Chapter 3 - THE VOICE HE COULDN'T IGNORE
Adrian Bell arrived fifteen minutes later.
He was forty-two, handsome in a polished way, with expensive shoes and a smile that never reached his eyes.
“Arthur.”
Arthur didn't smile.
“Sit.”
Adrian glanced at Norah.
“And who is this?”
“My assistant.”
Adrian's smile widened.
“Another one?”
Norah looked up.
“Still employed.”
His smile faded slightly.
Arthur tapped the contract.
“Explain Bellmont Holdings.”
Adrian hesitated.
“It's a standard restructuring entity.”
“Then why does the earlier section name Bellmont Logistics?”
“Administrative oversight.”
Arthur's expression hardened.
“An oversight that transfers control of three warehouses?”
Adrian went still.
Norah looked down.
She hadn't realized that.
Adrian recovered quickly.
“Arthur, you're misunderstanding the language.”
Arthur smiled coldly.
“Then explain it.”
Adrian began talking.
Fast.
Confident.
Using financial terms that sounded impressive but answered nothing.
Norah listened.
Then interrupted.
“Excuse me.”
Adrian turned.
“Yes?”
“Who owns Bellmont Holdings?”
Silence.
Arthur's head tilted toward her.
Adrian smiled.
“That's not relevant.”
Norah looked at the contract.
“Actually, it is.”
His expression tightened.
“Miss—”
“Hayes.”
“Miss Hayes, this is a complex corporate matter.”
She nodded.
“Then the ownership should be easy to verify.”
Arthur leaned back.
For the first time that morning, he smiled.
“Answer her.”
Adrian stared.
Then said, “I'll have the information sent over.”
Arthur's smile vanished.
“Before this document is signed.”
Adrian stood.
“Of course.”
He left.
Norah watched the door close.
Then looked at Arthur.
“Does he always talk that much without saying anything?”
Arthur laughed.
A real laugh.
Deep.
Surprised.
And slightly rusty.
Norah smiled.
Arthur stopped.
Then frowned.
“Don't get comfortable.”
May you like
She shrugged.
“Too late.”
