Chapter 10
CHAPTER 10
PEN
M ason, Caleb’s driver, is waiting for me when my plane lands. Trust Gabriel to get things organised.
I called him on my way to the airport to give him my flight details. I told Kris to remain at home and that I’d see him soon, but he insisted on his driver taking me. During the flight, I arranged a bouquet for Freya and the silver ring I saw her eyeing up in the store the last time we went shopping. This is my apology.
“Ms Penelope,” Mason says, opening the door for me. “It’s good to see you.”
I return his smile. Mason’s driven Caleb for years. He’s family. With Caleb and April on their extended honeymoon, he’s working for Gabriel and Leah.
“You too, Mason.”
“Gabriel suggested I take you straight to his office,” Mason says as he closes the door before climbing into the driver’s seat.
“Change of plans,” I say. “Can you take me straight to Elijah’s office?”
I was thinking about it on the way over. If what Elijah fears is true, then we need to understand it as quickly as possible.
Mason’s eyes meet mine in the rear-view mirror.
“As you wish.”
I pull out my phone and fire off a secure message.
A reply comes back almost immediately, making my shoulders relax.
Next, I send a message to Gabriel.
ME
I’m going to head straight to Eli’s office.
My phone rings, and I answer it.
“Are you sure? I can act as interference,” he says.
I laugh.
“I don’t need you to run interference. I spent years dealing with your grumpy brother.”
“That was a long time ago.”
I flinch at his words.
“He’s going to know who contacted you,” he says unnecessarily.
“He will. But you warned him. Has he called you? Told you it’s resolved?”
“No.”
“Then he knows I’m coming. He’ll also know you did it from a place of love and concern. This is how your family supports each other.”
“It’s why you’re part of that family.”
My heart warms at his words, as it always does.
“I am. And I value that bond. Don’t worry about Elijah. I’ve got this.”
“Thank you, Pen, I know it’s difficult,” he says. “Was Kris okay with you coming back? I know you’re busy with the wedding.”
“Kris is very understanding. He knows what you all mean to me.”
Gabriel remains silent. He’s not one to comment on other people’s affairs of the heart. He never has been.
“Tell me again what you know,” I say, changing the subject.
By the time we finish our call, Mason is pulling up outside Elijah’s office.
He retrieves my bag and hands it to me.
“Call me if you need a lift,” Mason says.
“Thank you.”
I leave Mason and walk towards Elijah’s office. The foyer is double height with glass elevators running up the inside and a lot of tile and stainless steel. It screams futuristic with its clean cut and technology stereotype.
“Good morning. Welcome to Frazer Cyber Security,” the receptionist says, looking up and pausing. “Oh, Ms Dawson. It’s lovely to see you. Is Mr Frazer or Mr Saunders expecting you?”
I smile at Lynda. She’s worked in the main reception for years. I may create computer games for a living, but I also design computer components and hardware, and they are one of my clients. Few people know I was here at its inception. It was me, not Todd, who helped create the company’s business plan with Elijah. That the company was originally named Frazer Dawson Cyber Security.
“I was in town and thought I’d pop in, see if Mr Frazer is available,” I say, giving her an extra bright smile.
“That’s wonderful. I’ll message Jules and let her know you’re on your way up.”
Lynda gives me a visitor’s pass and buzzes me through the security gate. The glass elevator rises, moving me high above reception. My eyes scan my surroundings, checking for a visible security breach, and they come up empty. When it finally pings, I step out and walk towards Jules, Elijah’s PA.
Jules gets up and moves around her desk, pulling me in for a welcoming hug.
“I thought you were moving to the US?” she says, looking up at me, gripping my forearms.
“After the wedding,” I say with a smile. “I was this side of town and thought I’d see if Elijah was free.”
Jules grimaces. “He’s in there, but he’s cancelled all appointments for today. He told me he doesn’t want to be disturbed.”
I rest a hand on her shoulder and give her a wink.
“And when has that ever stopped me? Can you get us some coffee? I’ll pop in and see him.”
“On your head, be it,” she says with no malice. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
I know I’m the only one outside the direct family Jules would say this to. She’s loyal to Elijah, almost to a fault. But as a known friend of the Frazer family, as well as a client and supplier, I get added bonus points.
“Penelope,” her voice takes on a more serious note. “I haven’t seen him like this. Not since his divorce. Not since Darra and Lottie’s accident all those years ago.”
I give her shoulder a squeeze before letting it go.
“You get the coffee. Let me deal with Elijah.”
She nods, her expression sad. She cares about him.
I move towards his door. Knocking once and opening it.
“Jules, I told you I didn’t want to be disturbed.”
“I sent her to get coffee,” I say, stepping through the door and closing it behind me.
His head shoots up as I enter.
“Pen? What the hell are you doing here?”
“Is that how you greet an old friend?” I say, moving further into his office and dropping into the chair opposite his desk.
“Pen, I don’t mean to be rude, but I really don’t have time for this,” he says, turning back to his screen.
His face flushed, his brow wrinkled. He looks like shit.
“Well, make time,” I say, watching his scowl deepen. “I’m here to take you out to lunch.”
Elijah drops back in his chair with what sounds like a frustrated growl. The stress lines around his eyes are deep. He’s aged in the past four weeks since I last saw him.
“Now really isn’t a good time,” he says through gritted teeth before running a hand down his face.
“I personally think now is the perfect time,” I say, leaning forward, resting my hands on my knees. “Gabriel called me.”
Elijah sits up and groans, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“My bloody brother called you?”
“Yes, he did. Thought it would be a good idea if I took you to lunch since I flew in from the US this morning.”
“He had no right.”
“Is that what you think? Get your head out of your ass, Eli. You may be the eldest Frazer sibling, but you’re not an island.”
I’m shocked as I watch Elijah drop back in his chair, his head tilting back as he stares at the ceiling. I know he’s counting to ten.
“I—”
Elijah stops as a knock sounds at the door.
Jules enters carrying two steaming mugs of coffee.
“Thanks Jules,” I say as she places them down on Elijah’s desk.
“Is there anything else I can get you?” she asks.
Her gaze turns to a very dishevelled Elijah, a frown appearing between her brows.
“That will be all, Jules. Thank you,” Elijah says, his voice full of the exhaustion that is showing on his face.
“Thanks, Jules.” I grip her arm and squeeze as she passes, shooting her a look that lets her know I’ve got this. She inclines her head. “I’ll contact you if we need anything, but we’re going to grab some lunch.”
She smiles, shooting me a look of gratitude, before leaving.
When the door closes, Elijah sits up.
“We are not going to lunch.”
I reach into my bag and pull a business card out. Pushing it across the table.
Elijah’s eyes drop to the card, his brows furrowing as he reads what is written on the back.
“Back down, tiger. I’m here to help,” I say truthfully.
Elijah runs a hand through his hair, highlighting the fact he needs a haircut. It’s the longest I’ve seen it since our university days.
Elijah opens his mouth to speak, but I hold up a hand, stopping him.
“Let’s get out of here,” I say, standing up and retrieving the card from his desk, slipping it back into my pocket.
Elijah goes to open his mouth again, but I shake my head.
A frown mars Elijah’s brow, but he remains silent. His head inclines slightly as he stares at me as if trying to work out my angle.
“Lunch,” I say.
“I see getting engaged hasn’t affected your bossy attitude,” Elijah says, reminding me of how he would pull faces when I organised our group work at uni. “I hope Kris knows what he’s letting himself in for.”
I chuckle. “He sure does,” I say, winking, earning myself another scowl. “Now, let’s go.”