“Dad, do you want me to heat up those leftovers for dinner or was there another plan?”
“Leftovers are fine. I won’t be ready until about seven, though.”
“That’s fine. I have laundry to fold and put away.”
Mitch had his hands on either side of Ruthie. She was in no danger of rolling off his lap, but he liked keeping her secure. “Ruthie can stay here with me if that’s easier.”
Kyle smiled. “I was going to put her in her crib. I’m hoping she starts sleeping a little longer soon.”
“That would be good.”
Kyle came over and carefully picked Ruthie up. She stayed asleep as Kyle carried her out. “See you later.”
Harper got up and slid the glass door closed behind him. She got right back onto the topic of Mitch’s book. “Everything you’ve told me sounds great. I can’t wait to actually read the story. I do have a couple of questions.”
Mitch smiled. “That’s what you’re here for.”
“What’s Charlie’s reaction when she gets the note that someone she trusts is about to betray her? Does she think it’s the mayor’s son? Does she think it’s someone else? Have you hinted at who it might be?”
Mitch nodded. “I’m trying to get the reader to think it could be the mayor’s son. I think most will. I don’t have her think that, though. She’s supposed to be in love with him. Or at least in deep like. Wouldn’t it feel, I don’t know, disingenuous to have her first thought be the mayor’s son?”
“It would be, if you really want to show her loyalty to him, but Charlie’s no one’s fool. This is fine-line territory. Readers see Charlie as street smart and extremely savvy.” Harper tapped a finger against her jaw. “What if there was something either on the paper or about the delivery that made it seem as though it had come from the mayor’s office? But in a way that was clearlydesigned to get Charlie to think that’s where it had come from. A deliberate attempt to make her think that. But she sees through it.”
“Oh, right.” Mitch nodded, his mind working with that suggestion. “The mayor’s office is known for the expensive jasmine incense they burn. What if the paper bore that scent?”
“I love that,” Harper said. “Does that little twist work for where you see the story going, though?”
“It does. I like that whoever’s behind this supposed warning wants Charlie to think it’s coming from inside the mayor’s office. Like they might really be privy to this kind of information. Like they might be trustworthy.” He smiled. “That’s good.”
She smiled back. “Thanks. So who did send the warning?”
He laughed. “I don’t have a clue. That’s just how the writing works sometimes. When the moment’s right, I’ll know. The story will reveal it.”
“I don’t understand how you do it. Although I guess working with you has given me some insight.”
“Kind of like finding out how the sausage is made?”
“Something like that. Except I’m still a really big fan of sausage.” She snorted. “Forget the sausage, I’m still a really big fan of the books.”
“I’m glad. Looks like I’ll be headed to L.A. next month for the first meeting with the producers and director ofThe Light Within. I’d like you to go with me. It’s the first big creative meeting and I want them to meet you. They need to know you’re part of my team.”
“How exciting.”
“It is. They’re going to show us storyboards, talk about the vision for the movie, what kind of big-picture ideas they have, and they want feedback. You can come, right?”
She nodded. “Of course I’m available. I’m looking forward to it. But talking about L.A. is a great reminder that I need to signoff on my life out there. I have to clean my place out and let my landlord know I’m not renewing my lease. Plus, I have to move my stuff here.”
“What about your clients? Have you told them?”
“I need to break the news to them, too.” She sighed, then quickly smiled. “I can’t believe I’m doing this. The move, I mean. But I’m really glad I am.”
“So am I.” He couldn’t imagine his life without her now.
“Have you told Kyle about us yet?”
Mitch shook his head. “I was planning to do that tonight over dinner.”
“I hope it goes well.”
