Chapter 14

Chapter 14


Logan's point of view. 

When I put down the phone with Brianna, I felt excited in my heart. I got what I wanted. A chance to see Brianna and maybe further my chances with her.

But not all for the right reasons. Getting close to Brianna has another agenda up its sleeves. I wanted to know what her father, George Conners, was planning next.

I have always known that as a businessman, you have to stay one step ahead of your competitors. And George Conners happens to be one great competitor to keep a watch on.

I have a sneaking suspicion that George was going to make some big moves-stuff worthy of shaking the balance of power in our industry-as if I wanted to know that.

By coming close to Brianna, I hoped to see a part of her father's plans. I knew it was risky to use Brianna this way. But I would take the risk to be up against George Conners.

The following day saw me at the coffee shop really early. I was practically hovering over the entrance waiting for Brianna to walk in. And when she walked through the door, so beautiful in her little yellow sundress, a quick guilt pang hit me. Really? Using her for my gain?

I immediately dismissed the thought with my standing up and beaming at Brianna: "Hey," I said, feeling a wisp of nervousness. "You look fantastic today."

Brianna smiled back at me, looking a little more relaxed than she had when she had talked over the phone. "Thanks," she said. "You don't look so bad yourself."

We went on to sit at one of the tables, order coffee, while continuing to talk for some time. I tried to hold light conversation so she wouldn't run off, yet subtly digging for intel on her father's plans. 

I couldn't help but notice how those eyes tended to shine with spark each time Brianna broke into laughter, though. Or the way her hair fell in loose waves down her back. One part of me felt very much drawn to her, and the other part threw up its hands, suddenly less than purely motivated to know Brianna.

Yet I pushed the sensation aside, concentrating only on accomplishing my aim. What was George Conners up to? I had to find out.

I was just about to leave after finishing coffee with Brianna-walking outside the coffee shop with her when I felt a tingle of excitement and suspense. I knew this was going to be the beginning of a really interesting game for both of us.

"Thanks for meeting me today, Brianna," I said while smiling at her. "I really enjoyed it."

Brianna looked slightly less apprehensive than before and replied, "Me too, Logan. Maybe again someday?"

I grinned at the satisfaction of having taken the initial step in getting close to Brianna, probably also learning what her father was salting away for the future.

"I'd like that," I said back, smiling at her. "I'll call you soon."

Watching Brianna walk away interestingly sparked excitement and anticipation in me. Something told me this game was just starting to become very interesting.

She stood abruptly when we walked out of the coffee shop, answering a call she had on her phone. "I must take this one." she said looking at the screen.

I nodded and she took the call. Listening to the caller on the end, her expression relaxed and then deepened into one of concern. 

I ask with a pang of curiosity, "Hey, what's going on?" 
Brianna held up one finger to indicate that she was still on the phone. I nodded, and she resumed listening to the person on the other end. 

Unease stole over me as I watched her.

Her demeanor was visible, as from what I observed, it was fully engaged and developed. What they had been talking about was with regard to what caused her to be concerned.

Suddenly, Brianna's eyes snapped to mine, and she looked like she had seen a ghost. "Dad, what do you mean you went to see Don Jack?" she asked with a tremor in her voice.

I heard Don Jack and listened at the same. Don Jack was not a learned businessman. He was very much of a ruthless business cunning. Sworn enemy to the King family and, obviously, my family wouldn't be gratified knowing George Conners paid a visit to him.

The curiosity developed into concern. What business interested George Conners going to see Don Jack? And, what did that have to do with Brianna and family?

I leaned in closer to listen more since I felt like I was missing something that was very important as Brianna kept talking to her father.

Brianna would suddenly cut the conversation and look pale and shaken as she would say, "I need to go," and her voice would tremble.

Concern filled me as I nodded, "Is everything okay?" 

"Oh," said Brianna, shaking her head, "No." "I don't think it is."

As I watched Brianna hurry away I felt cold feet coming on. What was the business of George Conners with Don Jack? And how did that concern Brianna and her family?

I decided to pry and get the facts straight about George Conners' dealings with Don Jack. I whipped out my phone and dialed the number of my assistant. 

"Hey Rachel," I said, "I need you to do a bit of research for me. Find anything and everything about George Conners and his business with Don Jack."

Rachel's voice was all business. "I got your back on that, Logan. I will see what I can dig up." 

Then I promptly hung up the phone and steered back into my chair with my mind racing about the possibilities.

What do you think about George Conners? And how did it relate to Don Jack?

While I waited for Rachel to contact me, my mind couldn't cease thinking about Brianna. She had appeared so worried and frightened at the time her father called. I wanted to assist her-to shield her from whatever this was. But how would I be able to do that when I wasn't sure even what was happening? At that moment, the phone buzzed in my hands with an incoming call from Rachel. "Hey, Logan," she began. "I've got some interesting stuff about George Conners and Don Jack."

Leaning forward, my heart raced with anticipation. "What is it?" I asked. Rachel spoke in a serious voice, "It looks like George Conners has been secretly working with Don Jack to take down your family's business empire."

I felt a rise of anger and shock. "What?" I asked. "How is that possible?" Rachel's voice was calm and professional. "I'm not entirely sure, Logan. But it looks like George Conners has been playing a double game, working with Don Jack behind the scenes to take down your family's business."

I felt cold fury building up inside me. How could George Conners ever do such a thing to my family? But it needed to be known that the relation Brianna's family had in all this was also to be uncovered. I knew I had to act fast, to save my family's reputation and business. But I had to be careful as well so that Brianna didn't get hurt in the process, nor her family.

I closed down with Rachel and knew what lay ahead-the rather difficult road. But I was ready to uncover the entire plot and defend my family. And indeed find out all the details of the situation concerning George Conners and Don Jack.