Ladyfish by Andrea Bramhall Page B

teacher and you have a great way with people. They trust you and have confidence in you. Nigel would have quit. I wouldn’t have gotten him into the pool today because it never would have occurred to me to literally hold his hand. I would have expected him to panic when he hit the water and try to pull me down.”
    “If he did, I had a tank on my back and a regulator in my mouth. Half a dozen instructors were on hand to come to my rescue if I needed it, and there was no way you would let anything happen to me. Mrs. Richmond would never forgive you if you did. I was in good hands and I knew it. So was Nigel. He just doesn’t realize yet that the good hands we were both in were yours, not mine. He did all right after that though.”
    Finn followed Oz to the seating area, trying not to stare at the gorgeous ass in front of her.
    “Anyway, did you talk to Pete last night?” Oz asked.
    “Yeah, he’s going to help me move in to Mrs. Richmond’s over the weekend, then stay at the hotel for another couple of weeks. My dad’s already paid for it, so he might as well use it.”
    “Sounds like a good idea. Do you need any more help with the move?”
    “Well, I don’t have much stuff to move, but if you’re any good with a screwdriver, I could certainly put you to good use. I hate putting together furniture.”
    “Just tell me when you want me.”
    Finn could feel her cheeks heating again and found it difficult to meet Oz’s eyes. “Saturday morning. I told Emmy we’d get there about ten. Is that okay for you?”
    “Absolutely. I can’t wait.”

Chapter Fifteen
     
    William Sterling threw his tie over the chair and flipped open his cell phone.
    “Yes?”
    “Mr. Sterling. It’s Jack.”
    “What can I do for you, Jack?”
    “I’m just calling to let you know that the equipment has been attended to. It will be delivered on Monday. The installation, however, will take a week or so from that point. I’ve checked, and evidently, it’s not possible to rush that part.”
    “Very good.” Sterling smiled, pleased with his young apprentice’s results. He showed promise and that he could be trusted with all aspects of the business.
    “Sir, do you have any preference on how I resolve this situation?”
    “How many people are there involved?”
    “I have two children staying in the flat.”
    “How old?”
    “Four and six.”
    “Have they seen your face?”
    “No, sir.”
    “Take our dithering supplier out of the equation. I don’t feel the need to permanently have the children taken care of. At that age, they’ll be of no use to police or anyone else. Once the installation and production of the batch is completed, finish off our Mr. Machine and dump the children somewhere.” While killing was necessary at times and enjoyable at others, there was no need to kill the supplier’s children. They were just a means to an end. Just like my own daughter. She brought me her research, and in trying to win my approval, she brought me the means to make the biggest deal of my life. How close are we to the end, Daniela? He wondered if she would actually follow orders and marry the faggot, another test she had to pass to prove her worth to him. “Jack, I want an update on Daniela’s whereabouts too.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Sterling disconnected from Jack and dialed again. He walked to the drinks cabinet as he waited for the call to connect.
    “Balor is almost ready for delivery.”
    “Excellent news, William. I wish for delivery in New York at the warehouse we have used before.”
    “Of course, Masood. Have you solidified your plans for distribution?”
    “I have men working in the water purification plant. Do you have estimates of the efficacy of the bacteria yet?”
    “Yes. The numbers are far higher than you wished for, Masood.”
    “That is excellent news, my friend.”
    “Are you ready to talk numbers?”
    “Where do you wish to meet?”
    “I’ll send you the details.” He disconnected the call, poured the