Well?

The following afternoon, Shay and I descended the stairs to the front lounge. We thought it would be good for Shay to spend some time outside our room.

Once I'd helped her settle on the couch, I headed to the kitchen to fetch her a drink, grabbing a beer for myself. I returned to the lounge, handing her the drink. She took a long, satisfying sip.

“Thanks a lot,” she said, taking another gulp. “Sometimes, I feel like my mouth is a desert. I don’t know if this baby is sucking all the water out of me or what.”

The guys finally made their way downstairs. They'd gotten home around four in the morning. We both looked up at them, grinning.

“How did it go?” Shay asked, sitting up a bit on the couch.

Conner took a seat while Noah headed to the kitchen. “My date was really good. She was so nervous at first, but we finally relaxed. I thought we connected really well. I can see a future with her.

“She’s a lot like Shay, quiet but smart. I think she would fit in here well. She opened up about her life too. She’s not exactly poor, but not as rich as us either.”

Shay rose and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Give it time. This was just your first date with Angela. You might grow to like each other more, or you might find another woman who suits your lifestyle better down the line.”

Noah returned and slumped down in a chair. “Well, I won’t be seeing my date again. She was so dull.”

Raising an eyebrow at him, I asked, “What exactly happened with you?”

“She talked non-stop. I barely got a word in. She talked about our potential future, what I could provide her in terms of a house, cars, and other things.

“She even brought up kids. That was the last straw for me. Who the hell talks about having kids on the first date?” Noah let out a long sigh.

Shay burst into laughter. “Sorry, Noah. I didn’t realize she would be that bad. I knew she loves to talk, but bringing up those topics wasn’t the best move.”

A huge grin spread across my face. “You actually found someone who can outtalk you, huh?”

He shot me a death glare. “Not funny, Boss. She ordered one of the most expensive things on the menu, not including the wine and dessert.”

“I gave you five hundred dollars to spend on your date. Was that not enough?” I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees.

“It was, Boss, but has Shay ever spent almost eighty dollars on dinner when she went out with you? I thought that was a bit excessive.” Noah crossed his arms.

Shay chimed in. “Not by choice. There were times when he made me buy things that I would never have chosen on my own.”

He pointed at her.

“Exactly. That’s what I’m talking about. You would only spend that much if the boss made you. Janice spent fifteen minutes looking over the menu before she decided on one of the most expensive items.

“I didn’t mind that, but then she just kept talking and talking. I just had to say, ‘That’s nice,’ or ‘That’s good.’ I got fed up and tuned her out. I don’t think she even noticed because she didn’t stop talking even while we were eating.”

We all laughed at him as Shay leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Sorry, Noah. I thought she might be a good match for you.”

“Thanks for trying, but next time, I’ll scan the club like the boss did. Then I’ll pick out the girl who catches my eye.” He patted her hand.

I stood up and pulled my shirt over my head. “Guys, we need to get to the meeting at the warehouse soon. They should be arriving within the hour.”

Forest descended the stairs at that moment. “This is going to be fun. I’ve dealt with this jerk before, and he’s a pain to get money from. It’s his way or no pay. He’ll walk out with his briefcase full of money.”

Shay walked up to him, giving him a tight hug. “Afternoon, grumpy. Did you sleep better last night?”

He shook his head. “No, my back has been killing me for over a week now.”

Looking at how he was hunched over, I could tell something wasn’t right with him.

“Forest, I want you to see the doctor before this meeting. Your posture is off. It looks like you’re in a lot of pain. That new mattress was supposed to help, but it seems like you’re worse off.”

He slowly straightened up. “Yeah, I don’t know if my body just hasn’t adjusted to it or if it’s something else.”

“Shay, take him to the doctor and make sure he gets checked out. Something’s not right there.” I pointed to the elevator.

Shay took his arm, pulling him gently. “Come on, Forest, let’s see what the doctor says. Maybe he can give you a muscle relaxer or at least a painkiller.”

He looked over at me.

“We can handle the meeting without you, man,” I reassured him. “Go get checked out. I’d rather you be comfortable than walking around here like the hunchback of my manor.”

They walked off, but I had a nagging feeling about him. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but hopefully, the doctor would be able to figure out what was wrong.

“What is it, Boss? Something’s got your mind racing.” Conner looked up at me.

I scratched my head. “When we were back home, was there anyone he was alone with for a long time by any chance?”

“Not that I can remember, but we were all over the place at different times. What are you getting at?” Noah leaned forward.

“He’s been complaining of fatigue for the last two weeks; now his back is hurting him so much he can hardly walk. I know we’ve had a lot going on, but you two haven’t been as tired.”

Conner stood up. “You think someone might have drugged him?”

“I don’t know. We’ll have to wait for the doctor’s verdict. I’m leaning towards the idea of a microchip, maybe injected into him somehow. Remember that bodyguard who was always hovering around him?

“We use similar tech to keep tabs on people, monitor their activities. If his uncle wanted to keep an eye on him, it’d be the perfect method.” I drummed my fingers against my thigh, lost in thought.

“Don’t sweat it, Boss. If there’s something like that inside him, the doc will fish it out. I can trace the signal, find out where it originated. Then we can go on a little hunting trip.” Conner’s grin was all teeth.

We rose from our seats, heading for the golf cart that would take us to the warehouse for the meeting.