I wouldn’t have pegged Mr. Marks for someone who blows off work for family, but I admire that.
“Perfect.” I slide to my feet. “I’ll go take that meeting.”
Chapter Forty-Four
Juliet
Holding onto the skirt of my dress, I race across the street and to the corner.
Telling Brad in person that I probably won’t be using him as a source anymore won’t be easy, but I have the name of the newest member of RumorMel’s team in my pocket.
I scored that when I ran into Hugo in the lobby of the building.
I told him about Brad, he handed me a few hundred dollars so I could grab the information if it was worth it.
If it is, I’ll drop it off at his office on they way back up to mine.
I race up the sidewalk when I realize Brad is already standing in our meeting spot. He’s wearing a bright yellow jacket, green slacks and a pair of black loafers.
The entire look works on him.
“There she is,” he calls as I approach. “Looking like a peach on a summer day.”
I smile. “You like this look?”
“That’s one of Margot’s dresses, isn’t it?” He points a finger at the peach lace dress I took from my sister’s closet this morning.
He should know since Margot treated herself to a session with Trudy to style her current wardrobe.
“And my leather jacket.” I tug on the lapels of my jacket. “It’s a little Juliet, and a little Margie mixed together.”
“It’s divine.”
I go in for a hug when he spreads his arms. “It’s good to see you, Brad.”
“I hear congratulations may be in order.”
Confused, I look into his face. “Congratulations?”
“You’re moving on up to the top floor.” He taps the tip of my nose with his fingertip.
“I just saw Hugo.” I shake my head. “I know that he didn’t tell you.”
“Every good source has a source.” He laughs. “I have mine.”
“Are you going to tell me who it is?”
“I guess she won’t give a shit if I do.” He shrugs. “It’s Shirlene.”
“Shirlene?”
“Aunt Shirlene to me.” He pats his chest.
“You’re Shirlene’s nephew?”
“By marriage,” he admits. “I do need to tell you that I have never shared anything with her before I shared it with you.”
I take some reassurance in that, although it doesn’t matter now that my assignments will be less gossip, more news.
“Including today.” He holds up a flash drive.
“What’s on that?”
“Something you can give to Hugo as a parting gift.”
I laugh. “You could have just called Hugo to come get it.”
“What fun would that have been?” He scoffs. “I needed to offer you a proper goodbye, although I will dig up some dirt on something New York Viewpoint worthy. You can count on that.”
“I will count on that.”
He nods toward the alley. “Please come into my office, Juliet.”
I shake my head. “I was mugged last time I went into your office.”
His jaw drops. “No fucking way.”
“Yes.” I nod, holding in a smile. “A guy tried to nab my purse after you left.”
“What an absolute asshole.” He narrows his eyes. “I know he didn’t get away with that flash drive because I saw the story about Corla’s engagement on RumorMel the next day. Good job on that, by the way.”
“Thanks.”
“Too bad she dumped her fiancé last week.”
I laugh. “You’re joking.”
“I’m not.” He reaches for my hand. “Why don’t we take this into the café down the street? I could use a shot of espresso and I’m feeling generous. I’ll buy you one too.”
I take his hand. “Tell me what’s on the flash drive, Brad.”
We set off side-by-side toward the café. “Two words. Trey Hale.”
I shake my head. “The baseball player who has dated virtually every woman in New York City? Present company excluded.”
“That Trey Hale.” He nods. “He was at someone’s studio with his new girlfriend. This one just might be the one, Juliet.”
“It won’t,” I say with confidence. “I’ll give you fifty bucks for the pictures. I’m sure Hugo will run with them.”
He drops the flash drive in my hand. “Deal.”
“I haven’t had a chance to show it to Mr. Marks yet,” I hesitate before I continue, “I don’t think he’d mind if the brilliant subject of my article had the first look.”
Kavan glances up at me. “Juliet, I’m in awe.”
I clap my hands together. “You’re happy with it?”
He slides to his feet. “I don’t know how the fuck you found all that information and wove it together the way you did, but it’s masterful.”
I glance at my open laptop. “I may still tweak it a bit, but I think it’s solid. It sends a clear message that Bane Enterprises is focused on the future and its most recent accomplishments.”
“I’m stunned,” he admits. “That’s not to say that I didn’t trust your talent, but this exceeds my vision.”
I sigh. “I just need to decide on a title for it.”
He nods. “I have every confidence that you’ll choose something as noteworthy as the article itself.”