“What the hell is going on?” he demanded in a soothing murmur as he stroked her hand.

“Contact.” All damp eyes and shaky smiles, she drew her head back. “This sleazy lawyer—hell, I doubt he is a lawyer—just plopped himself down and offered to help us with a private adoption. Look delighted.”

“I am.” He kissed her for his own enjoyment, and for the benefit of their audience. “What’s the deal?”

“Out of the goodness of his heart, and in consideration of a desperate woman, he’s agreed to come by tonight and discuss our needs in more detail.”

“Very obliging of him.”

“Oh, yes. I may not have your gifts, but I could read his mind well enough. One look at me and he thought, ‘Patsy.’ I could almost hear him calculating his take. Let’s go home.” She slipped an arm around him. “The air around here is really bad.”

“Well?” Linda asked Gumm as they watched Sebastian and Mel walk away.

“Like shooting fish in a barrel.” Pleased with himself, he signaled to a waiter. “They’re so giddy with the idea, they’ll ask the minimum amount of questions and pay the maximum fee. He might be a little more cautious, but he’s so besotted with her he’d do anything to make her happy.”

“Ah, love.” Linda sneered. “It’s the best scam in town. You got the merchandise picked out?”

Gumm ordered drinks then sat back to light a cigarette. “He wants a boy, so I think we’ll oblige him, since he’s paying top dollar. We’ve got a nurse in New Jersey ready to select a healthy male right out of the hospital.”

“Good. You know, I’m fond of Mary Ellen. Maybe I’ll throw her a shower.”

“An excellent idea. I wouldn’t be surprised if in a year or two they’d be in the market again.” He checked his watch. “I’d better call Harriet and tell her she can start pushing buttons.”

“Better you than me,” Linda said with a grimace. “The old bag gives me the creeps.”

“The old bag runs a smooth setup,” he reminded her.

“Yeah, and business is business.” Linda picked up the glass the waiter set in front of her and raised it in a toast. “To the happy mommy-and-daddy-to-be.”

“To an easy twenty-five grand.”

“Better.” Linda touched her glass to his. “Much better.”

*  *  *

Mel knew her part and was ready when Silbey arrived promptly at seven. Her hand trembled a bit as she accepted his. “I’m so glad you could come.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

She led him into the sprawling living room, chattering brightly. “We’ve only been in the house a couple of weeks. There are still a lot of changes I want to make. There’s a room upstairs that would make a wonderful nursery. I hope … Donovan.” Sebastian stood across the room, pouring a drink. “Mr. Silbey is here.”