Annoyed, Sam jerked his gaze away from the closed office door. “Abby doesn’t believe in the occult. Where the hell did you get that idea?”
“I don’t know what my daughter has told you, but you need to know that she holds some weird theories.”
“She believes in the existence of paranormal energy, not the occult.”
“There’s a difference?” Brandon asked drily.
“The occult is all about witchcraft, demons and magic,” Sam said, impatient now. “Paranormal energy, on the other hand, is just that, energy. There’s no magic, black or white, involved. Although there are a lot of fake psychics, mediums and dream analysts out there making a good living off the gullible.”
Brandon’s frown turned into a scowl. “Don’t tell me you’re into this paranormal crap, too?”
“I’m surprised to hear you say that, Dr. Radwell. You’re in the psychobabble business. Surely you are aware that shared interests form the best basis for an enduring relationship.”
Brandon’s expression sharpened. “You read my book on marriage?”
“No. Just took a flying leap in the dark.”
“Stop with the bullshit, Coppersmith. We both know why you’re dating my daughter.”
“We do?”
“You found out she’s connected to the Strickland family, didn’t you? You’re not the first man to try to marry her for her inheritance. Butthere isn’t one. The old bitch, better known as Orinda Strickland, controls the family money. Take it from me, she has gone to great legal lengths to make sure that Abby won’t receive a dime. It all goes to my wife, and Dawson and the twins.”
“I heard she cut you out, too.”
Brandon snorted in disgust. “Prenup. And I was dumb enough to sign the papers. Thought that after the old bitch died, Diana would change her mind and tear up the agreement.”
“But?”
“But at the rate she’s going, Orinda may outlive me, and I’ve had it with the waiting game. Time to move on.” Brandon glanced across the room. “Lucy is signaling. Got to go sign some books. Just remember what I told you. Abby has no blood connection to the old bitch. In fact, Orinda is downright embarrassed that Abby is considered a member of the family. That translates into no inheritance.”
“You think I’m after the Strickland money?”
“That sure as hell was the agenda of that bastard Kane Thurston.”
“Who is Kane Thurston?”
“The last man Abby dated seriously,” Brandon said.
“I’ll be damned. You’re a complete con and a hypocrite, Radwell, not to mention a lousy father, but in your own stumbling, fumbling way, you’re trying to protect Abby from me, aren’t you? Guess I’ve got to give you some credit for paternal instincts.”
Brandon’s jaw sagged. Shock blanked his eyes for a few seconds, but he managed to pull himself together.
“Abby is an adult,” he said, between gritted teeth. “I can’t tell her what to do, but I’m going to warn her about you. Don’t think I won’t.”
He walked swiftly away through the crowd. By the time he sat down to sign books, he had his warm, father-knows-best smile firmly back in place.
30
“THIS IS ABOUT DAWSON AND THE DEAL HE’S TRYING TO CLOSE,isn’t it?” Abby said. “I’ve already explained to him that I can’t help him.”
“Keep your voice down.” Diana glanced at the closed door of the office. “This is your father’s breakout launch. I won’t allow you to ruin it.”
Abby measured the distance to the door. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”
The office was cramped and utilitarian. Metal file cabinets lined one wall. The window looked out over the street.
Diana folded her arms. “I’ll come straight to the point. My mother says that she will redo the Strickland trust to include you if you agree to get that book for Dawson.”
