The Project

“How many people worked on this deal?” Devyn asked, changing the subject because it was pointless to argue about this.

“Ten on my team, but every department had a hand in this deal,” Lucas said, slowly exhaling. “I just can’t see anyone on my team doing this. They had nothing to gain. They were counting on the deal to go through for their bonuses and of course, an invitation to the gala in May. Speaking of the gala,” Lucas said, gesturing absently in Andi’s direction, “the board wants to show their gratitude for what she did for Carta Hotels.”

“What did they have in mind?” Devyn asked, knowing the board well enough to know that whatever they had in mind for Andi, it was for their benefit.

“They want you to invite Andi to the gala,” Lucas said, throwing Andi another curious look to find her worrying her bottom lip between her teeth as she read through her notes.

“I wasn’t planning on going,” Devyn said, knowing better than to waste any time on bullshit, not when he only had four months to clean this mess.

“You have to go, Devyn.”

“And why is that?” he asked, wondering how he was going to fix this only to realize something important.

He had no fucking idea where to start.

“Because you still need to play the game by their rules. Don’t give them a reason to look somewhere else. Show up when you’re supposed to, smile, and give them whatever they want to make them happy,” Lucas said, suddenly looking exhausted as he gestured to the small bandage on his forehead. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Devyn said as his gaze flickered to the reason why to find Andi absently humming to herself as she finished going through the file on her lap and grabbed another one.

“They catch the guy?” Lucas asked.

Shaking his head, Devyn said, “Not yet,” not really expecting them to find the man that attacked him. The only thing that they knew was that it hadn’t been a random attack. The security cameras that Carta Hotels had in the parking lot managed to catch the perp waiting most of the night for him. As soon as the little prick saw him, he’d made his move.

“I actually came to see if you wanted to grab lunch,” Lucas said, getting to his feet with a heavy sigh, “but I’m guessing that you’re going to need a raincheck.”

“Yes, I am,” Devyn murmured absently, his gaze flickering to Andi as he thought about what she’d said this morning and found himself asking, “Do you have any idea who was behind this?”

“None,” Lucas said, sighing heavily as his gaze flickered to Andi before looking back at him as he added, “Whatever you’re planning, I would do it fast.”