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“I’m sorry he lost his job, but I won’t regret not seeing him again.”

“You won’t,” he said decisively. “Any further updates on you finishing?”

“I was going to talk to Lucas when he comes back from lunch. I won’t be able to finish by Friday. I’m sorry about the delay, but I need to cross-reference Mr. Owens’ entries.” Haley used a trimmed, unpolished fingernail to point at a number on the screen. “I called him this morning, and he gave me the ID number I needed. The hiccup I’m having now is Mr. Owens deducted ten thousand for a bathroom remodel, using the same company he paid to install Internet hubs. What I found even stranger is it’s the same one he purchased the air conditioners from. Notwithstanding, I find it strange that the company he used is so diverse that they sell toilets, modems, and air conditioners, but the company went out of business six months ago. I also find it odd that nine other companies that Mr. Owens used in the past year have been accused by their customers from everything to incomplete jobs, incompetent workmanship, to outright accusations that the businesses in question keep the down payment yet refuse to render the services, or products that were paid for. Actually, the only good rating these companies have”—Haley switched the computer screen to use her curser to highlight the reviews—“are the five-star reviews Mr. Owens’ companies give them. It seems his business is the only one who gets the jobs done satisfactorily.”

“I take it you don’t believe in coincidences?”

“No, I don’t.”

“In other words, you don’t think the apartments and businesses they are trying to sell to me would be a good decision. Those two apartment buildings were going to be donated to NewDay, who find homes for homeless veterans.”

“I wouldn’t buy the apartment until I had it thoroughly checked out by ten building inspectors. Where the business is concerned, I wouldn’t take one if he sold it to me for a dollar. Then I’d have my lawyers set up an airtight contract that any lawsuits brought to any of the business you purchase from him, Mr. Owens would be the one held legally responsible for settling.”

“It would be easier to just walk away from any of the deals I was going to make with him,” Beck told her.

Haley, lost in the moment where numbers were concerned, had forgotten who she was talking to and couldn’t help but show her excitement. “Not necessarily.” Her eyes grew cunning as she pointed to the name of one of the holdings Mr. Beck was thinking of buying. “You can use the information I’m gathering to cut the asking price Mr. Owens wants, ditch the rest of the businesses, and make a decent profit on this one. Mr. Owens hasn’t put any effort in the business, and, despite his negligence, it is showing a steady growth profile. Imagine what it could do with someone who doesn’t want to run it to the ground to launder money.”

Mr. Beck’s lips turned thin. “Is that what you believe he is doing?”

Haley gave him an engaging grin. “I’d bet my next payday on it.”

“Take your time to get me the proof I need and give me the figure where it would be advantageous for me to offer.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll get it to you as soon as I can.”

Haley became so lost in the computer screen that she was unaware Mr. Beck hadn’t left until she heard the pencil rolling on her desk again.

Distractedly, she glanced up. “Was there anything else, sir?”

“When I talked to your cousin, Amelia, this morning, she told me she and George were excited about their family reunion this weekend. I don’t want you to have to miss your family function. I can drive you there,” he offered.

Her enjoyment in work dimmed at being drawn back to reality.

“No, thanks. I prefer to work this weekend.” As she spurred his offer, her eyes remained on the computer screen.

“You sure? It wouldn’t be any trouble.”

“I’m sure,” she stated dispassionately, sitting tensely at her desk until she heard his footsteps heading toward the door.

“That’s a shame. They invited me, and I get bored driving alone. You could keep me company and give us the opportunity to get to know the other better.” Mr. Beck paused, as if expecting her to jump at the chance. “If you change your mind, let me know,” he said softly. “The weekend is still a few days away.”

Waiting a full minute after she heard the door to his private office close, she finally lifted her eyes away from the computer and pressed her sweaty palms on the lap of her beige-colored dress. Taking her inhaler out of her dress pocket, she took two puffs, restraining herself from draining it empty.

Had there been a seductive undertone to his voice, or had she just imagined it? Blinking rapidly at the closed door, Haley decided she had. Men like Mr. Beck wouldn’t waste their skills on seducing a woman like her.