The Heir Apparent by Tere Michaels

Author:Tere Michaels [Michaels, Tere]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Amazon: B00BLRLUHI
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Published: 2013-02-24T11:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“It’s good to see you,” Kit said as Henry got out of the car. Four days since the will reading, nearly a week since the kidnapping, and he’d finally convinced Libby and Evelyn to let him venture past the front gate.

Henry smiled, let her take his briefcase as her hands hovered nervously. Paul had the same expression on his face—concern—as he held open the door.

Everyone was waiting for Henry to crumple to the ground.

Which was why he pushed his shoulders back as he walked toward the building, Kit trotting along at his side.

“Did you schedule everything I asked you to?”

“Yes.” The slight hesitation in her voice gave him pause as they stepped through the doors.

“What’s wrong?”

Kit’s gaze dropped to his shoes.

“Can we…we talk about it upstairs?” she murmured.

Henry nodded, putting his hand on her elbow to guide her to the elevator that much more quickly. He exchanged polite smiles and subdued greetings with the security guards and front-desk staff, all the while aware of Paul shadowing him and Kit fidgeting at his side.

There wasn’t a second he could pretend this was just another day at the office.

The elevator ride was silent. They exited on the executive floor, where all activity seemed to cease—and all the sound disappear—as Henry stepped into the reception area.

A small crowd gathered, almost by accident, it seemed. People walking by stopped and stared.

Henry felt the expectation growing.

“Good morning,” he said, nodding to acknowledge their stares. “Let’s see if we can’t keep this place running in tiptop shape.” He smiled, or at least attempted to. A few people reflected that back, while others dropped their gazes and scurried back on their way.

He sighed inwardly.

“Let’s go,” he said to Kit, heading toward the left hallway.

Then realized she wasn’t following him.

“Um—I thought you might be in the other office,” Kit said slowly, her cheeks turning a flaming red. “Your…”

“I know what you meant.” It came out harsher than he wanted it to, and that immediately showed in her expression. “Sorry. Let’s just—I’d rather be in my office for right now.”

Kit nodded. Henry turned on his heel and strode quickly down the hallway to the small suite of offices he shared with Kit.

They didn’t talk again until they were in Henry’s office. He ignored the multitude of flower arrangements, dropping into his chair with a sigh.

“What’s wrong, Kit?”

“I called the board members. Out of the twelve, only four would agree to meetings. Those are on your calendar. Three refused outright. The rest said they would get back to me.” Kit’s words came out in a frantic rush.

“They know about the will.” Henry leaned back, already exhausted. His head pounded while red flicks of anger began to build. “They know about the fucking will, and since I’m a lame-duck president, they don’t have any urgency to respond.”

Kit leaned back, as if distancing herself from his harsh words.

“I’m calling an emergency board meeting. Tomorrow. Nine a.m. No proxies—everyone needs to be there.”

“Yes, sir.” Kit stood.

“Where’s David?”

“Mr. Silver is working from home today.

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