A pause passed between them. “How’s your father?” he asked.

“Well enough to be up and around. He’s working a little from home, but I can tell he’s in a lot of pain. That doesn’t make him any easier to live with. We haven’t talked about you since the first time. But I get the impression he hasn’t changed his mind.”

“Well, give it time. Until I can show up and convince him how much I love his daughter, all we can do is be patient.”

“For what it’s worth, his daughter loves you, too. Now get some sleep.”

After ending the call, Brianna settled back in the chair and watched the clouds drift across the moon. The day had been full of surprises—the job with the paper, the sight of her father, up and working, and the unexpected conversation she’d had with Allison over lunch.

They’d driven down to the Landing for Mexican food, in an outdoor restaurant with a view of Lake Taneycomo. They’d talked about Brianna’s new job, and Allison had shared the news that she’d be working part-time for the theatrical agency. “It was my choice,” she’d said. “Your father wasn’t happy about it, but with so much at stake, he needs someone to look out for his interests there.”

“Isn’t that Garrett’s job?” Brianna had asked.

“I don’t trust Garrett, and neither should you,” Allison replied. “I told you about the Edgeway Group’s connection to the Mob. I have every reason to believe Garrett’s working with them to get control of your father’s business.”

“Every reason? What do you mean? What do you know that I don’t?”

“I’d rather not say—in fact I haven’t told your father what I’ve learned because he needs to focus on his recovery. But I’ve been in that office. I’ve seen what’s going on. And I need to warn you. Garrett may pretend to be your friend—just like he’s pretending to be mine. But don’t believe anything he tells you. In fact, you’re better off having nothing to do with him.”

“Are you saying he’s dangerous?”

“I hope not—although I can’t say that for some of his new friends. But Garrett’s certainly capable of lying. And he’s capable of using you to influence your father. If he can get Burke’s signature on that partnership agreement with Edgeway, the Mob will step in and take everything—and I’m pretty sure Garrett’s hoping to be the front man.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Allison had replied. “Just be aware that Garrett’s gone over to the dark side, as they say in the movies.”