Read Online Triple Infinity by K. J. Jackson - Free Book Online Page B

the se cond you want to charge me, give me a bill — or drop it in the study.” He picked up the sketch from the floor. “Alright, where do we get the tile from? I imagine it doesn’t come from the hardware store?”
    “There’s a supplier in Venice that the asshole-ex used quite exclusively. I can go dig out the number, and then it’s just a matter measuring and ordering the smalti tiles.” She took the sketch from his hand.
    “Just give me the number and a lis t of what you need, and I’ll have it over-nighted.”
    “What?” She looked up from the sketch. “No, it takes days, if not weeks.”
    Triaten offered her a reassuring smile. “Everything can by over- nighted, love.”
    Her eyes widened. “Hmmm — that’s cocky. I wasn’t expecting that out of you.”
    Triaten shrugged. He didn’t bother to defend what was true for him.
    “You sound pretty sure about ge tting them over-night.”
    “I am.”
    Shiv shook her head, still not believing. “Who the hell are you?”
    Triaten laughed. “Doesn’t matter, love. My job is pretty much just to get people what they need in life. And I’m pretty good at it.”
    “That’s a job?”
    “It is for me.”
    She considered his words for a moment. “Okay, fine, but don’t look so smug — I can’t imagine that’s much of a life. Even if you have the Secretary of State tromping through here.”
    “It is, and isn’t, I guess.” An idea popped into Triaten’s head. “Hey...I’m not sure this will work, but did you have any plans today?”
    Suspicion crossed Shiv’s face. “No. But I reserve the right to make up some fake plans.”
    “Understood.” Triaten said with a n od. “Since you already saw the Secretary walking out this morning, you’ve probably figured out there’s something important going on here?”
    “Yes, but I was told not to ask questions, if you remember.”
    Triaten was pleased with her ability for discreetness, even if she was mocking. “Well, I’m still not looking for questions, but I could use your help.”
    “What can I do?”
    “I have to get two impossibly narcissistic men together — alone. And make them like each other.”
    Shiv did a double-take, her eyes narrowing at Triaten. “Hmmm. Okay, no questions, save one. Why?”
    “The men are at a stalemate, and aren’t even at the table with each other right now. We’re talking precious land — essentially, billions that they’re fighting over.”
    Triaten didn’t continue. He planned to give her the least amount of information possible.
    Her hands went to her hips, and the sketch crinkled in her hand. “Okay then, I get a follow-up question. Why are you involved?”
    Triaten sighed. Women. They rarely failed to demand that the “why” be answered. And then it was always followed up with another “why.” “I’m involved for the human aspect. If this doesn’t go down peacefully, we’re talking ongoing warfare in the territory they’re fighting over. Rogue factions, innocent clans in the middle. People just trying to live and feed their families getting terrorized and killed. The strong are taken and the weak disposed of without a second thought.”
    “Really?” Her voice was soft in shock. “You can stop that?”
    “If I can get these two together, alone, talking without their crap minions in the room — then yes, I think I can stop it. I’m pretty sure they both want a peaceful accord to the territory ownership and rights — it’s just that neither will own a weak position, or what’s perceived as a weak position, in front of their men.”
    “Well ,” Shiv’s hand dropped from her hips, “no wonder you can get anything over-nighted. Do you do this thing often? Work on world peace? Should I be a little bit intimidated by you?”
    Triaten chuckled. “I doubt intimidation would help me with you.”
    “Yea...” her words were drawn out in tease, “probably not.”
    Triaten brought them back to his plan. “So can I use you?”
    “Sure. I’m