Trust Read Online Free PDF Page B

staking out Ross’s house as well, and that was the last thing she needed. This had to be difficult enough for her. I knew how hard being separated was for me.
    The reporters faded into the background as I walked past the reception desk, and security, which I’m sure Oscar called in advance to warn of my arrival, prevented the vultures from following me any farther. I slipped inside the elevator and went to the fifth floor where Oscar’s office was. Before that night two months ago in my condo, I’d only been to Oscar’s office a handful of times. Most of those were shortly after my parents’ death, and then once to finalize the transfer of my trust after I’d graduated college and took over control of The Coleman Foundation.
    In the last two months, though, I’d been making regular appearances. It was usually easier for me to come to Oscar’s office than for him to come to me. Plus, if we needed to meet with Emma, Brianna’s legal counsel, it had to be at Oscar’s office. We were trying to keep her out of the public eye as much as we were Brianna. Once the media connected her to the situation, they would start digging to find out who she was and how she was involved. After that, it would be only a matter of time before they found Brianna.
    Oscar’s receptionist greeted me the moment I left the elevator. “You can go on in, Mr. Coleman. Mr. Davis is expecting you.”
    “Thanks, Phyllis.”
    When I walked into Oscar’s office, Emma was already sitting in one of the large wing-backed chairs across from his desk. Beside her was a man I didn’t recognize, but by the suit he was wearing, he was probably another lawyer. “Stephan. Perfect timing.”
    I spared Oscar a brief smile before turning my focus on Emma. “Is something wrong with Brianna?”
    Oscar sighed. He sounded slightly irritated. “I told you Brianna was fine over the phone.”
    “I understand that, but I’d like to hear that from Emma.”
    She looked up, meeting my gaze. “Nothing major has happened to change Ms. Reeves’s well-being.”
    For the first time since receiving Oscar’s phone call, I felt I could breathe a little easier. “Thank you.”
    Oscar motioned to the empty chair in front of him. “Stephan, if you’ll have a seat we can get started.”
    I took my seat, eager to find out what had prompted this impromptu meeting.
    They didn’t make me wait long. To my surprise, however, it was Emma who began speaking. “Ms. Reeves wants me to offer a deal to the FBI.”
    That got my attention. “What do you mean? What kind of a deal?”
    “In exchange for giving you immunity from any and all charges surrounding your involvement with Ian Pierce and the purchase of Ms. Reeves from him, she would agree to testify against him.”
    “What! Absolutely not,” I shouted, surging out of my chair.
    “Stephan, sit down. She’s not finished.”
    I looked down at Emma, panic causing every muscle in my body to tense. Brianna couldn’t do this. I wouldn’t let her. She was to worry about herself. Take care of herself . Not me. That was Oscar’s job.
    Emma raised one eyebrow, clearly waiting for me to sit back down before she continued with whatever other nonsense she had to share. Taking a deep breath, I eased myself back into my chair.
    “Apparently you’re not the only one who feels the way you do about her suggestion. Cal Ross had a similar reaction.”
    For once, Ross and I seemed to be on the same page. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.
    “He’s offered a countersuggestion. I ran it by Vince here.” She motioned to the man I didn’t know. “He’s a criminal attorney in my firm and knows a lot more about that side of the law than I, or even Oscar. I’m also going to run it by Ms. Reeves, because ultimately it’s her decision. She’s my client, not you and not Mr. Ross.”
    She paused, and it took everything I had in me not to demand she get on with it already.
    “Cal Ross has offered to speak on your behalf, Mr. Coleman. He