“We’re preparing some big changes. Can’t work them into our regular schedule.”
“So you’re working with him?”
“Yes, ma’am. Sorry. Mrs. Statham,” I amended with a laugh.
“Right. What’s with all the changes? And for how long are you two going to keep that draconian schedule?”
I opened my mouth to answer before thinking better of it. Wait a second. Wait a second. Was she trying to fish out information from me? Oh my God, she totally was.
I’d been around the Bennett clan long enough to recognize the tactic. I’d cut my teeth on Jenna, Pippa, and Christopher. Victoria was completely harmless (and usually so obvious that I could easily dodge her questions) by comparison.
“I don’t know all the details. Why don’t I ask Winston and get back to you?”
“No need for that,” she said quickly. I smiled to myself. “How is it working with my son, Sienna?”
I frowned at the change of subject, unsure what to brace myself for.
“He’s brilliant, and I love working with him.”
“That’s lovely to hear. We’re always wondering how things are at the office, you know. It’s weird, after forty-six years of going in there daily, now suddenly not being there at all. We’re so happy Winston decided to carry on the legacy.”
I relaxed in my chair. She just wanted to know how things were in general. No nefarious goal behind it.
“He’s doing a fabulous job.”
“My son knows all the tricks. Perhaps if you told me what the big change is, I could help? My husband and I have had some great ideas in our time, you know.”
I blinked, sitting up straighter again. Holy hell, I’d been close to falling right into her trap. I should have seen this tactic coming. Pippa was a master at it.
Step one: get the poor unsuspecting soul you’re planning to question to relax—usually by talking about something else.
Step two: once they’ve lowered their defense, jump in for the kill.
“I assure you, Winston’s got the hang of things,” I said.
“Well, then. Have a great day, Sienna.” Something in her voice told me she wasn’t giving up. “It was nice talking to you.”
“You too.”
Stathams were forces to be reckoned with. That was true as much for the mother as it was for the son.
I shook my head, smiling as I hung up. I was fully awake now, no need for a coffee break.
But I thought I should let Winston know what his mom was up to. So when I saw him in the hallway, I waved at him, motioning for him to come to my office.
I dropped my voice to a whisper once he was inside.
“Funny thing, your mom called.”
“My... mother?”
“Yup.”
“Why?” he checked his phone. “I have no missed call from her.”
“Well, no... I think she was hoping for extra information from another... source.”
“Should I be afraid?”