Read Online Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren - Free Book Online

the end of the day. Maybe Vern could help you. I think I saw him getting off the elevator on the third floor."
    The combatant clerk from the mailroom would no doubt find Rachel’s request absurd. He’d throw himself on top of his rolling cart to save it from an earthquake rather than abandon his deliveries.
    Rachel took a moment to strategize her approach before half-sprinting down the long carpeted hallway. The architectural renderings, cityscapes and board members’ photos lining the walls became an innocuous blur. She slowed as she neared Tom’s office at the end of the corridor. Finding it empty, she slowed her pace and blew out a held breath, commending her excellent timing. However, her victory was short lived. As she stepped around the corner, her stalker materialized inside the opening elevator doors.
    You’ve got to be kidding me.
    "Good morning, Rachel." Nash grinned and smoothed his hand over his wavy brown hair.
    "Mr. Nash." She smiled politely then continued on her way.
    Why did the storage room have to be so far away? She passed three more doors before she realized Tom was hurrying to catch up with her .
    "That’s a pretty outfit you have on today," he offered, now matching her stride.
    Rachel glanced down at her ivory linen suit, forgetting she’d already dressed for the reception. "Thank you.” She considered reciprocating with a compliment, but then dismissed the notion, realizing it would only encourage him. She sensed his dark eyes on her profile, but willed herself to concentrate on the beige speckled carpeting stretching out before her.
    Together, they veered down another passageway, and still she made no effort to enlist small talk. Yet the man remained undaunted in his pursuit. "Are you going to the reception tonight?" he asked.
    Rachel shrugged. “I was planning to but I have a lot work to finish up before the meeting tomorrow."
    "Well, if you don’t mind, I’d really like you to be there."
    She studied him for a moment, struggling to keep her eyes from narrowing. "Why’s that?”
    “ I have a dinner meeting this evening and a flight early tomorrow morning. I need you to go in my place.”
    “ But aren’t there other board members attending?”
    “ Possibly…but it doesn’t change the fact that you’re the best person to represent the foundation. The mayor will be there and Professor Ying would certainly appreciate your making the effort.”
    Rachel came to an abrupt stop before the open storage room.
    "So, can I count on you?" he asked.
    "Sure," she said, nodding. "I’ll be here if you need anything else, Mr. Nash."
    He took a few steps away then halted. "And Rachel, if you don't mind, it's Tom . I've never been a big fan of formalities."
    She held onto the doorknob and forced a weak smile. "Right." She waited for him to continue on his path before she ducked inside. "Phew."
    After palming the wall for a switch, she flipped it, illuminating the stuffy space. A pair of lights ogled an old portrait hanging on the wall: Warren Nash, the quirky Texas oil baron who had relocated to L.A., bringing his millions with him. She’d never officially meet Tom's grandfather, but shortly after being hired, she received a handwritten letter from him encouraging her to spend his money wisely. Time would tell if his grandson intended to continue his conservative practices.
    Well, as far as finalizing grants was concerned anyway.
    At the wall of metal file cabinets, she opened the S – T drawer and rifled through the crowded files. Trident’s folder was nowhere in sight. She picked up the phone and was about to buzz Marcy when another option came to mind. She pulled out a closed case drawer and discovered a file hand-scripted with the label Cohen . After tugging it free, Rachel considered returning to her office, however, that could mean another encounter with Tom. She opted for the bare wooden table and chair stationed beside her. Once settled, she spread out the contents of Chase’s folder: