Chapter 8

It was dark before Dennis realized that something was amiss. He’d worked steadily through the day, moving to his desk at some point to make phone calls, then slumping there in front of his computer as he ran scenarios and bled numbers for them. Mei had come and gone with a soup and sandwich combination, and true to himself, he had used his mind exclusively to focus on his projects.

That ability to focus was something his competition lacked, and was his incredible edge in the business world. Hours upon hours could elapse and he wouldn’t notice. He worked relentlessly until his task was completed, no matter the aches in his shoulders, the bleariness of his eyes, or any need for sleep.

Now he was smugly pleased with himself for his latest victory, and ready to unwind from the day. A glance out of the window and he was surprised to find the landscape hidden under cover of darkness. He checked his watch and saw that it was indeed quite late, past the dinner hour for most. He frowned slightly, hearing only the ticking of the mantle clock, and wondered vaguely what had occupied Marqi all day.

He got up from his deep chair and stretched his tortured muscles. He tried fruitlessly to rub a tension knot out of his neck, and gave up momentarily. He wandered toward the window, looked out blankly, then meandered into the rest of the house. He poked his head into the living and dining areas, expecting to see her doing something domestic, and even ventured upstairs to his bedroom to seek her, but Marqi was nowhere to be found. He called out for her a few times, jogging back downstairs, now slightly worried.

“Mei!” he shouted. “Mei!”

“Yes, sir?” she said, coming out of the kitchen and wiping her hands on a dish towel.

“Is Marqi in there with you?” he asked.

“No, sir,” she shook her head.

Dennis looked puzzled for a moment, then said, “Well, do you know where she is?”

Again Mei shook her head and again offered the same I-don't-know gesture. “Is the driver back?”

This time she nodded, and Dennis experienced a shot of relief. At least she hadn’t met with some tragic accident on the roads. He ventured off in pursuit of the chauffeur, hoping he’d have some idea of where Marqi was.

Dennis found the man just leaving for the day.

“Just a moment!”

“Something you needed, sir?”

“No, it’s just...” Dennis hesitated. “That girl you took to get her things this afternoon?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Well...” Dennis felt slightly awkward, but pressed on, saying, “do you know where she is?”

“Yes, sir.”

And he helpfully offered no further information.

“Well?” the tycoon prompted.

“I don’t know exactly, just that she’s at home, sir.”

“Well, I looked everywhere, I couldn’t find her,” Dennis said in exasperation.

“Not here; I mean, her home. I left her at the hotel there.”

Dennis experienced a momentary shock, like he’d been goosed by a ghost. “You did what?”

“You told me to take her to get her things. She said she had her car, and didn’t need me anymore. I didn’t realize that was a problem, sir.”

The man looked decidedly uncomfortable. Dennis said, “That’s all right. I’ll see you tomorrow. You go and get some rest.”

“Thank you. Goodnight,” the man said, looking greatly relieved.

Dennis stood in the garage, scratching his jaw. He was highly irritated with Marqi for not returning to his house immediately, but perhaps she’d misunderstood what he’d said this morning. He gave up for the evening and went back inside, calling again for his housekeeper. He requested dinner and retreated to his study once more. He would find her in the morning and straighten everything out then. For tonight, he looked forward to having his bed to himself again, even if it meant a night without carnal pleasure.