Shadow of My Heart - By Caryn Moya-Block Page 0,5
When she got home in the evening, she liked seeing it. She imagined they were kindred spirits, both alone, searching for something, or someone.
Cara was suddenly anxious when she realized that seeking out his picture every evening had become part of her routine. What was wrong with her? Was she becoming obsessed with the man? She immediately picked up the picture and dropped it in the trashcan. She even walked away and left it there. But with her heart pounding, she rushed back to retrieve it. Having the picture had become a need too powerful to ignore. Running her hand over the picture to brush it off, she returned it to her desk.
It was just a picture. A fantasy. Tonight, she might actually meet her fantasy, maybe get a chance to hear him speak. She imagined his voice would be smoky, a low timbre that would brush against her like a caress.
The doorbell rang, snapping her out of her reverie. Cara hurried to answer it. She wished she didn’t have to put up with Davidson for the rest of the evening. At least his wife Susan seemed nice.
Cara opened the door to let in Davidson and Susan. Davidson walked in, his normal pompous self, strutting around with his chest puffed up. The teachers had given him the nickname Rooster Davidson. Susan looked apologetically at Cara and gave her a quick hug.
Cara realized she now knew that Susan was having an affair. Cara held onto her smile, afraid to show the slightest reaction. She hated when that happened—knowledge flowing into her, without her permission.
“Shall we go? The limo should be waiting downstairs,” Cara said, picking up her wrap.
§
Adjusting his bow tie, Raven gave his tuxedo a final inspection. He looked just like he should as a major company’s CEO—calm, confident and slightly aloof. He knew some of his competitors didn’t like that he wore his dark hair long. But he wasn’t worried.
Turning around, he reached for his favorite obsidian knife and slid it in a sheath on his lower leg. His father had given him the knife on his tenth birthday, just weeks before both his parents were killed in a car accident.
Raven never went out without a weapon. He just felt better knowing he had it with him. Spying for General Holland had taught him an important lesson. The world could be a dangerous place.
Raven felt a telepathic nudge before he heard a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
Joe walked into the apartment. From the look on his face, he was worried about something.
“What is it?” Raven asked.
“General Holland picked up that uranium smuggler we uncovered in Iran. They found one of our brochures in his briefcase. I don’t think we can assume he is just interested in Isanti. I think we have to conclude that he knew we were working for the general.”
“What do you think the fallout will be?”
“I’m not sure. The names of our board members are available publicly. You and Derek have the highest profiles. Shoot, Derek is in the news almost every week. He’s got the paparazzi following him everywhere. I think both of you need to be careful for a while. At least until we know if Adar has targeted Isanti, Inc..”
“Add extra security to our facilities as well,” Raven said.
“Already done.”
“That’s why you’re head of security.”
“I thought it was because I am so charming.”
Raven laughed in surprise. People often thought Joe looked like a football linebacker, big and mean. No one would believe he was charming or had a sense of humor. But Joe possessed both and had even played practical jokes when he was a kid. He was also loyal and determined and took his job very seriously.
“I’d love to skip this dinner tonight, Raven suggested. “We could go up to the hunting cabin and hide out for a while.”
“No, you can’t. This is your baby, giving back to the community. We both know you have to be there tonight.”
“You know how I hate crowds. Besides, Derek will show up with his woman de jour and tick me off. Are you sure we can’t go hunting?”
“Come on, Raven. Who knows, maybe you’ll finally meet that woman Quiet Thunder told you about.”
“Maybe. I’ve been waiting a long time. Sometimes I wonder if I’m kidding myself.”
“Don’t lose faith now. She’s out there. You’ll find her. Now, let’s go.”
Raven sighed in resignation as he flipped off the light in the room. He opened a door into Shadow and pictured the outside of the Biltmore Hotel in