A Brother's Honor (Grangers) - By Brenda Jackson Page 0,85
He was glad that Bruce had reported there weren’t any security breaches in the other offices. And as requested, the watchdog was now being monitored. Bruce even suggested they check Jace’s father’s office, although no one had used the office in over fifteen years and it was normally kept locked. No breach in security was found in Shep’s office, either.
Dalton nodded, and Jace could see from the expression on his face that he was well aware, like everyone else, that Security was an important department here at Granger Aeronautics. And in light of what Bruce had uncovered, it was even more so. Hopefully, this would keep Dalton busy and out of Brandy Booker’s pants.
A smile spread across Dalton’s lips. “Yeah, I saw how Martin Fillmore was sweating. The crap came down on his watch, and it didn’t make him look good. Like he’d been sleeping on the job.”
“I want you to stay on top of things, Dalton,” Jace said, tossing his pen down on the desk. He was about to hold a meeting with his other executives and had to sit there and pretend that perhaps one of them wasn’t behind it. That one of them didn’t have ulterior motives for wanting the company to fail.
“And you’re sure it was an inside job?” Dalton asked, breaking into his thoughts.
“Looks that way. Someone put that pen in Shana’s office, and it’s been there from day one.”
Dalton nodded. “Melissa set up her office, right?”
“Yes, with a little help from Brandy Booker.” He saw the lifting of Dalton’s eyes when he was remembering the way Brandy had looked that morning. For good measure, Jace then added, “But there were also a number of people in and out, including a couple of our technicians installing the computer software, a few guys from maintenance who assisted in moving furniture around and the guy cleaning the carpet.”
“Basically everyone is a suspect,” Dalton said thoughtfully.
Jace smiled. “No, not everybody. You’re not.”
Although it wasn’t a laughing matter, Dalton couldn’t help but do so. “Like I said, man, you’re crazy. But I appreciate the vote of confidence.”
“And I appreciate you and Caden having my back.”
There was silence for a minute, and then Dalton asked, “When is he returning? I hate to admit it, but I miss him. Funny how over the years, the three of us have never been in each other’s pockets, yet now that we’re back together, it seems as if that’s how it’s supposed to be.”
Jace was surprised to hear Dalton say that. “Does that mean there’s no more wanderlust in your blood?”
“I didn’t say that. All I’m saying is that I like being around you guys for now. It might be a different story next week when either of you pisses me off about something.”
Jace stood and glanced at his watch. He had a meeting to get to. He then glanced over at Dalton. “What are your plans for later?”
“I’m heading to that joint on the corner. Food’s great, and the female company is even better. You ought to join me.”
“I think I will.”
Dalton lifted a brow as he stood, as well. “You mean you don’t plan to spend another night away from home?”
“Remember our deal, Dalton,” Jace replied sternly. “You stay out of my business, and I’ll stay out of yours.”
“All right, already. Jeez. But I can’t help worrying about you.”
Jace chuckled as he slid into his jacket. “For what reason?”
“You haven’t been in the game for a while, and you might not know how it works. Things have changed since before the time you married Eve. You might be a little rusty, out of your element.”
Jace inwardly laughed at the absurdity of his baby brother thinking that he could give Jace pointers when it came to women. “I think I know how to handle my business, Dalton.”
“I hope so. I don’t want your ineptness to give me a bad name. I have a reputation to protect.”
Jace rolled his eyes as he headed to the door. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Dalton followed. “Make sure that you do.”
* * *
Shana glanced across the kitchen table at her father. She had left Granger a little early today to drop by here since she hadn’t talked to him all weekend. And if she got one more call from Jules pushing her to find out as much as she could about their father’s Saturday-night date, Shana would scream. So here she was, wishing she’d gone home and straight to bed. If anyone needed to catch up on at