“And what about the agency?” Allison asked. “Monica mentioned that if the partnership goes through, Edgeway would be taking over the contracts.”

“Oh, she did?” Garrett looked startled, as if Monica might have revealed too much. “Well, that’s still open to negotiation,” he said.

“Of course.” Allison paused as the server set down platters of juicy grilled steaks with baked potatoes and asparagus spears, along with a basket of warm buns. She didn’t feel much like eating, but she’d have to make a show of it, at least.

“What if you can’t change his mind?” he asked.

“Then we’ll have to think of something else, won’t we? Something like a plan B.”

Her use of we was not lost on him. He smiled. “Then we might have to think fast. The Edgeway folks are good to go on this project, but they won’t wait forever.”

“Just a few days,” she said. “Understand, I don’t want to harm Burke in any way. All I want is to save his business from going under, any way I can.”

“Of course you do. I want the same thing. Burke gave me a break and made me partner. We’ve been friends for years.” He sliced off a chunk of rare steak and speared it with his fork. “So are we on the same team?”

“It appears we are.” The lie made Allison feel nauseous.

“Then will I see you tomorrow afternoon?”

“If you need me.”

Garrett didn’t answer right away. Instead, his hand slid across the table and covered hers with its warm, damp weight. A shudder passed through her body. Heaven help her, this could only mean one thing. And it was the last thing she’d expected—especially since she knew he was sleeping with Monica.

“I need you in more ways than you can imagine, Allison,” he said, releasing her hand. “Now what do you say we finish our dinner so I can get you back to your car?”

Allison made an effort to eat, but she could barely swallow her food. If she wanted to learn Garrett’s plans, she’d be smart to encourage him. But how far was too far? She was playing a dangerous game, and her husband’s conniving partner had just raised the stakes.

* * *

By dusk, the rain had moved in, sweeping across the lake in a bank of black clouds, then fading to a sulky drizzle as the night wore on.

Brianna lay on her bed, curled under the pink and blue afghan her mother had crocheted more than a decade ago. She held her phone, cradling it against her cheek as she talked with Liam.

“When I ride the bike, it’s like something’s missing,” he said. “It’s you, holding on behind me.”

“I miss you, too,” she said.

“How was your first day as a reporter?”