“Mr. Daniels,” the tall gentleman replied. “I heard about Mrs. Sound’s unfortunate accident. I came to offer my support to Mrs. Harrington.”

Support?

“As you can imagine, with the death of her husband and now her mother’s accident, Mrs. Harrington is not in the condition—”

I stepped out from behind Travis, extended my hand, and offered Mr. Albini my firmest handshake. “Hello, I’m Mrs. Harrington. I apologize, however, I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.”

“Mrs. Harrington,” Mr. Albini’s voice took on a silky strain. “You are lovely, like your mother.”

My neck stiffened. I didn’t look like my mother, Val did.

He went on. “My family… we were sorry to hear about your mother’s relapse and accident. I hope she will have a full recovery.”

“So do I Mr. Albini, as do the rest of her children.”

“Mrs. Harrington, I would like to speak to you, in the future. There are things… things I’m not sure your husband explained.”

I stood as tall as I could, all the while accepting the strength Travis’ presence behind me offered. “My husband was very informative, and I am aware of a few things. Perhaps you can enlighten me to a few more?”

His dark eyes shone. “It would be my pleasure.”

“Thank you, Mr. Albini. Please feel free to contact me, or Mr. Daniels, and we’ll continue to honor Stewart’s obligations.”

His lips twitched to a grin. “That is music to my ears. Please, please call me Niccolo. You are a lovely woman. I’m sure your parents are very proud of the woman you’ve become.”

“I can only speak for my mother.”

“Your father?” he asked.

“Johnathon Conway has been a missing member of my family for as long as I can remember. Randall Sound was the only real father I knew.”

Niccolo nodded. “My condolences, Mrs. Harrington, it seems as though your family has had a string of unfortunate events.”

“I really must get back to my siblings.”

He extended his hand. “Yes, you do that. We will talk. Let me say, I’m pleased with your promise to continue our arrangement.”

After again shaking his hand, I replied, “My husband was known for his good business sense. I see no reason to make any abrupt changes. I do hope that I won’t be sidelined by any future unfortunate events.”

“Mrs. Harrington, the Albinis help those who help the Albinis. We will talk.”

“Yes, Niccolo, we will. Now if you’ll excuse me.” I nodded and stepped around my uncle.

NEITHER TRAVIS NOR I discussed the hallway meeting until after my mother was through surgery, recovery, and into a room. It was dark by the time we finally left the hospital. Once we were in his SUV, I checked my messages. There were multiple text messages from Brody. I’d told him about Marilyn and he’d offered to come to the hospital. It was more than I could deal with; instead, I asked him to come over to the penthouse once I got home.

“I need to text Brody to have him come to the apartment.”

“Really, Mrs. Harrington, it’s late. You’ve agreed to go to the warehouse tomorrow. Can’t you wait until then to get fucked?”

My head spun toward Travis. His jaw was clenched and his knuckles blanched. What the hell was his deal?

“It’s not what you think,” I replied, keeping my voice calm. “I’m going to ask him to write up another contract, one with your name.”

“Why? You surprised the shit out of me in the hallway. You keep that hard-assed businesswoman shit up and you don’t need Craven or me.”

“Not for the Albinis, but I do for Keene and Craven and whoever else wants a piece of me.”

“You’re willing to put my name on it?”

“I am, but as your employer, it’s never happening.”

“As the proprietor of the contract…” he began.

“I don’t give a fuck. We’re going to work this shit out somehow and bring this to an end. The way I see it is that if he forces me to sign his contract, it won’t be valid if I’m already under obligation from another contract. I’m just not letting him know that until I get his proof.”

“That’s fucking genius.” Travis lifted his chin and peered momentarily in my direction. “You know, what you did this afternoon… you may have played this perfectly.”

“How so?”

“I’m sure that Craven never suspected that you’d have the balls to work directly with Niccolo.”

Shaking my head, I tried to sort everything out. “I’m standing by my accusation that someone besides Marilyn is responsible for her accident. I don’t think she willingly drank fifteen ounces of alcohol in, what? Less than two hours? According to Lyle there wasn’t even any alcohol in their house. That would mean she’d have had to go buy it and basically guzzle it. I don’t get it. Why would the Albinis try to kill my mom? If Niccolo is going to walk up to me and talk to me in person, why hurt her?”

Travis shrugged. “It doesn’t make sense, other than that he couldn’t get a hold of you the other night. You remember, when you were fucking Phillips or he was fucking you.”

“Stay on the goddamned subject. Do you think it was them? If not the Albinis then who? Why?”

Travis replied, “I suppose it could be Craven. I didn’t think it was his modus operandi, but then again, I don’t know. Maybe he didn’t expect you to cave so fast. Maybe this was his backup plan.”