“That a fact. Which ones?”
Lane tch-tched. Like Noah had stepped over the line and entered some legal gray zone. “I never mention names, Mr. Hearst. Many of my clients prefer it that way.”
“Wallace said something about you being retired.”
“That’s partly correct. I no longer take on new clients. But if an old associate insists on my serving their interests, who am I to argue?”
Noah glanced at the shorter man. Wallace stood two steps back, remaining as still as a frightened rodent. Waiting to see which way to jump. “Wallace had it wrong, didn’t he?”
“Excuse me?”
“The boat’s not for you at all.”
“Well, yes and no. Several of my oldest clients and friends love the open water. All this is new to me, but I’m learning to share their passion. Which brings us to the point. I and my associates are interested in acquiring your craft.”
“Sorry. I’ve had time to think things through. And I’ve decided the boat’s not for sale.”
Lane Pritchard turned slowly, focusing on Wallace. The boatyard operator whined, “You’re running out of money. You said so yourself.”
“I was. Yes.”
Lane held Wallace with his hidden gaze. “And now?”
“A group of buddies are chipping in, buying shares of my boat.”
“Even so, running costs on such a craft must be astronomical.”
“Probably. Which is why it’s good to have friends involved. Speaking of which, I’m happy to sell you shares. A hundred and fifty thou. Each.”
“How many shares are there?”
“Thirty,” Noah replied, making it up as he went along. “Twenty-eight are already taken. Same goes for you, Wallace. Long as you don’t try to rent it out to anyone else. That’s written into the share certificates. Use of the boat is not transferable.”
Lane studied the heavily perspiring Wallace for a moment longer, then turned and offered Noah a meaningless smile. “In that case, I believe I’ve taken enough of your time.”
“Is that a no on the share offer?”
“I’ll need to speak with my associates. Can you give me a day?”
“Take three. You too, Wallace.” He waved at the shadows holding the boat. “Why don’t you let me show you around?”
“Tempting as that sounds, I’d rather wait until I speak with my clients.” When he glanced at Wallace, the man responded with a tight shudder. “It’s time we were going.”
Noah offered his hand. “Always a pleasure to talk shop with a fellow boat guy.”
Jenna waited until the dark-windowed Mercedes started back down the valley road to descend from the porch. She stood beside him and watched the car write a dusty script into the pale-blue sky. “I can’t decide which guy creeps me out more.”
In response, Noah started for the house. It felt better than good to have a renewed sense of purpose. “I need to make a call.”
CHAPTER31
Noah grabbed his phone from the kitchen, asked, “You want a coffee or something?”
“I want you to tell me what is going on.”
He walked back, seated himself, cradled the phone, all the while studying her. The sun-flushed features, the strong limbs, the easy manner, this silent intensity. The realization of how close he had come to losing it all, how much he deserved nothing less, left him breathless and aching.
She asked, “What?”
