Lena hoped her fresh make-up and splash of perfume hid the weariness she felt. The evening had not been a restful one. She abhorred sleepless nights.  The distressing mix of faceless pursuers and unrealized dreams had finally chased her from the bed.  Within days, a life that seemed organized and straightforward was now a mish mash of danger and tumbled emotions.

Matt’s smile dripped with sensual undertones. "Well, look who we have here," he said smoothly.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Kesselman," Lena said. She hoped her polite nod and pasted smile disguised her discomfort. She just plain didn’t like the man.

Lena chanced a quick look at Gage. His stance was controlled, but there was something roiling beneath the deceptively calm exterior. The tilt of his head and the almost imperceptible movement of his broad shoulders were telling. The frisson of awareness put Lena on her guard.

"I’m glad I had the chance to see you," Matt continued. He flicked his eyes quickly taking in her appearance from head to toe. "I was interested in discussing some business with you."

Yeah, right you do, Lena said to herself.

"I don’t believe she has the time for that now," Gage interjected. "We need to go over some material for the convention." Gage moved towards the door. "If you recall, I’ve hired Ms. Hanson to assist me in my preparation for the upcoming convention."

"I hadn’t forgotten," Matt said briskly. "I thought perhaps we might discuss…"

Gage cut in. "Matt, I think we’ve finished up our discussion." He pulled the door wide and made a dismissing motion with his hand. "I’ll be in touch regarding that other matter."

Irritation briefly flashed across Matt’s handsome face. He quickly replaced it with a bland expression. "I’ll await to hear from you.  Marianne will know how to reach me." He walked through the door and looked back. "Ms. Hanson, I’ll be in touch."

Lena nodded her head in acknowledgement. If she spoke, her voice would betray her annoyance. She knew one thing for sure. This consultant had no intention of meeting with him. In her opinion, Mathew Kesselman was Gage McCotter’s mole.

The door brushed silently over the carpet as it closed. Lena could almost feel the temperature of the room drop several degrees. Gage regarded her with dark eyes that betrayed nothing. The man had a talent for holding his temper in check. She lifted her chin and waited what undoubtedly would be a stern rebuke.

"What were you thinking leaving that message on my voicemail," he said much too quietly.

Foreign Affair - 21  >>>