James’ face cleared at once. “Ah, of course—the intrepid rescuer.” He leaned toward the viewscreen, smiling at Merrick. “I am, of course, eternally grateful to you for bringing my darling girl back to me. If there’s anything I can do for you in the way of a reward…” He reached into the breast pocket of his expensive jacket as though searching for his credit-book.
Elise bit her lip and glanced up at Merrick. Oh, this isn’t going to go over well. “James,” she began but Merrick was already glowering.
“Keep your fucking money,” he snarled. “I’d rather hear an explanation of why it took you so long to find out your fiancée was missing.”
James looked offended. “I was away on the other side of the world in a sequestered negotiation, not that it’s any of your business. I heard about Elise’s ordeal the moment I got back and I took pains—great pains—to be certain she was all right. I didn’t bother her until now because I assumed she’d be resting.”
“Resting. Right.” Merrick looked completely unconvinced.
“Who did you talk to?” Elise asked her fiancé, once again trying to save the conversation. “Was it Harry at the office? Because—”
“No, no—you know I try not to bother anyone at your work.” James shook his head. “Your father got hold of me.”
Elise felt like someone had punched her in the gut. “You mean my stepfather?” she asked in a strangled voice. “I…he called you?”
“I think he was trying to feel me out—to see if I was good enough for his little girl.” James winked, apparently oblivious to her distress. “Luckily, we got along famously. He’s quite a man—built his business from the ground up. You can’t blame him for being a bit protective of the heiress of the Harks empire.”
Merrick raised his eyebrows and even Olivia looked surprised. “So you’re an heiress?” she asked.
“No, I’m not. Not really,” Elise mumbled. “I don’t want his money—he knows that.” Blood money, whispered a voice in her head but she pushed it away.
“Now, darling, Charles told me all about it,” James said. “How you were a rebellious teen—never really took to him after your own father left the picture.” He cleared his throat, appearing to realize that Merrick and Olivia were still listening. “Of course, now isn’t the time to talk about it, but I think it would be nice if you two would get together. Bury the old hatchet. He was most frightfully worried about you, you know.”
“I bet he was.” Elise swallowed, trying to get hold of herself. Now wasn’t the time to go digging up the past—there was never going to be a good time for that. But though she was a coward when it came to facing the ghosts in her own personal vault of horrors, there were some things she couldn’t lie or pretend about. “James,” she said, in a stronger voice. “There’s something I have to tell you.”
“Well, of course, darling. And we’ll have a lovely chat as soon as you get home.” James looked at his vintage Cartier watch. “Which should be soon, yes? I certainly hope so. I want to see you before I have to catch my flight for Japan.”
“Well,” Elise began reluctantly. “They did say I was ready to go home but I really need to—”
“She’ll be on the next shuttle down to Earth,” Merrick interrupted her.
Elise looked up at him, shocked and hurt. She wasn’t sure how it was going to come out, but she had been determined to tell her fiancé about Merrick—about the strange new relationship that had developed between them so quickly. But now it seemed there was nothing to tell.
“Excellent!” James looked pleased. “I won’t even send a car—I’ll pick you up myself.”
“How very fucking noble of you,” Merrick growled under his breath.
“I’m sorry—I didn’t quite catch that,” James frowned.
“Nothing.” Merrick shook his head. “Elise will be down within the hour—as long as she’s cleared to go.” He looked at Olivia who nodded.
“She should be fine. I know Sylvan was doing some research into the post-stasis condition but he hasn’t found any contraindications to Elise leaving. All her vitals are good and strong and she seems to be completely healed.” She looked at Merrick. “Will you be flying her yourself?”
Elise’s heart jumped. If Merrick took her maybe she could explain—they could talk about what had happened and—
“No.” He shook his head. “Find somebody else.” He must have seen the disappointment and hurt in Elise’s eyes because he added, “My, uh, ship’s not quite ready to go yet. I’m still running the last diagnostic.”