Chapter 15 Archer
Archer
Archer was in the middle of a conference call when the text from Morgan came through. He glanced at his personal phone, his attention immediately diverted from the acquisition projections his CFO was presenting.
Do you know any good attorneys?
The unexpected question sent a spike of concern through him. Attorneys? What had happened since their morning conversation?
“Mr. Sullivan?” His CFO’s voice pulled him back to the conference call. “Your thoughts on the valuation adjustment?”
“The numbers look solid,” Archer replied automatically, his mind still on Morgan’s message. “Proceed with the revised offer.”
He ended the call as quickly as possible without raising eyebrows, then immediately tried calling Morgan. The call went straight to voicemail—she was likely at her medical appointment.
I know several excellent attorneys. It depends on what area of law you need. What’s happening?
Her response came several minutes later: Complicated situation at work. Will explain tonight.
Archer frowned at the cryptic message. Given what he knew about the financial irregularities at Vertex Creative and Richard Jenkins’ apparent involvement, Morgan’s sudden need for legal counsel was concerning. Was she already being implicated in the embezzlement scheme they’d found?
He considered calling his head of legal affairs to get more information on the Vertex investigation but stopped himself.
The line between his CEO persona and his relationship with Morgan was becoming dangerously blurred.
Using Sullivan Enterprises resources to protect her could compromise both the acquisition and their relationship if she ever discovered it.
His phone rang—Kane’s number flashing on the screen.
Archer answered with a low acknowledgement, “Kane.”
“Cameras are installed and operational,” Kane reported. “Basic two-camera setup covering the main living space and bedroom hallway. Secure cloud storage, remote access through her phone.”
“Cameras?” Archer repeated, momentarily confused. “What cameras? For Morgan?”
“The security cameras Morgan asked me to install today,” Kane explained. “She called this morning. Said she came home last night and found her door unlocked, though she was certain she’d locked it.”
Archer tensed, his protective instincts immediately on high alert. “Did you check for signs of entry?”
“Of course. There was nothing obvious,” Kane said. “No scratches on the locks, no evidence anyone tampered with the door. Could have been simple forgetfulness on her part, but..."
“But you don’t think so,” Archer finished for him.
“My gut says no. She doesn’t strike me as the careless type.”
Archer silently agreed. Morgan was meticulous and security-conscious, especially after the situation with her ex-boyfriend. Forgetting to lock her door seemed out of character. Especially since he explicitly left her a note yesterday morning to make sure she remembered.
A new thought occurred to him—one that sent an uncomfortable twinge through his chest. What if the cameras were Morgan’s way of trying to capture his face?
What if her trust in him had limits, and she was attempting to discover his identity?
It seemed unlikely given everything they’d shared, but the timing was suspicious.
“The cameras,” Archer asked carefully. “Where exactly are they positioned?”
“Main living area covering the entryway and couch, second one in the hallway with a view of the bedroom door,” Kane replied. “Standard home security placement. Why?”
“Just curious,” Archer said, keeping his tone neutral. “Is there any chance she’s trying to... I don’t know, record me?”
Kane’s silence spoke volumes.
“You think I’m being paranoid,” Archer concluded.
“I think you’re overthinking this,” Kane corrected. “She seemed genuinely concerned about security. This didn’t feel like a trap—it felt like a woman who was taking control of her safety.”
The assessment eased Archer’s misgivings somewhat. Kane had excellent intuition about people—it was what made him valuable in both security work and their former military operations.
“Did she mention an attorney situation to you?” Archer asked.
“No, but she seemed stressed about work. Got a text while I was there that made her rush back to the office.”
Archer checked his watch. Almost 6:00 PM. Morgan should be finishing her medical appointment soon.
“Thanks for the update,” he said. “And for installing the cameras. Send the bill to my personal account.”
“Already taken care of,” Kane assured him. “And Archer? She offered to pay. Most people trying to set a trap don’t use someone connected to the person they’re trying to trap. She could have called anyone else.”
Archer smiled despite his concerns. “Point taken.”
After hanging up, he prepared to leave the office, sending a few final emails before heading to the elevator.
The situation with Morgan was becoming increasingly complex.
Her workplace problems, the security concerns at her apartment, the deepening intimacy between them—all of it pushing against the carefully constructed boundaries of his separate lives designed to give him freedom from the outside world.
Tonight, at least, he could offer her comfort and advice. And perhaps distract her from her worries, if only for a few hours.
Archer arrived at Morgan’s apartment with a bag of takeout from an Italian restaurant he enjoyed, the perfect comfort food, as well as the black blindfold tucked into his back pocket.
He was acutely aware of the newly installed security camera now watching the entrance, though he kept his helmet firmly in place.
Morgan answered the door looking simultaneously stressed and beautiful. Her hair was still damp from the shower, and she wore a baggy t-shirt and leggings obviously ready for a comfortable evening in.
“Hi,” she said, her smile tired but genuine as she moved into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Rough day?” he asked, squeezing her tight before releasing her to step inside and scan the apartment. The new awareness of the cameras making it difficult to relax his guard. Kane’s installation was professional—the small devices were discreet yet effectively positioned.
“The roughest,” Morgan confirmed, taking the food bag from him. “But better now.”
“I brought something to help you relax.”
Morgan raised an eyebrow waiting for him to elaborate. He nodded towards her arm and carefully pulled the fabric from his back pocket to place in her outstretched hand.
“Is this what I think it is?” she asked, a hint of mischief replacing the fatigue in her eyes.
“I thought we might enjoy a similar evening to the other night,” Archer explained. “You wear this, I take off the helmet. We can eat and talk without the usual awkwardness of me turning away every few bites.”
“I like the way you think,” Morgan said, running the soft fabric between her fingers. “Though I was hoping to see you tonight.”
“There are other ways to see someone,” he said, his voice dropping lower. “Ways that don’t require eyes.”
A flush crept up her neck, and Archer was pleased to see he could still affect her so easily.
“Before we get to that,” Morgan said, setting the blindfold aside, “Can we talk about the attorney situation? It’s been weighing on me all day.”
“Of course,” Archer agreed, concern replacing desire. “What’s happening?”
Morgan explained about the fraudulent invoice, her digital signature being used without her knowledge, and Richard’s strange dismissal of the situation.
As she spoke, Archer’s jaw tightened beneath his helmet.
This was exactly what his investigative team had uncovered—systematic fraud with different department employees’ credentials being misused.
“I’m worried I’m being set up,” Morgan concluded. “If my signature is on fraudulent documents, I could be held responsible when this all comes to light, especially if it’s been going on for a while.”
“You need a corporate attorney with experience in financial fraud cases,” Archer said decisively. “I know several excellent ones. The best is probably Alexandra Winters at Winters Morgan’s apartment was now more secure. That was what mattered.
“Dinner first,” he said, nodding toward the Italian food. “Then relaxation.”
Morgan tied the blindfold around her eyes, adjusting it to ensure she couldn’t see. “How’s this?”
“Perfect,” Archer said, removing his helmet with a sense of relief. The air felt cool against his face after the confinement.