Blood tracks, p.31
Blood Tracks, page 31
‘There’s nothing I can do to clear his name. After what he did for me, I would love to, but it’s beyond my influence to have him pardoned, Tess.’
Tess chuckled. ‘That’s not what I’m asking. No. All I want is an agreement that Po’s involvement is kept off the books. He’s my partner, but he must remain a silent partner.’
Emma grinned: she clearly understood that concept, although her relationship with Alex was now fully in the open since her divorce had been finalized. ‘I’m sure that can be arranged. We can engage you, and leave the running of your private business to you. Who you employ – or don’t for that matter – is down to you. But of course, I also understand what you’re saying. The remuneration package must be large enough to accommodate both of you.’
Tess shrugged. ‘That’s about it.’
Emma thought a moment, but really there was no argument. She stood up, reached across the table, and offered her hand. ‘Deal?’
Tess accepted her hand. She held on to Emma. ‘There’s one other thing.’
‘Oh?’
‘I can’t start immediately. I need a fortnight’s grace before starting.’
‘Of course, take whatever time you need to set up,’ said Emma. ‘Just drop Monica a line and let her know the revised contract date.’
Beyond signing contracts there was little Tess needed to do to launch her consultancy business. The time she’d requested was for personal reasons.
‘Po still has some healing to do,’ she explained. He’d undergone surgery on the wound to his abdomen, with successful results, though she knew he was still pained by his injuries and might be for a while yet.
‘Then he deserves some well-earned time off to recover, and a gentle hand to nurse him better.’ She smiled and her officiousness slipped some more as she leaned forward conspiratorially. ‘I trust you and Alex have that in common. I’m not sure I’d’ve recovered as quickly without him.’
Tess grinned, then squeezed Emma’s hand.
‘Glad to have you aboard, both of you,’ Emma said, and with another smile, she sat back in her chair, shooing Tess away. ‘Now go tell Po the good news, and give him a kiss from me, will you.’
Tess left the office and found Po waiting for her in the parking lot. He leaned one elbow on the open window of his Ford Mustang; he touched the gas pedal and the muscle car gave a throaty cough. ‘Everything good?’
‘Everything,’ Tess said, and he offered a subtle nod.
‘You still up for this?’
‘How could I turn down a road trip?’ Tess slid on to the passenger seat.
Her luggage was already packed in the trunk, alongside Po’s. It was a long way to Louisiana, but they’d agreed to share the driving. Po had promised a different trip this time, and she was looking forward to sampling the delights of the Old French Quarter, the Garden District and Bourbon Street, of New Orleans. He wished to show her the city as her guide instead of her guard. Po had also suggested a tour of his old stomping ground in New Iberia. His enthusiasm for returning to his homeland had altered since first they met; it was reinvigorated, and not only to catch up with old friends like Pinky Leclerc. She knew there were others he wished to catch up with, and if it happened then so be it. Tess wondered if he still carried a blade pushed down his boot, but barely felt any aversion to the idea. Sometimes you just have to walk into the cave, she reminded herself. And if Po wanted to laugh in the faces of the Chatards, then she’d be right beside him, laughing just as hard.
She leaned across and bussed him on the cheek.
‘That’s from Clancy,’ she said.
‘I think I’m going to like our new boss,’ he smiled.
‘Well, before you grow too fond of her, don’t forget who the actual boss is.’ She kissed him long and hard on the mouth. ‘That one’s from me.’
Little outward emotion was writ on his face, but Po’s eyes sparkled, expressing everything she needed to know.
‘Let’s do this,’ Tess said breathlessly, and Po peeled out with a squeal of rubber.
THANKS
I’d like to extend my eternal gratitude to Luigi Bonomi, Alison Bonomi, Samantha Bulos, Nicholas Blake, Lily Childs, Susan Harding and Denise Hilton, for all their valued help, guidance, and expert opinions, and to Kate Lyall Grant and Severn House Publishers for setting Tess and Po loose on the world. Thank you, one and all.
Matt Hilton, Blood Tracks
