I’m in a cold sweat by the time I reach the apartment Jennifer has booked on the other side of town. I rip off my jacket and throw it across the room. I’m shaking.

What the fuck is wrong with you, Ethan?

I already know I’ve fucked up. Lying in bed next to Lily this morning, I realized that I was about to break her heart again.

Three offices and four hundred twelve employees rely on me to run a business. I can’t stay in Arizona, and Lily isn’t made for New York.

This morning when I checked my cell and saw that the convention was starting, I left without waking her. I knew that if I woke her, she’d invite me to stay for breakfast. We’d talk about old times. She’d start to look at me again with those devoted eyes, and I would have to tell her I couldn’t stay.

My cell rings. “Hello?”

“About time, Ethan! I’ve been calling you all night. Are you taking this time off? I can screen your calls if you want.”

“Good morning, Jennifer.”

“Are you in Payson?”

“Where else would I be?”

“The apartment people called last night and said you never picked up the keys.”

“I’ve got them now. Everything’s good.”

“That’s fantastic, but it doesn’t explain where you were last night. You’re so weird right now.”

“I’m sorry, Jen—should I get all the women I sleep with to make an appointment in advance?”

She laughs. “Point taken. Sorry. I just wanted to know you were okay. I know your pilot likes to party. Last year, he got wasted with Bill from security, and they got arrested for taking a piss behind Walmart.”

“You thought he’d crashed the jet?”

“Or was arrested for pissing in public.”

“No. As far as I know, he had complete bladder control throughout the flight.”

“Excellent.” She laughs again. “Have you settled your beef with Vincent, then? Stolen a client? Demolished a building? Kidnapped his first-born?”

“Vincent doesn’t have kids.”

“You’ll have to save that one for later, I guess.”

“No, I haven’t dealt with that yet. I’m just about to head to the convention.”

“Ah, yes. The Payson technology convention that was far more vital than the New York Cyber Fair. Did you remember to pay the two dollars for your stall?”

“Ha ha, very funny.”

“I’m done now. I just wanted to check in.”

“Any other news?”

“Healy was impressed with the initial docs you sent over. He gave us a deadline for the final proposal. We have a few weeks left. I’m getting accounting to focus on fine-tuning those numbers, and the developers are testing the prototype day and night for glitches. So far, so good, but we don’t want any weak points.”

“Sounds like you’ve got it all under control. I knew I could count on you. Is Mitch ready for the Cyber Fair?”

“Mm-hmm. He’s good to go.”

“Perfect. Thanks, Jen.”

“No problem. I’ll let you go. Make sure you watch your back with Vincent, okay? Just keep the defense contract in mind. That’s what matters right now.”

“Got it.”

* * *

The convention is hardly more than a school career fair. A handful of stalls are promoting low-tech software and infomercial gadgets.

I’m instantly suspicious. There’s no way that Vincent is here for this. This small-town assembly isn’t worth either of our time.

People are starting to realize who I am. Excitement builds, and every start-up and beginner entrepreneur is vying for my attention.

“Mr. Steele! Mr. Steele! Take a look at this! It’s the most advanced robotics in any children’s toy. This penguin can actually be stored in the freezer!”

“Mr. Steele! Mr. Steele! I’ve written the code for a security program that can detect every single virus on the internet. I’d love to give you a copy of my résumé.”

“Mr. Steele! Mr. Steele! My daughter loves you! Can she get a picture?”

I can hear Jennifer telling me to relate to my public. I engage in some small talk, promise to look at a CV, and let an excitable mother snap a photograph. I’m growing tired of the charade when I feel a hand slap down on my shoulder and a familiar chuckle in my ear.

“It’s a complete shit show here, isn’t it, Ethan? Remember when we used to fall over ourselves to get attention at conventions like these?”

Vincent has his hand on me, and it makes my skin crawl. I shrug him off and turn to him with a frown. “What are you doing here, Vincent? There’s nothing for you here.”

“What are you doing here, Ethan? Seems to me like you’ve followed me all the way to Payson. Isn’t it the Cyber Fair this week?”

“I know you’re here for Lily. Why?”

He grins, taking pleasure in tormenting me. “We’re soulmates, Ethan. It’s Destiny.”

“There is nothing for you in Payson,” I repeat. “Lily’s not just some girl you’re looking to have fun with while you’re here. You’ve come here especially for her. What game are you playing, Vince? Are you just trying to fuck with me?”

“Of course I am.”

“You need to stop what you’re doing right now.”

“Or what? Tell me, Ethan, what are you going to do? Throw a punch in front of all these good people? Give me a piece of your mind? Face it: you can’t do anything. I’m seeing her again tonight.”

“Again?”

“We had dinner. Guess you didn’t know that.” He smirks. “It was a wonderful evening. We drank wine, there was music. She was putty in my hands.”

“Fuck you.”

Vincent laughs. “I’ve finally found out how to push your buttons.”

“Don’t start what you can’t finish.”

“Oh, I haven’t even begun, Ethan.”

He turns towards a camera pointing at us and smiles for the picture, resting his hand on my back like we’re the best of friends.

I’m seething, but I grit my teeth and keep my cool. As soon as the photo is taken, I leave the hall. My head is filled with a blind rage.

I know I need to protect Lily, but I don’t know how.

What’s your plan, Vincent?