Dirty Playboy - Alex Wolf Page 0,84

stupid and screw up his life. Most human beings I meet tend to think the sky is falling on manageable situations. Whatever Rick is dealing with is definitely serious. But I know what we have together, and I know we could overcome so much more than he thinks. I don’t think he realizes what our connection is capable of, but maybe it’s easy for me to see that because I’m not the one living in his shoes.

I just need to pause for a moment and think rationally. I need to list out events, piece clues together the way Rick would. Be methodical, scientific. Why would he do this? Did that man I saw arguing with Rick through my window have anything to do with it? Rick’s a private investigator, so there’s no telling what he could be caught up in, but he’s been doing this work forever. It should be nothing out of the ordinary, dealing with criminals, investigating to see if people are being truthful about their actions, spying on the opposition. I mean, I think that’s most of what he does.

The one piece of information I do have, is that I have no effect on his decision. He’s made up his mind about us, and I won’t be able to change it. That was clear in his eyes. I don’t know how much more hurt I could’ve looked, and he still walked past me. What information does that give me?

I know how Rick really feels about me, so it must mean whatever it is must be a threat to ‘us’ somehow. It’s the only explanation for him trying to do this. It’s going to sound arrogant on my part, but he has to be doing this to protect me from some existential threat. What that could be, I don’t know.

What’s the next most important thing to Rick, besides our relationship? The thing he values most after me?

The answer hits me the second I ask the question.

His job.

I know my next move.

I walk into The Gage, a popular bar where most of the firm hangs out after work, partners included. I’ve been here a few times, but not many, since I don’t drink. Usually for celebrations or after-work parties when we meet big deadlines or hit milestones.

Oh no, everyone is here.

Every Collins brother and all their significant others are seated at the bar top. They all turn and look at me at the same time, and all their eyes widen. Probably because they all think I’m some hardcore evangelical and the place might burst into flames if they’re next to me. At least, that’s been my observation.

I hadn’t expected them all to be here, maybe just Decker and a brother or two. I’d hoped anyway. Regardless, I take a deep breath and march right toward the managing partner of the firm, the one who calls all the shots. I mean, Donavan is a managing partner too, but it’s always clear Decker has the most seniority. He’s the one who built the firm from the ground up.

Plus, he’s been working with Rick on everything with Wells Covington. I don’t care if it’s a secret anymore. I’m not keeping it to myself. If he fires me for saying something I shouldn’t in front of Dexter or the other brothers, so be it. I’ll try to avoid it if I can, but I’ve about had it. I think this whole Wells Covington debacle is probably what’s causing all this turmoil, judging by the meeting I had with him. When a lot of money is at stake, problems naturally arise.

Everyone says, “Hi,” in the most reserved manner possible as I walk by their barstools.

I stop in front of Decker. For once, he looks speechless.

“Mary.” He gives me a small nod.

“Mr. Collins, may I speak to you in private? Sorry for interrupting, but it’s urgent.”

He lets out a huge sigh. “Fine.” He gets up from his barstool, and we walk a few steps, but he stops maybe five feet away from everyone, looking annoyed he has to deal with this. “What is it?”

I’m guessing that he’s guessing what this is about. I don’t know why he’s so frustrated, though. “It’s about Rick. I’m really worried about him, and this isn’t some freak out over something tiny, I mean—”

“Fuck Rick.” Decker raises his voice and glares right at me.

What in the world?

Decker eyes me for a second but must notice the bewildered look on my face because he shows a little remorse. “I fired him