Negotiating Point by Adrienne Giordano Read Free Book Online Page B

an excuse to get closer to the house. I can’t risk it. I’ve got to rebuild trust and sending in someone in full-blown tactical gear won’t do it.”
    “I’ll do it.”
    “Uh, no.”
    “Why not? Gavin, look at me. I’m tiny. I look weak and harmless. Send me up the driveway with the food. I’ll stand there and they open the door so I can see Roxann. Once I see she’s okay, I’ll leave.”
    He puckered then shook his head. “Too dangerous.”
    “I disagree. I think, of all our options, this one is the least dangerous. Plus, Vic won’t argue over it.”
    “Yeah, he will.”
    Had a point there. “You’re right. He will, but I can convince him. I’ve worked for him for four years. And whether he’ll admit it or not, he’s afraid of me.”
    Gavin gawked. “Really?”
    “Of course. Whatever secrets I don’t know about this bunch—” she waggled her fingers, “—I can find with a computer.”
    “God, I love how you people work.”
    You haven’t seen anything yet. “I’m small, but I’m mighty.”
    He twisted his lips, clearly trying to hide a grin. Making Gavin Sheppard smile had to be one of the few highlights in this miserable day.
    “You are indeed.”
    For thirty-six minutes they debated the merits of her plan until Gavin finally gave in. He may not have been completely on board, but he knew the only option Vic could be convinced of was her playing pizza delivery girl.
    “You’ll support me on this?” Janet asked.
    He stared at her from his seat, his gaze connecting with hers. “As much as I hate it, yes.”
    A car crunching over gravel outside alerted them to Vic’s return. She stepped to the barn door and spotted him carrying four pizza boxes and a bag—probably the drinks.
    “Hi,” Janet said.
    He stepped into the barn and dumped the boxes on the table. “What’s the plan?”
    Gavin waited a second for Vic to step over to where he sat. Nice power play there, making the big man come to him. Janet almost laughed out loud over the posturing these two did.
    “First,” Gavin said, “let me finish before you comment. I have no doubt you’ll have issues with this idea, but you need to think it through.”
    “Fine.”
    Gavin nodded. “I would like to leverage the food delivery to get a look at Roxann. They insist she’s fine, but I want proof.”
    “Agreed,” Vic said.
    “I’m trying to build trust again. If they see one of the tactical team coming at them, they’re going to blow their minds.”
    “Oh,” Vic said. “I’m gonna fucking hate this.”
    “Hey,” Janet interrupted. “You said you’d listen.”
    He held up his hands. Good boy.
    “Janet will deliver the food.”
    “Fuck no,” Vic said.
    Janet raised her hand. “I know I’m not a tactical person, but look at me. First off, I’m a woman. That alone will reduce the tension. Second, they’ll see how small I am and think I’m harmless.”
    “We’ll put her in a vest and helmet, to be sure. I hate it as much as you do. Last thing I want is her in harm’s way.”
    “I’ll be fine. I’ll look like a peanut in Kevlar. They won’t see me as a threat.”
    Vic assumed his arms-folded-don’t-mess-with-me stance that drove most people to urination. “I don’t like it.”
    “You don’t have to.”
    Janet held her hand out to shut Gavin up. “Vic, you have to see the possibilities. If you can do that, you’ll realize this is the best way to ease tension and ensure Roxann is okay.”
    Vic stared at her, but kept quiet. Come on, boss. Let me do this.
    “You’re okay with this?”
    She jerked her head. “Yes. I can help and if it keeps the situation level, I’m absolutely okay with it.”
    The man was still her immediate supervisor and she wanted him to sign off. For whatever reason, she yearned for his support.
    “You’ll wear a vest and a helmet and take a radio.” He turned to Gavin. “I want a show of force. We’re putting an army of guys at the end of the driveway, in full gear, making sure she