Page 38 of Only the Devil

Well, I still take his paychecks. I’d return the money, except I’m still feeling a little burned by not taking the partnership offer and then watching the value of the company skyrocket exponentially. Of course, I’m the one who struck that match, but…

Shit. I’m a shit. Rhodes is paying me and paying whatever fee KOAN is charging to sit tight and babysit. I don’t mean to undermine Jake’s cushy gig, but I have to say something.

* * *

You don’t need to be paying for a protective detail. You know that, right?

* * *

Rhodes MacMillan

Oh, absolutely. The dead body is a sure sign all is groovy.

* * *

I’m not winning this, mainly because I might be wrong. If I tell him it’s conceivable Reed was murdered he’ll come here himself and pluck me from the office kicking and screaming.

* * *

How are things there?

* * *

Rhodes MacMillan

U still care?

* * *

(eye roll emoji)

* * *

Rhodes MacMillan

Miles’s court date was delayed. As expected. I’m looking at moving our headquarters.

* * *

Miles is the cofounder of ARGUS, and a friend who cooked up a harebrained scheme to smoke Rhodes out of the company. If I’d known about it, I would’ve totally been Team Rhodes, which I suppose is the reason Miles kept me in the dark and later attempted to use me to force Rhodes’ hand. That kidnapping charge is the one that the DA says he won’t walk away from. A lot of the other evidence against him—working to blackmail Rhodes—won’t stick.

* * *

HQ where? And—no—I don’t care. I shall always remain a remote work gal. Just curious.

* * *

Rhodes MacMillan

NC

* * *

You are so in love.

* * *

I grin because he fell so fucking hard, just like I told him he would. He met his new love in his home state. She works for KOAN, actually. Jake knows her. Actually, that project is how I met Jake.