The Missing Heir(34)
“Which tells us Roth has the ear of the board.” Cole didn’t like the thought of that.
“It does seem like he’s got the power at least temporarily.”
Cole dropped his napkin onto the table and stood. “I need to get a handle on the guy.”
“Where are you going?”
“Coast Eagle’s corporate headquarters. I want to look Roth Calvin in the eyes.”
“Right now? Without an appointment?”
“I’ll talk my way in. I’m a fellow airline owner.”
“You want some help?”
Cole considered the offer. But then he shook his head. “He’s less likely to have his guard up if it’s just one guy.”
“Whatever you want.”
Cole shrugged into his jacket. “See what else you can find out about the law.”
“Can I talk to Destiny again?”
“As long as you’re oblique.”
Luca’s eyes lit up. “Covert operations. Roger that. This is kind of fun.”
Cole couldn’t help but grin in return. “Seduce her if you have to.”
“I’m all in for you, buddy.”
Cole skirted the Christmas tree, made his way past the reindeer and exited to the sidewalk. It was easy to hail a cab, and it was a short ride to Coast Eagle.
He took a few fast steps across the lobby, purposefully blending in with a group of employees to pass unnoticed by the security counter. Then he entered the elevator, pretending he knew exactly what he was doing. Taking the chance that Roth’s office would be on the top floor, he pressed the button.
The rest of the group exited on twelve. Cole continued up to a big, brightly lit reception area. It had gleaming hardwood floors, a bank of windows overlooking the city and a pair of immaculate saltwater fish tanks bracketing a long reception counter staffed by one woman.
“Good morning.” She was immaculately dressed and thirtysomething, and she smiled as she greeted him.
Cole strode forward and held out his hand. “Good morning. I’m Cole Parker, owner of Aviation 58. We’re a midsize commercial airline out of Alaska. I was told Roth Calvin was the man to speak with at Coast Eagle.”
“Do you have an appointment, sir?”
“I’m afraid I just got into town.”
The woman’s smile faded a little. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Calvin doesn’t have any openings today.”
Footfalls and male voices rose up behind them. The woman’s surreptitious, worried glance to the group told Cole one of them was likely Roth Calvin.
He quickly turned, talking the man in the middle of the group to be the guy in charge. It had to be Roth.
Again, Cole strode forward, offering his hand. “Roth Calvin. I’m Cole Parker.”
Roth’s expression was guarded, and his critical glance flicked to the receptionist. Cole figured it was only a matter of moments before security arrived on the scene.