Ribbon of Steele: A Romance of Suspense by Jq Allan Page B

she wasn't wearing underwear.
     
    The Mercedes pulled up in front of the apartment, and Mackenzie leaned in to give her a kiss. She gave him a quick peck and exited the car. She took two strides and entered the apartment door. She pushed her back against the door and cupped her mouth. Her tears streamed down her cheeks as she desperately tried to regain her composure.
     
    Taking several deep breaths, she wiped her eyes and put her key in the door.

23
     
    As Mackenzie drove back to Pemlilly, his thoughts were on Steele and Wickes. He had tried to call Anderson twice while at the vineyard, but only got voicemail. Lizzie had been in the bathroom, and he stole the opportunity to reach out to his father's advisor. Anderson had called right after their meeting to let him know he was on Wickes' calendar. Apparently, Wickes still didn't know that Anderson was involved.
     
    The meeting was scheduled for next Friday and his stomach was raw. He had enjoyed an amazing day with Lizzie, but even she seemed weird this morning. He couldn't put his finger on it, but she didn't seem comfortable. He had wanted to spend more of the day with her to calm his head, but she had other plans.
     
    As Mackenzie drove through the gates of Pemlilly, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small object. Parking his car, he sat for a few moments, glancing at his mother's ring.
     
    He wondered what she would think of his life. He wondered if she would be proud of the decisions he was making. He wondered what she would think of Lizzie. He smiled. In his heart, he knew. He put the ring back into his pocket and exited the car. Looking towards the sky, he walked slowly down the long driveway of Pemlilly.

 
    24
     
    "No fucking way," Nicole said shaking her head. "There is no fucking place on this planet except in your head that it even makes sense. You've got Mackenzie now, what the hell are you even thinking?"
     
    "It's kind of a big deal, Nic," said Lizzie. "I spent a lot of hours on that project and it's finally opening."
     
    "You're a freekin' liar," said Nicole, raising her eyebrows and pointing at Lizzie. "You just want to see Sam again. And what about Mackenzie? Seriously, do you honestly think he is going to fly, I'm sorry, drive fourteen hours to go to a museum opening with you and your ex-boyfriend?"
     
    "I think he will," said Lizzie confidently, although secretly she wondered if it was true. "And it's about the museum, Nic. I'm sure Mackenzie would like to see two years of my work. We talk about my work all the time."
     
    "Oh, ok," said Nicole rolling her eyes. "Do you talk about your ex-fiancé too?" Lizzie shifted in her seat and looked at the floor. "Look I'm just saying be careful," said Nicole more softly. "Don't fuck it up with Mackenzie, ok? Especially seeing how much he must have on his mind lately."
     
    "Wait, what?" Lizzie replied with a frown on her face. "What do you mean?"
     
    "The Steele and Wickes stuff, you know. How is taking the company back over and all that stuff." Nicole trailed off when she realized that Lizzie was clueless about what she was saying. Nicole sighed. "That Anderson guy that works with Mackenzie called me a while ago to plan a hush hush gathering of clients to get support for Mackenzie's new role in the company. Sorry, I thought you knew."
     
    Lizzie looked at the floor and frowned. "You know Nic, I didn't mind being embarrassed about not knowing Mackenzie when we first met, but I am a little upset about it now."
     
    "Lizzie, I'm sorry. I thought I told you," said Nicole reaching out to her.
     
    "Thanks Nic, it's not you," said Lizzie, trying to smile as she got up from her chair. "I'm going to the museum opening this weekend," she said as she touched Nicole's shoulder and walked slowly towards her bedroom.
     
    "Lizzie, are you ok?", Nicole yelled from the living room.
     
    "I'm fine," said Lizzie as she closed her bedroom door.
     
    Lizzie collapsed on her bed. Why hadn't Mackenzie told her