Changing the Rules (Richter Book 1)(23)

“You say that every time, Gwen.”

“Because it’s true.”

The ma?tre d’ pulled out Claire’s chair and quickly moved to Gwen’s before she could adjust it herself. They were just off Rodeo Drive in an upscale restaurant that Claire only knew because of Neil’s wife. Every eight to ten weeks, Gwen insisted on a private lunch, which was often followed by a shopping trip, so she could keep tabs on Claire’s life. The life she had outside of MacBain Security and Solutions. If Neil was a surrogate father, Gwen took the role of mother.

When Claire had first moved to California, these lunches were more frequent, and the shopping trips were up there with Little Orphan Annie and Daddy Warbucks going to the mall. No matter how much Claire insisted she didn’t need a lot, Gwen acted as if she didn’t hear her. Sasha did the same, but never at the same time. One look in Claire’s closet and you’d never know she was an orphan.

“I’m glad I could squeeze in some of your time before this new assignment consumes you,” Gwen started.

“I have a feeling this one is going to take a while.”

Gwen sat politely across the table, her hands in her lap. The woman was regal. Always turning heads whenever they walked into a room. Today was no different. Even though the restaurant was filled with a larger number of women than men, that didn’t stop those masculine eyes from shifting her way.

“When Neil told me you’d be working nights and weekends, in addition to the school hours, I told him it was too much.”

Claire grinned. “Let me guess, he gave you the look and walked away.” They both knew the look. It said: I know what I’m doing. We’re not talking about this. The subject is now closed. All in one.

“That look doesn’t work with me.”

“Doesn’t stop him from trying.” Claire reached for the sparkling water already poured in her glass and took a drink.

“When he told me Cooper was back and on the case with you, I felt a bit better.”

Just the mention of Cooper’s name had Claire thinking of the lip stare. “It’s good to have another set of eyes on campus.”

When Gwen didn’t comment, Claire looked over at her. The quiet lasted a bit longer than expected.

“He’s changed since he was here last,” Claire said.

Gwen smiled. “I can’t say I’ve noticed, since we’ve seen him from time to time in Europe.”

“He seems to have slipped right back in with the group. Makes me wonder why he left in the first place.”

Gwen broke eye contact and picked up her menu. “I’m sure he had his reasons.”

Claire wondered what the diversion was about. “Do you think this case had something to do with him returning?”

“I couldn’t tell you. I know Neil wanted as many hands on this as he could spare. The whole idea that these awful things are happening where Emma goes to school . . . I don’t have to tell you how he is. I thought for sure he was going to insist on Emma changing schools.”

“There would be no way to know if the same thing isn’t happening elsewhere.”

“Exactly what I told him,” Gwen said, smiling. “I know my husband, though. If the team isn’t successful, he’ll figure out a way to homeschool.”

That had Claire laughing. “I can’t see him as a teacher.”

“Goodness, no. We’d hire someone. But that isn’t fair to Em.”

“That’s true. I wouldn’t worry. We’ll find out what we’re there to uncover.”

“I hope so. Neil might not show it at work, but I know this is eating at him.” She put the menu aside. “He’s compared this trafficking to the fate of some of your classmates from Richter. Forcing kids to do things they wouldn’t otherwise until they can’t see their way out. I realized then that on the surface it looks like he’s evolved because of Emma, but in reality, it’s penance for what could have been you.”

She’d never considered that. “Has he always had this soft spot?” Claire asked.

Gwen laughed. “Don’t let him hear you say that. And yes . . . I saw it from the beginning, although our mutual friends didn’t. He’s certainly opened up through the years.”

Claire couldn’t help it. She busted out a laugh. “There is nothing open about Neil.”

The waiter arrived, took their order, and left them alone again.

“How is it being back in school?”

She sat back. “Awkward. But I think I’m getting the hang of it. I don’t get the impression that anyone is clued in to the truth.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. I always knew you’d excel in whatever you put your mind to.”

When Claire heard words like that, she was quickly reminded why she looked to Gwen as a motherly figure. Although she’d had to have been pretty young to be Claire’s biological mother.

“Can you hint to Neil, the next time we go undercover, to pick something in the south of France?” she asked, joking.

“You want to study French?”

Claire shook her head. “Never mind. Make it Italy.”

Gwen said something to her in French that Claire didn’t understand, and Claire replied in Italian. Even though the Italian sounded rusty to her ears.