Page 11 of Trust Me

“Did I say that?” I grin because those were probably my exact words. And precisely how I feel about the likes of Kyle Townsend, Brendan Chastain, and even Dean Walsh.

“Yeah, you did. So, what’s up?”

I shrug. “A woman can’t change her mind?”

She lifts a skeptical eyebrow at me.

I toss my hands up in the air. “Townsend presents a challenge. Word around town is that he’s in line to become the next COO. At only twenty-five.”

“Because his dad’s the CEO.”

I nod. “Probably, but with any major transition like that comes the need for a consultant with my skills. Especially since it’s also rumored Townsend’s on the edge of acquiring that medical devices company, they’ll need a consultant to assist with both of those transitions.”

She continues to eye me warily.

“And I like … no,lovea challenge, okay?”

“It does sound interesting if I’m being honest. In one of my marketing texts, I read that Townsend’s been around for almost seventy-five years. Robert Townsend’s credited with steering the company out of a particularly low point by outsourcing and pushing for the company to invest heavily in technology during the 80s.”

“Robert Townsend?”

“Yeah, he’s the father of the current CEO, Aaron Townsend. Making him—”

“Kyle Townsend’s grandfather,” I finish for her.

This is good information to know. “Could I get a look at your text?”

“I’ll have to bring it tomorrow. Don’t have it on me now.”

“Cool. Can you get me some articles with this information, too? But, um …” I hesitate, trying to decide how much I want to reveal to Charlotte. “I gave you access to those private databases, right?”

She nods.

We often use the same databases used by police and private investigators to research a client before taking a job. I’d done preliminary research on Kyle Townsend before approaching him the first time but hadn’t found anything interesting. There is always the possibility that I overlooked something.

“Just do a quick scan for Kyle Townsend and his father.”

“Am I looking for anything in particular?” she asks.

“The basics. Just making sure they're clean before I decide where to make my next approach.”

A frown twists my lips as I figure out how and where to meet up with Kyle again. I’d miscalculated at the club, but I still believe approaching him outside of his office is my best bet. I don’t want to use any of my past client connections to put in a good word for me at Townsend Industries. That would be a last resort if necessary.

“Here’s an article that says Townsend will be one of the major sponsors at Art Basel.”

I perk up. “That’s right.” I recall back to overhearing Kyle mention going to Miami before I interrupted his conversation with his cousin.

She nods. “They’re sponsoring a few showings and hosting a dinner on the second night. Oh, it’ll be on Townsend’s private yacht.”

“Why didn’t I think of that?” I mumble to myself.

“Huh?” Charlotte asks.

“Art Basel is one of the year's biggest events in the art world. All of the moneyed elite attend.”

My mind starts moving a million miles a minute. Art Basel will be the perfect location to work my way in with Kyle Townsend.

“However, it’s this weekend. I’m not sure you’ll be able to get tickets this late. Do you want me to make some calls?”