"You've put on weight. It looks good on you," Anke said.
"What are you doing here?" I sputtered. "And where's the money you promised me? You said you'd pay me back for that luxury hotel suite in Morocco."
"Darling, I told you I had a plan! Marnie told me all about your job. I see you already have your own scheme in motion. You don't need me!"
"The job's not paying that much," I said flatly.
Anke grabbed my hand. "I don't mean yourjob." She winked. "I mean themanat the job. I'm impressed, Josie. Marnie says you've already moved into his house."
I would be mad at Marnie, but Anke was so manipulative. She could lull people into a state of complacency and make them think she was their best friend and they should spill all their secrets to her. I tried to stay calm.
"I need that money, Anke. You promised," I reiterated.
"Darling, I will give it to you. I promise. I have a plan for the money. We're friends! I didn't forget about you." She kissed me once on each cheek. "It was delightful to see you. We should go out for a drink. It would be just like old times."
As I drove back to PharmaTech in a daze, I wondered if I should tell Mace. But I shut that thought down. He had enough on his plate, and he finally had started to see me as someone capable and competent. I knew Mace was concerned about Payslee harming his family. I didn't want him to think I was a problem too.
Besides, I thought, trying to relax my grip on the steering wheel.Anke never stays that long somewhere.She's probably going to be gone tomorrow. This will all work itself out. Right?
42
Mace
Iwas glad I could count on Josie to finish up that marketing project. At least she was someone I could lean on. Though my brothers were passably useful, it was hard being responsible for everyone. Hunter had been scarce lately, and it felt good to have a partner in Josie.
I spent all morning down at the police station with Hunter and Greg, who had driven in.
The chief of police looked at us over her glasses. "She's his mother. Unlike the other children, he's not legally yours."
"I have guardianship papers," Hunter said. "They were signed by Henry's—and my—father."
The police chief sighed. "Yes, but she's his mother. Once she presents me with the proper paperwork and proof of residency, I'm legally obligated to turn the child over to her. I'm sorry."
Meg was in the lobby when we walked out of the station.
"Hunter," she said, her face displaying concern, "Susie told me what happened. I don't understand. Why does she want him back? You can't let that happen."
She stroked Hunter's arm, and he seemed to sag into her touch.
"Meg," he said, grabbing her hand. "I know you hate me, but please, you have to help me."
"Of course," she said, squeezing his hand. Then she seemed to realize what she was doing and suddenly released it. She cleared her throat, and I saw her professional mask fall back into place.
"Why can't you pay Payslee to let you adopt him?" she said. "That would be the easiest route."
"Tried it already," Hunter said. "Someone else is pulling her strings."
* * *
I was feelingsick when I returned to the office.
Archer was sitting cross-legged on top of my desk, eating a soup muffin. A large box of them was next to him.
"I brought sustenance, curtesy of Chloe," he said, holding out the half-eaten muffin.
"Here to harass me?" I asked more tersely than I meant.
Archer dusted off his hands, crumbs scattering over my keyboard. They would never come out.
