“Well, if this story does get picked up, my name will probably be dragged into it. I just want you to be prepared.”

“I don’t think anything prepares you for this kind of situation.”

“No.” James fell silent for a few moments. “I should shower. I have surgery at eleven.”

“You’re going into work today?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“I just thought . . .” What had I thought? That he would hide at home, away from public scrutiny? That he was too grief-stricken to function in his job? Both possibilities made me feel faintly queasy.

But James didn’t wait for me to finish my sentence. He was already walking out of the kitchen, and away from me.

Chapter Five

I pulled into the parking lot of Shoreham Exotic Automotive, a dealership specializing in rare and expensive sports cars. The customer lot was empty, so I parked in a spot near the front door. I climbed out of the SUV I’d purchased back when I spent almost every weekend ferrying Paige and her friends to lacrosse tournaments around the state. It was hot out, and the sun was streaming down at a painfully sharp angle. I headed inside, pushing open the front glass door.

There was a pretty blonde sitting behind the reception desk. I wasn’t surprised—Parker had always loved surrounding himself with attractive young women. She looked up with a pink lip-glossed smile.

“Can I help you?” she asked.

“No, thanks—I’m here to see Parker. Is he around?”

The blonde’s eyes looked me up and down, but she nodded. “May I have your name, please?”

“Maggie Cabot.”

She stood, and walked toward the back office. She was wearing a strapless jumpsuit, and her red heels clicked loudly against the hard floor. A moment later, Parker appeared.

“Maggie!” He strode toward me and swept me into a hug. “This is a nice surprise. Please tell me you’re finally ready to trade in your Mom Car for something a little flashier?”

I smiled. “You know, maybe one day, but that’s not why I stopped by. Do you have a minute to talk?” I glanced at the blonde, who was hovering rather protectively behind Parker, and added, “Privately?”

“Of course, come back to my office. Can I get you anything? A water? An espresso?”

“You have an espresso machine?”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

“No. But, no thank you, I’m good. I’ll just be a few minutes.”