The Missing Heir(84)

                “We’ve got genetics on our side,” said Cole.

                Cole felt no admiration whatsoever for his father. But he’d quickly come to care about his half brother. And he cared more about Amber than he could have imagined. She was desperately trying to do the right thing, and the jackals were circling her now.

                “Can you see any problem with the policy change?” he asked Max.

                “None,” said Max.

                “Any questions?” asked Cole.

                “Not yet.” Max paused. “Anything else you need right now?”

                Cole looked to Amber, and she shook her head.

                “We’re good,” said Cole.

                Max rose to leave, closing the door behind him and leaving them alone.

                “You did it,” said Cole.

                “I sure hope it works.”

                “It will. And so will the others. This one was a good idea, a solid business decision. As the first airline to adopt the guidelines, you’re going to get some really positive buzz. The policy change will garner loyalty—maybe not all of your passengers, but enough. And those passengers will be the frequent fliers. That’s huge. It was a smart move you made.”

                “We made.”

                “It was a smart move, Amber. Don’t sell yourself short. They know who’s in charge now, and it’ll spread around the building like wildfire.”

                “You think?” She seemed to ponder. “Sidney might tell someone. But Roth will never admit it. And Bartholomew doesn’t strike me as a gossip.”

                “I’m willing to bet Bartholomew knows exactly when and how much to gossip.”

                “Phase three underway?” she asked.

                “Phase three well underway.” He jokingly held out his hand.

                She accepted it and shook.

                The contact made him instantly recall what it was like to hold her close. He wished he could pull her in for a hug. He longed to kiss her. He longed to stroke her hair and feel the length of her body pressed up against his.

                “Destiny will be here in an hour,” she said, retrieving her hand once again.

                Cole accepted her withdrawal, shaking off his wayward feelings. “Destiny’s been looking up precedents for blood relatives being given preference in custody cases. Do you know if Roth spent any amount of time with Zachary?”

                “Not that I heard about, but Coco didn’t tell me everything.”

                “I’ve been trying to predict his thinking,” said Cole. “With you, his best ammunition was that you were too inexperienced to run Coast Eagle. With me, he’ll go after my capability as Zachary’s guardian. I’m vulnerable there.”

                “Not if they ask Zachary.”

                Cole chuckled at that. “It is too bad that Zachary can’t talk.”

                “It’s too bad Zachary’s not a puppy.”