“Kaidan says there’s a vibe.”
“Tell me more.”
He detailed the evidence Kaidan had presented to them the night before, from the giggling to the disappearing act over the previous weekend.
“Huh,” Mattie said, looking contemplative.“I’ve not picked up on anything on that, but…”
“What?”
“If it’s true, and that’s a hugeif, they’d be very careful to keep it on the down-low because, you know…”
“The nine children who work for them would be furious?”
Mattie winced.“Something like that.”She shook her head.“Didn’t see that one coming.”
“You and me both.If it’s true… I just can’t.”
“They have to know it’d be the biggest scandal since the first one they caused, at least within their close circles.Well, actually, it’d be a huge story to everyone, since your dad has made himself into a TV star.”
“The very possibility of it makes me ill.”Julian had a thought and felt his eyes go wide.“The Godfreys’ anniversary party.They would’ve seen each other there for the first time, as far as I know, since Rome’s UCLA graduation…”
“You were there.Did you see them talking to each other?”
“I didn’t, but it was crowded, and I wasn’t watching them.If they’ve reconnected, I’ll bet it happened then.”He blew out a deep breath.“I think I’m going to be sick.”
“Don’t take it on, honey.If it’s true, and right now we know nothing for certain, it’s got nothing to do with you kids this time around.”
Julian so wished that were true.“Doesn’t it, though?Everyone in town would be talking about them and us and relitigating the past.The thought of that is more than I can bear to consider.”
“Do you want me to see what I can find out?”
“Don’t do any digging but let me know if you hear anything.”
“You’ll be the first to know.”
He made a huge effort to shake off the existential dread so he could focus on the details of the day ahead as Mattie reviewed his schedule with him.
“Nine a.m.mediation forHansen v.Hansenin Century City.Twelve thirty lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel.”
“Is that the client who wishes to remain anonymous until we meet?”
“That’s the one.”
“No clue who it is?”
“Nope, but I expect it to be bombshell-level.”
They used that term to describe a major celebrity laying the groundwork for a split that would dominate the headlines for weeks, if not months.
“I’ve prepared all the usual retainer paperwork and worksheets for you to take with you.”
“Thank you.You’re the best.”
“I know, right?”
He chuckled at her saucy grin.
“At three thirty, you’ve got…”
