cognac colored desk. She was tired and frustrated from her meeting with the

If she had to do one more rewrite on the movie’s script, she would scream.

Still, no amount of rewrite pissed her off more than the producers’ latest jab at

her patience. They wanted a different Asian actor to play the title role. Some

twenty-something, Japanese pop star looking to bring his creative talents into the

about was his ability to guarantee good rating numbers. What about what was

best for her character, the domineering rock star, Blu?

This went against everything Charlene had envisioned when they contracted

her novel to make into the first Japanese drama series to be done in both English

and Japanese and to air simultaneously in both countries. They lied. There was

the original songs she wrote for her tragic hero. She had anticipated a much older

and more experienced actor. Now, she would have to settle for some spoiled rich

kid with looks and connections.

“You okay, Charlie?”

A deep male voice cut through her thoughts. Charlene turned with a start to

find her International Manager, Abe Goda standing in the entrance.

“Abe, you promised me this wouldn’t happen!” She started in on him

immediately, her own frustrations uppermost in her mind. “I can’t believe you’re

allowing them to pull this stunt on me at the last minute. What happened to the

actors that I’ve wasted months researching? What the blazing hell was that all

about if they already made their choice?”

He pushed his hands deep into his pockets with a resigned sigh. “I’m truly

sorry that you had to find out this way. I had hoped to get to you first, but I had

sincerely anticipated changing their minds before you found out.”

“You should have tried harder.”

“Charlie, I do see the logic in employing a well-known Japanese name in the

music industry; it makes good business sense. People will not only tune in to see

Kane in his first serious drama, but the soundtrack will certainly fly off the

shelves. Isn’t that important also, to have your music appreciated?”

“The tracks I wrote for this project are the best I’ve done yet, not to mention,

the first new songs I’ve written since my husband died.” Charlene defended her

skills with all the fierce tenacity of a mother defending her child. “I assure you

“I understand how you feel Charlie and no one purposely doubts your

abilities. Nonetheless, until you can completely produce your own films, you

have to understand this is how negotiations are conducted not only in the States,

but in Japan also,” Abe reasoned. “These investors especially want a sure thing

considering this script is dealing with such a taboo subject as an interracial

relationship between a Japanese male and an African-American female.”

She had to give Abe that one. “True,” Charlene grudgingly agreed. “It’s my

first internationally distributed film and if it hadn’t been for your connections and

support, I wouldn’t have gotten this far with these eastern producers.”

Abe smiled in understanding knowing that hadn’t been easy for her.

“Still,” She waved her forefinger at him. “I’m not an idiot, the only reason

States and also over the past 3 years has received an unprecedented record of a

150 million yen in sales.”

“Your point, Charlie?”

stories and they realized they needed to swipe it up before someone else did. That

alone should give me more leeway in making decisions around here!”

“But you can’t guarantee your name alone can pull in the ratings in Japan,

brought you to everyone’s attention and the Japanese youth love controversy, so

they rushed out to purchase it because of the hype. After that, critics took notice

and realized you had a really touching story and you did it in a way that wasn’t

ridiculing or disrespecting Japanese culture. Still, you know these things take

time.”

Abe continued to reason. “The second selling point,” he hesitated. “Is your

history during the time you lived in Japan. The local media knew if they openly

spoke about your book, then they would also have an excuse to bring up the

scandal that forced you to return to the states.”

Charlene remained silent. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temple. Would

that always come back to haunt her? As long as she couldn’t stay away from the

country and culture she’d fallen in love with, the pain would always be there.

“Exactly.” Abe stated, seeing her silence as a form of agreement.

“Okay, but I genuinely believed the investors liked my idea about causing a

media buzz by going from city to city in search for the next big Japanese star.”

“The idea was excellent; the increased expense to pull off such a venture was

not. You don’t have the available budget, sweetheart.” In his usual calm and

soothing way he added, “I do understand you’re upset Charlie, but you have to

understand where these gentlemen are coming from. They are investing a huge

amount of capital into this project.” He removed his hand from his pocket and

pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up onto the bridge of his nose. “And it gives

them the right to have whomever they want to play the lead.”

“Maybe I should use my own personal resources to make sure that I get what

I want and what’s best for the script.”

“Charlie, now you’re deliberately being a hefty pain in my ass.” Abe shook

his head and muttered softly under his breath before replying to her statement.

Abe rubbed his chin. “As far as applying your personal funds, I cannot and will

not agree to that. It’s a huge risk that you simply cannot afford to take, at least a

quarter of a million if not more, and in the end Kane will still play Blu.”

“As my manager, I can’t believe you’re convincing me to do this,” Charlene

grumbled.

looking out for your best interests. I’m not as close to this project as you are, so

therefore I am as they say, detached. Not to mention, my dear Charlie-chan that

it’s an excellent idea.” He paused. “Think of the bigger picture, Charlie, of the

bridge between cultures. In the end you will be saying, ‘Abe, you’re a genius’

as usual.”

She softened a little and gave her manager a half smile. As always, Abe knew

the right things to say, and he was just as good dealing with other people as he

one was personal.

Abe closed the space between them and towered over her. “Charlene, you’ll

be the first African-American woman to have her film produced and directed by

several well-known Japanese filmmakers in the business. Having a highly

recognized Japanese leading man and a popular African American leading

female to be premiered on Japanese and American television is a major

accomplishment. Do you eventually want to ruin this opportunity for more Black

writers and actors over what…creative differences?”

“What if my movie flops because they cast some pretty boy who couldn’t act

his way out of a wet paper bag? I’m finished, that’s what? I’ve worked too many

years rebuilding my name and reputation and you’re telling me to ride it all on

some spoiled pop idol!”

“Come on, Charlie. Do you really think I would sit back and let him or

that seldom happened, which gave her pause. Abe didn’t yell. He was Japanese

to the core, and he took pride in his ability to defuse situations without being

overly emotional. “I’ve put my ass on the line for this too,” he reminded her

harshly.”

“Abe…”

who made it possible and as much as it behooves us we owe them. What part of

this situation did you not understand going in?”

His dark eyes took in her face as he continued, “I know you want the best

showcase for your work, but, Charlie, they should at least be allowed a chance

to recoup their investment and Kane is the security blanket they want to greenlight

the project.”

The throbbing vein in the middle of her forehead felt like a thousand

jackhammers.

“Give me the word right now and I will trash the entire project if that is what

you want me to do.” Abe placed his hands on her shoulders with a deep sigh. “Do

you really want that or are you trying to sabotage your dreams again? You can’t

live in the past. It’s not success that killed your husband. It was his only

foolishness.”

She glared at him. “Don’t bring that up again, I’m not in the mood for you to

play analyst tonight.”

“Okay, then can you at least hold your judgment until you actually meet the

guy in person?”

“Why should I meet him? They’ve already made their choice in the matter.”

“Charlie—” Abe massaged the back of his neck.

“Abe, look, I’m not completely clueless about this young man,” she

interrupted releasing a long breath, hoping it would help the tension subside. “I

kid who hustled his way to stardom through sex and blackmail. Blu has to be

edgy, not squeaky-clean.”

“I know this.” Abe folded his arms across his wide chest.

“Yeah, so tell me how the hell he’s going to pull this off with his reputation?

What does he know about growing up unloved on the streets of Osaka or doing

what Blu did to survive?”

“How do you know Kane can’t handle the role Charlie?”

“Hmm, for starters, that squeaky-clean image will make it impossible for the

Asian public to separate the pop sensation from my jaded rock star.”

“Again, it’s not just your film or your dream, Charlene,” Abe reminded her

frankly. “I assume you’re judging Kane solely on his public persona. Shouldn’t

you hold judgment until you’ve met him face to face? He—”

Japanese guy with a handsome face and a bunch of squealing fan girls who

worship the ground he treads on.”

Abe raised an eyebrow in that “are-you kidding” way that infuriated her.

awesome talent for writing songs and a great voice as cute as he is, but it’s not

going to be enough.”

“That “kid” is twenty-four by the way,” Abe pointed out ironically. “You

know, it’s not like you to judge a person before meeting them. Why is the thought

of Kane playing Blu rubbing you the wrong way?”

Charlene glanced out onto the glimmering night of Los Angeles. “Let’s just

say I’m familiar with the type—handsome and rich Asian men who get bored and

want to stir things up a bit.”

She cut him a glance that would have melted a weaker man, but not her

trusted friend and agent; he knew about all the closets that housed her skeletons.

demands.

Her face took on a faraway look. “Trust me, everything Jason touches he

ruins it with his selfishness.”

“Jason?” He asked cautiously. “So that’s what this is all about. Something

about Kane reminds you of Jason.”

A soft gasp escaped her. She hadn’t meant for that to get out. Charlene knew

in her heart Abe was right. She was making hasty judgments based on nothing

but her personal baggage.

“Abe, if you don’t mind I need to be alone.” Her words were shakier than she

would have liked.

His dark eyes shimmering with worry, but always the gentleman, he said,

“You understand I’m here for you no matter what, Charlie.”

“I know.” She forced a smile to alleviate his concern. “I’m just feeling a bit

overwhelmed by it all, but I’ll be fine after I get some much needed rest.”

“Are you sure? We can have dinner at that authentic Japanese restaurant you

like so well.” Abe winked. “I’ll even allow you to practice your Japanese with

the waiter and order for the both of us. As a matter of fact, I’m feeling so

“Whoa,” Charlene chuckled, some of the oppressiveness she felt lifting a

little. “Now, I know you’re feeling sorry for me because not once in the eight

years we’ve known one another, have you ever allowed me to pay for a meal.”

“Hey, a sharp man understands when to set pride aside.” His thin lips spread

into an easy smile.

“I don’t need practice with my Japanese anyway; there are just some things

one never forgets, thank you. Now go, I need to think about those rewrites they

requested me to do with Kane in mind.”

“So you’ve changed your mind about him.” Abe took in the stubborn set of

her lips before the last word was out of his mouth and realized she hadn’t quite

conceded.

“I didn’t say that,” she retorted. “I just need to be prepared just in case they

don’t see reason.”

Charlene removed the stylish Misook jacket and placed it on the back of her

office chair before taking a seat behind the desk. With a swishing sound of silk

stockings, she kicked off her heels and crossed her legs. It had been a long and

tiring day of meeting after meeting, and she was finally able to release a deep

sigh of relief that it was over.

did keep rock star hours, even if she didn’t live the rock star lifestyle. Another

aspect of her past that hadn’t changed.

She flipped through the stack on her desk and saw there were at least twenty

pages of rewrites to do before turning in for the night. Charlene figured she might

as well work from home, where she could be comfortable. Feeling bitchy, she

started to pick up the telephone and call Sharon, her assistant to meet her at the

didn’t have a personal life, it didn’t mean Sharon didn’t either. At that moment,

Charlene wondered how many of her readers would be surprised that in spite of

the hot stories she wrote, she was actually sleeping with a laptop and an array of

reference books. Most of the time, she didn’t even bother to remove them from

the bed as she nodded off to sleep.

The phone rang. Instantly startled, she waited for the service to pick it up. The

shrill grew more persistent as she continued to wait for the service to pick up. It

took another five rings before she realized Sharon must have forgotten to transfer

calls to the answering service.

Cursing under her breath she picked up the receiver. “Hello, Charlene Alfred,

here.”

“Why are you against my playing Blu?” His directness was surprising, since

the Japanese tended to be anything but. Even though he had an accent, his

English was clear enough for her to hear he was genuinely pissed.

“Kane, I presume.”

“You presume correctly.”

“Well calling me like this isn’t helping your case any.”

this man exactly as you have created him. Do you know how rare it is for a

manuscript to come along from your Hollywood that doesn’t stereotype the

Asian male?”

“As a matter of fact I do.” Charlene said with a bit more asperity than she

Though Kane was not the enemy and in all fairness, he would be a fool to pass

up a role like Blu, Charlene didn’t like having her creative wings clipped just

because someone had more clout than she did. This was her baby and she wanted

to see it done right.

“I apologize for being so rude to you, Mr. Kane, but it’s been a long day and

I really need to get home.”

“I suspect your husband is waiting for you.”

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. Was he fishing for information in regards to

her personal life?

“You’d suspect wrong, but it is too late here to be calling,” she reminded him

once again.

“Forgive me for disturbing you at such a late hour. It’s morning here and after

my manager called and told me you had doubts about me…I want to know why.”

Charlene heard the genuine sincerity in his voice and sighed deeply. He

deserved her objective opinion. “Look, I’ve heard you sing and I’ve seen your

live performances. You are very talented.”

“Thank you.” She could hear the wryness in his tone.

“But you only appeal to hormonal teen girls. I just don’t see the rawness in

you that my character needs to possess.”

“Please, allow me to be as straightforward as you have been, Alfred-san.

persona created by my management team. My long term contract

with Takusa Entertainment Group is coming up for renewal and finally I have the

“I understand what you’re saying,” and she did sympathize with him. “But

the problem is still your image. If you fail to sway the viewers, then it will all be

for nothing.”

desire in his tone and surprisingly it warmed her. Still, that wasn’t enough.

“Mr. Kane, I don’t want to risk a backlash of angry Japanese boycotting the

film because their non-threatening pop icon is portraying a boozing uninhibited

musical genius.”

“Look, Charlene, I will not let that happen to you or your film,” he assured

her.

A brief chill ran though her body as he spoke her name. A strange since of

and realized she was too exhausted to be having this conversation.

story to be ignored because of the media frenzy surrounding you and with that

being said, I seriously think we should be ending this discussion.”

believe, regardless of the crude side of Blu, I can add a vulnerability to his

dominating character, make his unfortunate decisions understood and forgiven.”

“Mr. Kane—”

“Just call me, Kane.”

Charlene was at the end of her patience. “Whatever!”

“I know what I’m talking about. In our culture when one sees you are

sincerely repentant of your behavior, it can be forgiven graciously and without

regret.”

He was correct. That had been her main concern and the concern of the

producers, even though she had rewritten several scenes in consideration of the

cultural differences of what the Japanese found acceptable.

She tried a new tactic. “I read that you were born into a wealthy family which

tells me you have no idea how to portray Blu. I’m not looking for someone who

“You are shouting at me”

Was that humor she heard in his voice?

“I…I’m not yelling,” she said defensively before realizing she was indeed

speaking loudly. In her family if you weren’t loud, your point of view got lost in

the pool of forceful personalities. “I’m just—”

completed the sentence. “I understand the passion and the message of your story.

That’s why I want to do it and I’m not going to give up so easily.”

“So then you understand what this project means to me, how proud I am

about it.”

ride between engagements three years ago and I never forgot it. There was

something about Blu that felt familiar to me and I genuinely believe if this book

were to become a movie, it would be a sign for me to change the course of my

career.”

“When I heard Blu’s Diary was being adapted into a film I knew this was the

sign I’ve been waiting for because I believe working on this film is going to

change my life completely.”

Charlene couldn’t deny she was touched by his words and surprised that he

had actually read her book. Knowing he spent three years contemplating the

possibility stunned her. Oddly, she felt more relaxed as she slid down in the chair

and crossed her feet on the desk.

“I must admit that your reading my book caught me by surprise.” She grinned

in the phone as if he could see her and caught herself. The smile disappeared.

“No, thank you for being a wonderful writer. I’ve kept up with your career

was my favorite because your lead was Asian and I was pleased.”

“I don’t get too many guys admitting they read my stuff. Not straight guys

believe she asked him that question.

“As opposed to being crooked, you mean.”

“No, I meant…never mind what I meant.” What did it matter if he was gay

or not? It wasn’t any of her business. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that.”

“I was teasing. I don’t mind, ask me anything,” he assured her. “Regardless

of any fan-based rumors you have heard romantically linking me to men I have

collaborated with or members of my band,” he laughed. “I am not gay.”

“It’s hard to tell these days, though it would have no bearing on this role if

He appeared to be hesitant in answering since he wasn’t as quick to reply as

he was before. “Dating…mmm…no,” he finally answered. “However, there is

Charlene didn’t even want to consider just why his answer disappointed her.

someone?

“As a loyal reader do you have any recommendations for future books?” she

asked.

“Well, since you asked, more with Asian males, Japanese in particular

because they seem to make us the least approachable of the Asian culture and it

isn’t true.” Charlene agreed with that assessment, her experience in that country

as proof. “Also, there aren’t enough writers utilizing Asian males as romantic

leads. I suppose because most see us as technical sidekicks to the hero, or

passionate, loving and screwed-up as any other man,” he pointed out seriously.

“I confess that I was hesitant to write Blu as Asian. I didn’t want to offend

anyone because some of his actions were questionable, though some of it was

from my personal experiences while living in Japan. When in doubt I asked Abe

Goda, my manager. He helped me big time to keep Blu’s reaction in certain

situations as realistic as possible. However, in the end it’s still a fictional piece.”

“Who did you model Corinne, the female lead, after? I fell in love with her

from the moment she walked into Blu’s life during high school. She felt very real

supporter. Her protectiveness of Blu and her desire to generously give her love

to him unconditionally touched something in me that I can’t explain.”

Charlene was thankful he couldn’t see her face as her cheeks stained red at

his compliment.

“Let’s just say Corrine is someone I know very well.”

“I see.” Kane paused before asking. “Is there a man in your life that you’ve

modeled Blue’s character from?”

“There was,” she spoke with as reasonable a voice she could manage. “But,

he died several years ago.”

life characters didn’t have the happy ending that you wrote of.”

to have a happy ending, don’t they?”

“In a Japanese love story? You have to be kidding. It would be surprising if

Charlene exhaled a long sigh in agreement. “True. As far as my readers are

gripped at her heart. “I wish every day of my life that I could have written a

better ending for the man I used as my inspiration.”

Kane’s next words shocked her to the core. “You’re Corrine aren’t you, and

Blu is Jason James.”

Charlene held the telephone to her ear as an awkward silence stretched

between them. To make such a confession would be to revealing into a part of

her life that she had chosen to exorcise in the telling novel.

But she was even less ready to hear, “Meet with me.”

“What did you say?” Her voice squeaked.

“I will make all the arrangements. Come to Japan. I want you to spend some

definitely want you to know things about me that no interviews, demos,

headshots—”

“Or life-size posters,” she threw in.

To her surprise he laughed. “Let me guess; shirtless, jeans, and in a

downpour?”

potential employer?” He laughed aloud. “I apologize for him. Takusa-san forgets

everyone isn’t an enthusiastic fan of my music. If it embarrasses you to have it,

just throw it out, he won’t know.”

She could hear that he was truly embarrassed and she found it unexpected and

endearing. She would have thought any man who had thousands of women

screaming over him since age twelve would possess an ego the size of Texas.

“I gave it to my assistant’s niece,” she lied to save him further

embarrassment. Her eyes trailed to the poster they were discussing framed and

leaning against the wall where her assistant Sharon had placed it upon its arrival.

“Also, I didn’t say I wasn’t a fan.”

“Will you come to Japan as my guest?”

Was that hope she heard in his voice?

“I…I don’t know this is a bit—”

obvious Kane was used to getting his way. “At the most, you get an all expense

paid holiday to Japan and since I’m in the midst of touring, I can show you a

more personal side to a few other places beside Tokyo.”

He really was making the offer irresistible, she thought. “I don’t know if I can

get away at this time.”

“What about next month?”

“That is only two weeks away.”

“You’re going to have to let them know soon if you are going to go along with

them hiring me aren’t you?” he questioned. “So I will make you a deal. If after

spending some time with me you still feel I can’t do justice to Blu, I will

withdraw myself from the running. That way there will be no bad feeling

between you and the producers.”

“You would do that for me even though I can tell you want this very much?”

“I am a man of my word. If I must wait to see you, may I call you again,

He pleaded playfully, a gentle reminder for her that he was only twenty-four.

“Oh now you’re showing some manners by asking can you call me when you

shouldn’t have phoned me in the first place. Not to mention you’re calling me by

my given name before we’ve even met. What are they teaching the youth of

Japan these days?” Charlene fingered a micro-braid resting on her shoulder, a

smile on her lips.

“Sorry, but most of my schooling was done in a boarding school outside of

Japan. But, I can make sure not to overstep. I can call you Alfred-san instead of

Charlene, and I apologize for being forward in my call, but not in the purpose.”

“I can’t fault a man for being aggressive in business.”

“I’ll remember that.”

The huskiness lingered in his tone and her eyes clouded with visions of the past.

“About my coming to Japan…”

“The offer is open and there is no obligation, but remember I’m a fan and I

bought all your books without a discount.” Charlene found herself smiling again.

“Oh, no pressure at all.”

“Honestly, if you don’t want to meet, allow me to take this time and apologize

for my manager. If I can’t get the role of Blu because you don’t believe I’m

capable, then I don’t want it at all.”

Charlene’s lips tightened, how could she not accept his request. He was

already proving to be more than she had expected and completely different from

her imagined perception. This alone made her curious to know more about him.

She heard him clear his throat. Her fingers twirled the braid in her hand

nervously.

“Can I ask you something, personal?” Charlene licked her lips wondering

why she was allowing him to get to her. Hadn’t she already made her decision in

regards to Kane’s abilities to go from being Japan’s darling to playing this dark

role, so unlike his persona.

“Yes.” He answered without hesitation.

“Are you prepared for how much this career move could change your life, as

you know it? Are you prepared for your fans to be appalled and the feedback to

be none to positive because of its content?”

“I have walked the path that others have chosen for me for so long I’m not

sure who I am any more. Don’t get me wrong; I’m grateful and very fortunate to

be so well received all over the world. Nevertheless, I can’t live under the same

restrictions that were given to me when I was a twelve year old boy.”

Charlene could hear the frustration weighing heavy in his deep voice.

“I’m a man and I have mental and physical needs. Yet, because of my

contractual obligations, I must remain unattached in the public eye.”

“Is there someone in particular that has caused you to want to change the way

things have been going? Is that your motivation for wanting to do this project and

change your image?” Charlene realized that question was too personal and had

nothing to do with anything. Yet, she had an opportunity so few received in a

lifetime. The ability to speak one on one with an entertainer they had only

admired from afar, through their craft.

“I admit recently I have found myself intrigued by a particular woman, but

“Thank you for your honesty.”

“I will be twenty-five in a couple of months and I find myself thinking of

things that other men my age think of, such as a future with some one I can love

openly and they love me openly in return.”

He released a long sigh and she could almost picture him running a frustrated

hand through his dark hair. She smiled remember how impulsive and alive she

felt at twenty-five and understood he should have the right to have the same

freedom, regardless of public opinions. Times have changed and the young

generation was more accepting of the fact that entertainment figures wanted to

be sexual and have a family too.

“I know I must really sound pathetic, since I do live a charmed life. Right now

I must seem very ungrateful for all the things I have been blessed with…”

“No…please, I understand what you’re saying.” Charlene intervened. “You

need someone to love. What is that saying? ‘What good is success without

someone to share it with?’”

“Exactly.”

She could tell from the way he said that one word that he was smiling again

and it made her smile too.

“I’m flattered that you would choose my movie to be the beginning of an

entirely new life for you.” She said sincerely.

rock mode, which will give me more creative and personal freedom. I’m willing

to do whatever is necessary to make it a success for…the both of us.”

The intimacy of his chosen words should of shocked her, yet he’d implied

them before and each time it caused a quivering response in a place Charlene

didn’t want to explore further.

“You…you know you took a chance of pissing me off, by calling me this

thing that Blu would do to get the gig he wanted.”

“Excuse me, what did you say about my…balls?”

Charlie grimaced, blushed and smiled into the phone at his deliberate

misunderstanding because his English was flawless. Another unexpected quality

he possessed.

“I’m teasing you.” He saved her from further embarrassment. “I understood

what you were saying.” Kane chuckled. “But, you’re smiling, aren’t you?”

Did he have such a sexy voice at the beginning of this conversation or was

she imagining it had deepened even more. Charlie cleared her throat staring once

more at the poster of Kane. Her fingers smoothed over the soft material of her

skirt from the top of her thigh to the hem. He really was sexy, mysterious

and…young. She hurriedly removed her hand from the trail it was taking up her

inner thigh.

Her breath came hot and heavy as she fought off the sensations of longing that

started at her feminine core. It had been so long, and there was something about

his voice that…

“Charlene? I hear you breathing, so I know you are still there. Will you come

to Japan?”

Admittedly, he peaked more than her curiosity for she wanted to see him in

his element. It would give her the opportunity to see life through the eyes of a

pop star and who knows, it could be research for a future novel.”

“Okay,” she said softly.

“Okay…”

“I will come to Japan and meet you.”

Charlene cringed at the sound of anticipation in his voice. What was she

doing? She didn’t want to give him false hope. Still, she couldn’t help but feel

thrilled by his excitement.

“I haven’t said you got the part.”

“No, but you will.” He assured her. “May I have your cell number too?”

“My cell number?”

“Yes, so I can call you from my private line and you will have my number.”

He reasoned. “As soon as you can free your calendar, call me, and I will take

care of everything personally.”

“I don’t…that won’t be necessary, you can reach me at this number and leave

any messages with my assistant, Sharon, if I’m not in.”

“I understand. How about I do this the old fashion way and I just tell you my

private number and you can call me, whenever.”

Was that disappointment she heard in his voice?

“That probably will be best.” Charlene stated writing down the phone number

he supplied on the inside of his file lying on top of her desk. “I’ll get back with

you as soon as I can clear my schedule.”

“I’ll be waiting.” He paused as if he wanted to say more, but all he said was,

“Good bye, Kane.”

She held the phone long after the line went dead, her mind deep in thought.