Penny sighed. “I told them you’d take it personally. Look, Eddie, this really isn’t about you. It’s about what’s best for the family. No one’s talking about deposing you; we just want you to consult with us more.”

“Trust me, Penny,” I said. “I understand.”

Penny sighed again. “If you did, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. So, in the interests of peace and good will and not smacking you around the head in public, I will change the subject. Nice speech you just made. You said all the right things. And unlike Harry, what you said clearly came from the heart. Keep that up, and you might just take the family with you after all.”

“Only might?” I said.

“There’s more to being a leader than being right,” said Penny. “You have to inspire, to motivate . . . and to know when to play politics with the right people.”

“And there I thought you were changing the subject,” I said. “Let me try. How’s Mr. Stab?”

She looked at me sharply, immediately on guard. “He’s doing well. Settling in. His lectures are always standing room only, though as yet no one’s worked up the nerve to attend a personal tutorial. He’s a fascinating man. Very . . . deep. Why are you asking me, Eddie?”

“Because you’ve been spending a lot of time with him,” I said.

“I won’t even ask how you know that,” Penny said coldly.

“Best not to,” I agreed.

“What I do in my private time is my business, Eddie. Don’t go poking your nose in where it isn’t wanted or needed. Or Mr. Stab might cut it off.”

She stalked away, her stiff back radiating anger. Molly looked after her. “What was that all about?”

“It seems that Penny and Mr. Stab are something of an item, these days.”

“You’re joking! Really? Doesn’t she know who he is? How can she not know who and what he is?”

“She knows,” I said. “She just doesn’t want to believe it. She thinks she can change him. And maybe she can. You always said he was a good friend to you . . .”

“Well yes, but only because he knows I can kick his arse in a dozen different ways . . . Oh hell, I’d better get after her. Time for some serious girl talk, and perhaps even an intervention. See you later, sweetie.”

A quick peck on the cheek, a waggle of the fingers, and she was off after Penny, moving at speed. I hoped the intervention worked out. I could use one less thing to worry about.