She prayed that was not the case.
“Or he could be in hiding considering his father’s murder.” He gave a wave of his hand as if the decision was made. “I’ll see what I can do. If I learn anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you so much, Otis.” She looked into those familiar eyes. “I wish there was some way I could repay you for all you’ve done for me.”
“My dear.” He took her hand. “Watching you bloom has been repayment enough.”
Annette hugged him closely. “I’ll miss you.”
“As I will you,” he murmured.
Time to go. He would call if he learned anything useful.
As she reached the door, she hesitated, looking back at the man who had been more of a father to her than anyone else in her life, biological or otherwise. “Willyoube all right?” She had been so wrapped up in her own troubles she hadn’t taken a moment to consider how things would turn out for Otis when the dust had cleared.
Strangely, he didn’t answer right away, just stared at her with a look she had not seen before. “There was never any question as to my survival. There was only the matter of the price.”
A stretch of silence elapsed between them. She didn’t have to ask the price. She feared she knew all too well. Annette wasn’t sure she could bear the answer.
She saw herself out of the observatory. She worked hard to focus on what she must do next. Any emotion she allowed would only get in the way. She had already set up transportation arrangements for the search. All she had to do now was hook up with Carson. And evade the FBI’s prying eyes.
Oddly enough, Carson appeared to be the only person she could count on at this point.
Images of their physical coupling just a few hours ago had her heart racing.
Don’t think ... find Dane Drake.He was the one chance Carson had of turning his life around.
Blake, the houseman, nodded to Annette as they passed in the long hall. He carried a tea tray.
Two cups.
She stalled, turned to watch the man move toward his destination.
Did Otis have company? There hadn’t been any other cars in the drive when she’d arrived.
Blake entered the study ... not the observatory.
Her heart pounding, Annette eased back in that direction. She slipped into the room directly across the hall, leaving the door cracked so that she might get a glimpse of whoever was waiting in the room.
What the hell was wrong with her?
Otis had guests frequently. Usually business associates. She had no right spying on him like this. He would be very displeased if he learned of her behavior.
As if the troubling thoughts had summoned him, he entered her line of sight. Opened the door to the study to go inside. His guest rose from his chair and extended his hand.
Donald Wainwright.
Otis’s archenemy.
What could those two possibly have to discuss?
The answer was simple. If she’d had any doubts, there was her confirmation.
Shewas the price of Otis’s survival.
When Blake had left the two men alone and the door was closed, she counted to ten, giving Blake time to clear the hall, then made her exit.
She had to find Carson.
