The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 14

"We've tried getting Joel out so many times, but he's always busy. We finally managed to drag him out tonight," Sigrid said with a laugh. "Are you coming, Garnett?"

If it were anyone else, Garnett would have refused flat out. But it really was rare to catch Joel.

"I'm on my way."

He hung up the phone and changed into a comfortable Biinlefen golf polo. He checked himself in the mirror, satisfied with his appearance, before grabbing his keys and heading out.

When he walked past the guest room, the lights were already off.

She must have fallen asleep.

He stood there for two seconds, then turned and left.

And when he left, he took the pearl jewelry with him.

Lavinia lay on her side, wide awake. She heard him take the call and leave. It had to be Sigrid summoning him.

Good.

She closed her eyes, feeling bone-tired.

***

Garnett stepped into the private room at the bar and, sure enough, saw Joel sitting right in the center. White dress shirt, gold-rimmed glasses—he looked refined and spoke with a mild, even temper, carrying none of the typical arrogance of a government official.

"What brings the great Director Sprague out tonight?" Garnett chuckled, taking the seat to his right.

Joel adjusted his glasses. "Sigrid called me herself. How could I say no?"

Garnett smiled. He swept his gaze over the alcohol on the table, leaned toward Tobin, and said, "Clear out all the expensive bottles. And no one takes any photos tonight, no posting on social media."

Given Joel's position, businessmen had to tread carefully around him.

Sigrid's eyelashes fluttered. She hadn't expected him to defend the girl like that.

Tobin got defensive. "If she doesn't even like it, why did you buy it for her? Sigrid clearly had her eye on it first."

Sigrid tugged at Tobin's sleeve. "Stop talking."

Suitably rebuffed, Tobin awkwardly raised his glass. "My bad. I'll drink to that."

He downed it in one gulp, stood up, and muttered, "I'm going to the bathroom."

He pushed the door open and left, letting it slam a little too loudly.

Sigrid shook her head. "I'll go check on him."

She stood up and followed him out.