Pheromonal: One Night With the Alpha novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Down the Mountain

"Of course not, sir." Struggling to keep my feelings out of my voice, I grip my hands tighter in my lap.

"Mr. Fernsby, I appreciate your concerns." It’s a monumental effort to maintain my professional demeanor. "While I cannot breach client confidentiality, I can assure you that our clients are all alive and well. We take great pride in our work and the safety of those we protect.f"

His eyes narrow, skepticism etched into every line of his face. I press on, determined to get to the bottom of this.

"If I may ask, how did you come by this information? Our client list and upgrade details are strictly confidential, for everyone’s safety."

Mr. Fernsby’s cool eyes bore into mine. "I have my sources, Ms. d’Armand. Surely you understand the importance of keeping one’s ear to the ground in our... unique community."

"Of course." I nod, mind racing. Something doesn’t add up. "And these sources, they specifically mentioned recent upgrades through our company?"

"Indeed, they did." He reaches into a drawer, pulling out a thin file. "I have acquired records of three separate installations. All three clients are now deceased."

My stomach churns.

"Mr. Fernsby, I don’t mean to question your sources, but there must be some misunderstanding. May I see those records?"

He slides the file across the desk. With steady hands that belie my inner turmoil, I open it. Names, dates, installation details from this year—all laid out in black and white.

The paper’s right.

The letterhead’s right.

Down to every detail, it looks legitimate.

But—

I look at the names and addresses again.

Something’s off.

I close the file, my mind whirring with questions. "Mr. Fernsby, would it be possible for me to take a copy of these files? I’d like to look into this matter more thoroughly."

He gestures toward the folder. "That is the copy, Ms. d’Armand. You’re welcome to take it with you."

"Thank you." Standing, I tuck the file under my arm. "I appreciate your bringing this to my attention. I’m afraid there’s little I can do here today until I’ve looked further into your concerns."

Mr. Fernsby rises, extending his hand. As I shake it, his grip is firm, almost uncomfortably so. "Of course. I understand the need for discretion in these matters."

A faint smile plays at the corners of his mouth. "Tell me, Ms. d’Armand, do you think you can accomplish more than the SED’s investigative team?"

How does he expect a simple anti-magic security analyst to compete with an entire division for supernatural enforcement?

But still, this is involving my company, so I smile. "Mr. Fernsby, I assure you that I take this matter very seriously. Our clients’ satisfaction is our guarantee. I’ll personally look into these incidents and get back to you as soon as possible."

He nods, releasing my hand. "I look forward to hearing from you, Ms. d’Armand. Sooner rather than later, I hope."

"Of course." I force a smile. "I’ll be in touch."

Jasper materializes at my elbow, ready to escort me out. As we walk through the cavernous halls, my mind races. How did Fernsby get his hands on our confidential client information?

The cool air outside is a relief after the stifling atmosphere of Fernsby’s office. I fumble for my keys, eager to get back to the office and start digging.

"Ms. d’Armand?"

I turn. Jasper stands in the doorway, his face impassive.

"Yes?"

"Drive safely."

I don’t care how amazing of a client Fernsby is. I’m never coming back here this late. Ever. Again.

"Goddamn it, Jasper." I spit out the words, tasting blood from where I bit my cheek. "Drive safe, my ass. Thanks for the jinx, asshole." fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

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