Page 55 of The True Garza

“Well, in that case, I’m gonna need you to be aboveboard with me. Youdoremember what happened the last time you all decided to hide shit from me, right?”

Guy snorts out, “Told you.”

Trent sighs. “He probably—no,definitely—won’t like that I told you this, but True has ADHD. ‘Combination-type ADHD’ that can get real bad sometimes. Meetings like this one, that will require him to sit, stand, or be attentive for long periods of time are a nightmare for him. He’s the absolute worst person to assign this. He doesn’t do well with long meetings, nor is he interested. But it’s imperative that a vice president is at this meeting, and there’s no other senior available right now.”

“Okay… I can understand all of that,” I say. “But I still don’t understand why it needs to bemethat accompanies him.”

Trent exchanges a look with Guy before replying, “Because the only time we’ve ever seen him sit still, quiet, and focused is when you’re in his line of sight.”

That…that leaves me speechless. Breathless. Because…what?

“The other reason,” Trent goes on when I fail to find words, “is that you’re a straight shooter who asks outright for what you want, so there’s no reason not to trust you to attend a secret, highly confidential meeting. You’ll still need to sign an NDA if you agree, but while I don’t necessarily like you, I do believe I can trust you with this.”

At that, I stifle back a laugh. Trent Garza and I are more alike than he thinks.

I lean back and contemplate this “favor.” A weekend in Nevada with True. The man I’ve beenactivelyavoiding since he snubbed me when I tried to kiss him.

Since then, we’ve only spoken via text andonlyabout the mole operation. Clinical exchanges. With as few words as possible.

Wouldn’t things be awkward?

Not to mentionheconfuses, flusters, and mentally destabilizesme, so how amIsupposed to be of help to him?

Nevertheless, my stupid, stubborn mouth voices the word, “Okay.”

Visible relief rolls off Trent’s shoulders as he slides a document across the table to me. “That’s the NDA. You’ll need to sign it first before anything else.”

Having dealt with a lot of NDAs before, I scan all the relevant areas, then sign and slide it back to him.”

Next, he slides a sheet of paper to me. “That’s the login details to a private portal. Check your work email shortly for the link to the portal. There, you’ll find profiles on all the attendees for the meeting. You’ll notice they’re all prominent names. As you go through them, you’ll understand exactly why this meeting is highly confidential.

“You’ll be attending as Assistant Vice President London Bridge, so it’s all information you would be expected to know. Youdon’tneed to engage. No one will be expecting you to. Red Cage is there for only one reason.”

“Got it.”

“We made sure you were rostered for only two days this week so you’ll have time to prepare. Remember, this meeting can stretch from hours to days. So pack accordingly. Dress code for dinner is black-tie. Breakfast is semi-formal. Lunch is formal.” He glances at his watch. “We have another meeting now. But please communicate with Guy about any questions or clarifications regarding the meeting or attendees. If you’ve got questions about True, don’t hesitate to call or text me.”

With a nod, I pick up the sheet of paper and stand to leave.

Trent’s phone rings at the same time, and he answers.

I’m almost out the door when he stops me. “Bridge?”

Hand on the knob, I glance over my shoulder at him.

With a small, exasperated shake of his head, he says, “That 200K you have to think about? It’s now 500K.”

What? “What do you mean? What happened?”

Again, he shakes his head, though there’s a barely-there smirk this time as he replies, “Truehappened.”

CHAPTER Sixteen

“Tell me something vulnerable.”

Lonny

True happened.