“Of course. I’m happy to help, but I’m not sure there’s much I can do,” he says.
Jackson takes him through the invention of the solar panel window film. “We have a patent pending, but recently my CFO was arrested for theft of our plans and schematics and was seeking funding. He approached Hydro Energy Partners without authorization. Are you familiar with them?”
“I’m familiar with the owner, Jeff Wong.”
“I was told that, which is why I’m asking.” Jackson picks up his glass of bourbon. “Would you be willing to make an introduction?”
“Is this why you’re here in Hawaii?”
“No, I have a place on Maui, but when I thought you could help, I begged for this dinner.”
The governor nods. “Tell me more about your invention.” The two of them talk about Soleil Energy, and I talk to Courtney about adjusting to living on an island so far away from her family.
An older Chinese gentleman approaches the table, and the governor greets him. “Jeff, I was hoping to see you tonight. Please let me introduce you to my dinner guests. I understand you may run in the same circles.”
A look of smugness crosses Jeff Wong’s face.
“This is Jackson Graham, CEO and founder of Soleil Energy.”
Suddenly, he looks horrified. I’m sure he wasn’t expecting to see Jackson in Hawaii, and the fact that he ran into him in his private club visibly unsettles him.
“Mr. Wong, nice to meet you,” Jackson says. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“Sorry. I haven’t received any messages,” Jeff Wong says. “I’ll have to speak to my girl about that.”
“That’s fine. I’ll just tell you in person what I tried to tell you over the phone. My attorney has sent you a notice. The technology for the solar film you’re preparing to sell was stolen from me. Its application has been submitted for a patent, and it’s been financed in the US.”
“I’m sure it’s different from my technology.” Jeff turns a gold signet ring on his right pinky finger.
“Well, I would certainly hope so since you were digitally recorded meeting with Jeremy Knowles, the former CFO of my company. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but he was arrested for stealing the plans and patent information.”
“I assure you, I’ve never met a Jeremy Knowles.”
The men nod, sizing each other up. Jackson is significantly taller than Jeff Wong, and in much better shape. My bet is on Jackson.
“That’s great news for you. Because should you choose to move ahead and find yourself unable to prove ownership of your technology and development, I have more than enough money to pursue this.” Jackson leans in so he’s not overheard by the neighboring tables. “Both in the US and in China.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Jeff Wong paints a fake smile on his face.
“That’s fine, but I have my eye on you.” Jackson sits back in his chair, seeming confident. “I’ve spoken with Electrical Alternatives, and they’ve told me you mysteriously launched technology they created in the past, and while they didn’t have the funds to pursue this, I not only have more than enough money but also the connections. You can check.”
Wong turns to the governor. “I can’t believe you brought this haole mainlander, who has no interest in Hawaii and our culture, to our private club.”
“Actually,” I interrupt. “This haole mainlander owns the largest private estate on Maui and the second-largest private estate outside of the Robinson family in all of Hawaii. He employs over fifty people.” I should’ve just kept my mouth shut, but I couldn’t help myself.
“You own the Halona Moana Estate?” he asks.
“I do,” Jackson says.
“How did you buy it? It wasn’t listed for sale,” he challenges.
The waiter arrives with our drinks, and Jackson takes his time, knowing Jeff Wong must have been watching the estate if he knew it hadn’t been up for sale.
“I bought it from Viviana Prentis,” he finally says. “I just put five hundred thousand dollars into the operational budget this morning. I now have a big footprint in Hawaii.”
Jeff Wong begins to turn red, and he balls his hands at his side.
“I have no beef with you today, Mr. Wong, but if you continue to try to sell my technology, you will be sorry.”
Wong turns and walks away. He says something to his probably paid-for date, and they leave the club.
That was tense. I didn’t realize I’d been holding my breath until he walked away. Jackson grasps my hand under the table and rubs his fingers over my knuckles. I steal a look at him, and he has a smug smile. He’s won round two, but this might not be over. We’ll wait to find out if there’s going to be a round three.
The governor motions to the waiter. “A bottle of champagne for the table.”
“Yes, Governor.”
The champagne flows, and the food is outstanding. Dinner runs long, and by the time we fly back to Maui and get to the estate, it’s well after midnight.
Jackson and I curl up in bed together. A part of me wants to talk about how we’re going to manage when we return to San Francisco, but before I can figure out how to talk about it, he’s softly snoring in my ear.
I’m going to miss this. Can I get a casting of his dick? Sadly, I know it wouldn’t be enough.
***
The sun cutting through the blinds wakes me in the morning, but Jackson is up and gone. That’s too bad. I would have loved to start the day with sex. We gave Leilani the morning off, but she’s going to make us a huge dinner tonight.
I reach for my Kindle, and immediately it starts with a very naughty scene. The hero has tied up
