“Doesn’t have to be,” Marv insisted.
Seb leaned back in his chair. “What is Vanguard really afraid of here?”
“The optics,” Marv replied. “If the general public on either coast finds out you’ve bought an historic landmark before the merger goes live, it looks like you’re land-grabbing to offset an upcoming loss. It could trigger an audit.”
Inwardly Seb cursed video calls, but he refused to show any reaction. “We know the truth. Why not publicize it? I can even go through theBuglereporters since that seems to be such a well-read paper.”
“You’re an ass.”
“It’s been said.” Seb nodded. “But I stand by it. The lighthouse was part of the estate. I don’t know all the history.” He had an excellent source to help him, all he had to do was ask. “There was no willful or suspicious land grab and it won’t be hard to prove it.”
Marv’s expression turned as stern as Seb’s seventh grade English teacher when she was disappointed in his effort with an essay. “Your purchase of that particular estate negated the remainder of a ninety-nine-year lease.”
Seb swore. “Why is this the first I’m hearing of it?” He had to work to unlock his jaw. He couldn’t believe he’d missed that detail in all the paperwork. He was focused on the merger, sure, but he still read everything before signing. “Doesn’t matter.” He’d have Holly help him confront the local lawyers about this. “It’s not a land-grab,” he muttered. “It was a package deal with the estate. The Marion heirs wanted it all gone in one transaction. People will understand that.”
Marv snorted. “Neither your board nor the Vanguard board cares about any of that. Let me shelter you and the lighthouse. Once the merger is public, you can donate the lighthouse back to the town, be the hero, whatever. But until then, you lay low. Stay focused. And stay far away from anyone from theBugle.”
Seb felt another flare of irritation. “Again, my personal life is my own.” He trusted Holly.
“Of course,” Marv agreed too easily. “Enjoy it all you want with anyone you choose.Afterthe merger. Remember, journalists of every stripe eat secrets for breakfast. We don’t need anyone using your distraction to pump you for insider intel.”
The insult was a step too far. “That wouldn’t happen.”
“Let’s hope you’re right. If this Vince or any of his local peers uncover the power you have over an historical landmark, they’ll bury you and the fallout will likely derail the merger. Trust me, it’s my job to protect you.”
“Yeah. Thanks,” Seb didn’t bother hiding his annoyance. “For the record, I’m not a fan of your choice on this.”
“Noted.”
The screen went black as Marcus ended the call. Seb stared at his reflection in the dark monitor. Transparency. It was the one thing Holly had asked for. The one thing her father had denied her. He should just tell her, to hell with Marv’s misplaced worry.
But it wouldn’t be an issue for long. Probably best if he embraced the mysterious recluse role and stayed in the office until the merger was done.
His staff would be happier.
Marv would be happier.
Suddenly Digby scrambled out of the bed by the desk and raced for the front door, barking up a storm even before the doorbell rang.
Seb didn’t need to look through the window to know who had stopped by. Digby adored Holly and no one else would just drop in.
He opened the heavy oak door and smiled. Holly stood on his porch, wearing jeans that hugged her legs and a soft golden-green top that matched the marshes, her hair gathered up in a bun. In flip-flops, he could see the bright purple polish on her toes.
Why was that so intriguing?
“Hey,” she said.
“Hi.” He stepped back. “Come on in.” She looked radiant, refreshed, and smelled of citrus as she entered.
Digby pranced happily at her feet, not even considering dashing outside.
And Marv’s voice intruded, reminding him she was a reporter for the Bugle.
“Rough night?” Her blue gaze searched his face. She didn’t lead with a kiss, but he sensed she wanted to. “You look like you worked all night.”
“Pretty much. And then a call from my lawyer,” Seb admitted. “Did I forget an appointment?”
“Not exactly.” Holly knelt to scoop up the dog, her gaze never leaving Seb’s. “Is it the merger? You’ve got that look again. Intense. Concerned. Like when you were navigating the shortcut through the marsh.”
