Free Private Release by Amy Ruttan Page B

was never so elegantly done up. It hung loose over her shoulders and was long past a trim for dead ends, but then Adele had never had any money until this job.
    She was not tall or slim. She was average and had curves, and because of her shooting accident and her reliance on her crutches, it meant she didn’t move with any kind of grace.
    Adele stole another glance because she was a sucker for punishment. Jared didn’t look at the beautiful woman. In fact, he appeared bored, his eyes scanning the room until his gaze landed on her.
    Warmth spread in her cheeks the moment their eyes locked across the atrium. His intense blue eyes twinkled with lust and he grinned at her. The Swedish princess may have a lot of things, but she didn’t have Jared’s smile. That was directed at only her and it gave Adele a secret thrill.
    “Are you coming?” Étienne asked, interrupting her reverie.
    “Of course. Sorry, I was admiring the atrium.” And a certain occupant.
    “We’re very proud of our building.” Étienne nodded. “Mr. Rideau’s office is at the end of this hall.”
    She followed Étienne down a hall, away from the crowded atrium. The hall was lined with various offices, but there was nothing on the outside of the door to let her know what the offices were for.
    How odd.
    Usually any office building would have more than just room numbers. They would at least say who the office belonged to or what was done there, but there was nothing. She caught a glimpse of one room that appeared to be like a Ministry of Transportation or some other type of government office due to the service counter and the take-a-number counter on the wall.
    What kind of place was Beare Enterprises?
    Étienne stopped at the end of the hall and knocked on the door. “Mr. Rideau?”
    “Who is it?” snapped a nervous voice from the other side of the closed door.
    “Étienne.”
    The door was opened quickly and another good-looking, albeit sweaty man, opened the door. He wasn’t as tall as Étienne or Jared, but he was broad-shouldered and muscular, but again not as muscular as Étienne or Jared.
    Even though most women would be drooling over Mr. Rideau, there was something about him Adele did not like, and compared to Étienne, that was saying something.
    “I don’t have time to speak with you today, Étienne. I’m busy.” Then his gaze alighted on her and his face paled, as if he recognized her somehow, but Adele had never seen him before. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize…”
    “This is Ms. Banks. She’s Mr. Stevens’ investigator to help us track down the extorted funds. She wanted to ask you some questions, Clement.”
    Clement leaned against the door. His armpit stains were quite visible on his dark-blue dress shirt. “I told you, Étienne. I can’t today. She can make an appointment.” He went to close the door, but Adele stepped forward, sticking forearm crutches in the way.
    “I don’t think you quite understand the severity of the situation, Mr. Rideau. Mr. Stevens has given me freedom to all of Beare Enterprises’ financial records. I think you can make time to answer a few of my questions about some income tax returns. I think you’ll find that Mr. Steven insists.”
    Adele heard a snicker from behind her and knew Étienne was chuckling. Whether because he approved of what she said, or thought she was no threat, Adele didn’t care.
    Clement’s head dropped and he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Of course.” He stepped to the side.
    “Thank you, Mr. Rideau.” Adele turned to Étienne. “I would like it very much if you stayed.”
    Étienne cocked an eyebrow. “Of course.”
    Adele nodded, walking into Mr. Rideau’s office and she heard Étienne follow after her. She was glad Étienne didn’t turn her down. There was something off about Clement Rideau and she didn’t want to be alone with him.
    She glanced around the accountant’s office and she was struck at how incredibly disorganized it was. There were