Chapter 15: Travel Plans

Candice is hard at work in her office finishing up paperwork. Josef was officially cleared of any part of the scam. She had even been able to work her magic and keep it out of the press. She was happy with the job she'd done but now given everything that was happening it seemed so inconsequential.

Her friends had spent most of the previous few days with Ryan while she went back to work. Josef had said it was for the best, that he could focus on this if he knew she was handling the rest. It was nice of him, but she was sure it was at least 90% a cover. David was worried about her and had probably talked to everyone about keeping her out of this hunt. She understood and frankly didn't know what she could do to help, she was a lawyer not a detective.

She kept in constant contact with Beth for any updates. So far Ryan was proving most helpful. They had flagged all of the aliases he had helped Coraline create and contacts he had known about. Candice hadn't seen Ryan since his shackles were removed and he was instead fitted with a tracking anklet.

David still didn't like the idea and she tried to ease his mind calling or texting him just to say hello to let him know she was okay. They didn't talk about Ryan much which Candice knew meant he was keeping an eye on him through his guards. She missed him and knew how hard this was on him. She also knew that if she was honest with him and told him she wanted to talk to Ryan alone he would only get upset again and she didn't want that.

Besides right now they needed him focused on finding Coraline. She just hoped when it was over she could talk to him. She had things she needed to ask him. Questions that had been in the back of her mind ever since she found out he'd been in love with her. Questions that had resurfaced when Ryan showed up at her door. She had the number to the cell he was using but didn't feel it'd be right to ask these questions on the phone.

Looking at her phone she saw a text from David asking if this was a good time for her. Instead of responding she just called him. "Hey," he answered warmly.

"Hey yourself. How are things there?"

"Going well. I should be home in a week if all goes well."

Candice smiled, "I can't wait. I miss waking up with you in our freezer."

"I miss that too but that's not all I miss," his voice was full of passion. Candice knew they'd probably be naked within seconds of seeing each other again. This long for them without sex was insane.

"I know but soon it won't matter. You'll be finished and home."

David sighed. "So how are things on your end? Is Josef still on the line for the scam? I haven't seen anything online."

"That mister is because I'm damn good at what I do." She grinned imagining the look on his face. "But things are resolved. I just finished the paperwork."

"So…you're free? You can come here while I finish."

She realized that had been the original plan. With everything going on she had honestly forgotten about going to San Francisco. "I'd love to. But…with everything happening now I need to check with Josef and make sure he doesn't need me to stay close."

"It's not that far," he reasoned. "But I understand. Ask him and let me know."

"I will." She paused for a moment, "David I mean it. I will talk to him. Please don't call him and try to convince him on my behalf. I know you'd mean well but I want to handle my job my way."

He released a breath, "Have I told you how frustrating you can be?"

"All the time but you love me anyways."

David smiled, "I do. I won't speak to Josef about you visiting."

Candice knew that meant he'd still be talking to him about the investigation. "Are you getting enough rest?" He didn't answer right away and that confirmed her suspicions. "David you're working hard there and let me guess when you finish you're working from there to help find Coraline."

"It's my job."

"I know but right now your job is helping Ashton. You can't burn the candle at both ends or you'll be too tired and not give either your full attention."

He knew she was right but he couldn't help but it. Even with everyone reporting to him that Ryan had thus far been a model helper he found it difficult to sleep. "I'm fine. I get enough to keep me focused."

Candice shook her head, "Well I need you well rested so that when I get there you have plenty of energy."

"So you're coming?"

She could hear the smile in his voice. "I should be. I don't think I'm needed to stay."

"The trip is short you could be here tonight?"

"No I can't." She looked at the clock. "I promised Beth I'd babysit tonight. They have a few leads they want to check out. I'm not a PI so I help however I can."

"I'm sure they appreciate it very much. Knowing Kayla is safe with you will let them focus on finding Coraline."

"Speaking of I need to head out of here and go pick her up from her dance class. I'll talk to Josef as soon as I can and let you know."

"I love you. Be safe."

Candice laughed, "Like I have any other choice. You have two of Josef's men following me 24/7."

"Everyone needs to be protected."

"I know but she never had any problem with me. I only met her briefly as Morgan. I think the others could use the guards more."

"But knowing they're there makes me feel better."

"I know. That's why I haven't shaken them. I'll talk to you later. I love you."

"Love you too."

Candice hung up and gathered her things. She would head over and pick up Kayla and take her back to Mick and Beth's. She looked forward to spending some time with her little niece. Then first thing tomorrow she'd call Josef and make sure she could head to San Francisco. If all went well she'd be in David's arms by dinner time.

To Be Continued…

Evilous