Page 61 of Cameron's Contract

“Where are you?” I said.

“Driving. Needed to clear my head.”

“Skydiving?”

“On my way to the pick up now.”

“Be careful.”

“Always. You need to join me. Though it sounds like you’ve got your own adrenaline junkie moves going on.”

“That trick you pulled on my shares.”

“When I tripled them?”

“I need you to do it again.”

Silence screamed loudly on the other end.

I whispered, “Quadruple it.”

My thoughts carried me to the first time I’d met Richard at Terry’s Tavern back at Harvard. He’d looked so young, so intense, nursing his Corona in that private leather seated enclave. His broodiness attracted attention and at the same time kept away those threatened by his looks and obvious wealth.

I wished I could go back to those days at Harvard and start over.

Maybe even choose business instead…

I remembered Richard’s nose stuck in Geoffrey Chaucer’sThe House of Fame, while he took bites out of a burger…

I’d approached him. “Mind if I join you?”

“Actually I do.” He’d raised his book. “I’m at a good part.”

“Great book. It’s about truth.”

“I don’t suck dick.”

“Charming, Mr. Sheppard.” I’d eased in and sat opposite.

“Can I help you with something?”

“I’m here to guide you to a place where you can safely spank your very own submissive and not get thrown out of Harvard.”

He pushed his plate aside and wiped his hands on the napkin.

“Your lover is friends with my ex,” I told him.

“Excuse me?”

“Things went a little awry the other night with Megan, apparently.”

“This is kind of private.”

The waiter hurried over to our table since the bar was empty. Only a few locals sipping beer here and there. The young man was like so many other students who were also closing in on their finals. Those dark circles under his eyes were a result of burning the midnight oil.

I pointed to Richard’s burger. “Another one of those, please.”

Richard’s back straightened defensively.