Freed (Fifty Shades as Told by Christian #3) - E.L. James Page 0,222

further insights, but maybe he can answer a question for me.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Jack Hyde

Date: September 13 2011 14:23

To: Barney Sullivan

Barney

Thanks for the e-mail. Can you track when Hyde began these internet searches?

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

I check the time; I have a catch-up with Ros.

Taylor and I wait for Ana outside SIP. I glance anxiously toward the entrance, hoping that she’ll be out at any moment. An e-mail alert appears on my phone.

From: Barney Sullivan

Subject: Jack Hyde

Date: September 13 2011 17:35

To: Christian Grey

Internet searches on the topics in Hyde’s e-mail happened between 19:32 Monday, June 13, 2011, and 17:14 Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

B Sullivan

Head of IT, GEH

Hmm… Interesting. I remember I’d met him the Friday before, at the bar when I’d arranged to meet Ana. He was a loudmouthed asshole then. I wonder if he was looking for anything specific on my family, and if he found it. I glance out of the window, and finally Ana appears. She dashes toward the car, dodging the rain, Sawyer at her heels. I smile as I watch her, but my heart sinks when she glances into the car.

Her face is a stark alabaster in the gray rain.

Shit!

Sawyer opens her door, and she slides in beside me.

“Hi.” The inflection in my voice is tentative. What is it, Ana?

“Hi.” Her eyes flick to my face, briefly—too briefly, and all I see is her turmoil flashing back at me.

“What’s wrong?”

She shakes her head as Taylor pulls into traffic. “Nothing.”

I don’t think that’s true. “Is work all right?”

“Yes. Fine. Thanks.” Her tone is clipped.

Tell me! “Ana, what’s wrong?” My words are harsher than I intend, as they’re loaded with my anxiety.

“I’ve just missed you, that’s all. And I’ve been worried about Ray.”

Oh, of course. Thank God. I brighten immediately. “Ray’s good.” I try to reassure her. “I spoke to Mom this afternoon, and she’s impressed with his progress.” I reach for her hand. It’s freezing. “Boy, your hand is cold. Have you eaten today?”

She flushes.

“Ana.” Why does she do this?

“I’ll eat this evening. I haven’t really had time.”

I rub her hand in an attempt to warm it. “Do you want me to add ‘feed my wife’ to the security detail’s list of duties?” I catch Taylor’s eye in the rearview mirror.

“I’m sorry. I’ll eat. It’s just been a weird day. You know, moving Dad and all.”

I guess. She turns away and stares out the window, leaving me to flounder.

Something’s not right.

It has been a weird day.

Take her at her word, Grey.

I give her my news to test the water. “I may have to go to Taiwan.”

“Oh. When?” This gets her attention.

“Later this week. Maybe next week.”

“Okay.”

“I want you to come with me.”

Her lips thin. “Christian, please. I have my job. Let’s not rehash this argument again.”

I blow out a breath, unable to conceal my disappointment. “Thought I’d ask.”

“How long will you go for?” Ana’s voice is soft, but distracted.

This is not my girl. She’s too quiet and hesitant.

“Not more than a couple of days. I wish you’d tell me what’s bothering you.”

“Well, now that my beloved husband is going away…” Her voice fades as I raise her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles.

“I won’t be away for long.”

“Good.” She gives me a thin smile, but I know she’s preoccupied.

I gaze out the window and go through several scenarios that might be bothering Ana. Only one rings true: her father has just been in a major accident and his recovery will take some time.

Yes.

That’s it.

Grey, get a grip.

Raymond Steele is happy to see us. “Can’t thank you enough for organizing all this.” He waves at the airy room, his dark eyes full of quiet sincerity.

“Ray, you’re most welcome.” Uncomfortable with his gratitude, I change the subject. “I see you have a stack of sports magazines.”

“From Annie. I’ve been reading about the Mariners, and the season they’ve been having.” Ray launches into a diatribe about how disappointed he is with the M’s this year. I have to say, I’m with him; it’s not been a stellar season. Our conversation moves on to fishing. He’s sorry to miss out on his angling trip in Astoria, and I mention my recent fishing expedition in Aspen.

“Roaring Fork—I know it,” he says.

“You should come and stay. Maybe for a weekend, once you’re up and about.”

“I’d appreciate that, Christian.”

Throughout our discussion Ana is quiet.

Too quiet. She’s tuning out and going elsewhere.

It’s frustrating. Ana. What’s wrong?

Ray yawns. Ana glances at me, and I know it’s time to go. “Daddy, we’ll