wanted to see their face.
The door to my office opened, and Francis adjusted his stance, commanding, “Get the hell down, sir,” but I only stepped back.
Seconds later, a redhead who bore a striking resemblance to Andrea stepped into the doorway. Her cheeks were flushed pink, and she was holding something behind her back.
“Miss…” Francis hissed. “This building is currently on lockdown, and you’re trespassing. I suggest that you move to the side and shut the door. Now.”
“I didn’t come all the way up here to talk to you.” She rolled her eyes before setting her gaze on me.
“The suspect is wearing a dark green hoodie, jeans, and black tennis shoes.” The voice listed the woman’s outfit, and she didn’t pale at all.
“About five foot six, one hundred and fifty pounds,” the voice continued, “and armed with a crowbar.”
The woman dropped the metal pole to the floor, and Francis raised his gun.
“I came here to let you—Mr. Harrison I-Think-I-Own-Manhattan Cross—know that you’re done making Andrea work within an inch of her life,” she said. “If it continues past today, I will fuck you up with my bare hands.”
So, this is definitely her sister… I smiled.
Francis groaned.
“Suspect has been found,” he spoke into his two-way. “Potentially psychotic, but non-threatening.”
“I am a threat,” she said. “And I’m warning you, Mr. Cross, that if I get one more miserable phone call from my sister, I will stick my foot so far up your ass, you’ll be spitting out leather every time you speak.”
“Threatening Mr. Cross’s life is a crime, Miss,” Francis said. “The police will be here within the next three minutes, so try not to make things worse for yourself.”
“They don’t need to come.” I looked at Francis. “Tell them it’s okay.”
“But, sir. She’s obviously—”
“I’m not repeating myself.”
“Yes, sir.” He shot her a pointed look and pulled out his phone.
“Your name is Everly, correct?” I asked her.
“It’s Miss Stone to you.”
“Very well,” I said, leaning on the edge of my desk. “Miss Stone, you should know that I don’t take too kindly to threats.”
“Then think of it as a guarantee, Mr. Cross.”
I hesitated, noting the wayward look in her eyes—the fact that she actually brought a weapon up here.
As if Francis could read my mind, he walked over to where it had fallen and picked it up.
“It’s a spray-painted toy of some type, sir.” He sighed. “Hard plastic.”
“Interesting,” I said. “Miss Stone, I’m not sure what your sister has told you, but things have shifted a bit recently…”
“So, you’re calling her a liar?”
“I’m saying it’s obvious you care about her, and I find that quite endearing.”
“Don’t flatter me.” She narrowed her eyes. “I know everything about you and everything you’ve done. And my sister may be dick-matized by this ‘recent shift,’ but I’m not, and I can say what needs to be said.”
“Your sister and I have not had sex.”
Yet.
“Oh. Well, I…” Her cheeks reddened. “Well, still. I’m tired of seeing her look like a walking zombie when she gets home, and you need to fix that. ASAP.”
I blinked.
“Consider yourself warned.” She wagged a finger. “You’ll be seeing me again if nothing changes.”
I held back a laugh.
“Any other threats you’d like to make, Miss Stone?”
“No, I think I said it all.” She tapped her chin. “I mentioned you spitting out leather already?”
“You did…”
“Oh. Well, that’s everything!” She clasped her hands, her tone ten times brighter. “Would you mind validating my parking so I don’t have to pay thirty dollars?”
I gave her a blank stare.
“What about giving me a discount, then?” she asked. “Half off?”
“I’ll walk you there,” I said, beyond amused.
“I’ll be back after I escort the intruder to her car,” I said to Francis. “Tell them we’re taking the alternate way down.”
He nodded, and I motioned for the second “Miss Stone” to follow me down a hall that gave way to my private elevator.
She avoided making eye contact through the mirrored glass, and I noticed the Hudson Nursing School logo on her bag.
When the doors opened, I gestured for her to step off first.
“I parked in one of the executive spots,” she said. “I figured it would be okay since my sister actually deserves her own spot.”
“Your sister doesn’t own a car.”
“She still deserves a parking spot.” She shrugged, stopping in front of a dark gray Altima. “This is me. Do you need to sign off on the ticket?”
“You can leave without any problems.” I pointed up at a camera. “I’m sure they won’t charge you.”
“Okay, well… I would say it’s nice to meet you, but—”
“It was very nice to meet you.” I extended my hand to her. “Minus the threats.”
She smiled and shook my hand.
“I was never here, by the way.” She looked sheepish. “Please don’t tell Andrea I did this. She’d never forgive me.”