Encounter

Chapter 67

The next morning turned into a flurry of activity as James prepared for the emergency board assembly. He was up before sunrise, poring over the contemporary reports from the forensic accountants as he downed cup after cup of black espresso.

Lily did her best to provide silent support, keeping Ava occupied and making sure James remembered to eat something. She could see the tension coiled in each line of his body, the fierce willpower burning in his eyes.

Just before he left, James pulled her into a long, tight embrace. "I will get to the bottom of this," he vowed again. "I won't let our family stay vulnerable a second longer than necessary."

Lily held him tightly, breathing in his familiar scent - clean soap and sandalwood from his aftershave. "I know you will," she murmured against his neck. "You're James freaking Watson. You've conquered bigger obstacles than this."

That pulled a small chuckle from him as he drew back to look at her. "Damn right I have. And I've got one h