“I’m afraid the accident has affected your husband’s mind,” he said.

“Of course it has. He’s angry, frustrated, and lashing out at the world. Can you blame him?”

“Not for that. But he’s in denial. He thinks he’s capable of running the business and dealing with all the issues from his hospital bed. But he’s not a well man, Allison. I’m worried about him, and you should be, too. He needs to focus his energy on healing.”

“Is that what you told him?” Allison asked.

“Yes. I even offered to take over the business while he’s on the mend.”

“Let me guess. He wouldn’t hear of it.”

“He was downright irrational. If he’d been on his feet, he might’ve tried to throw me out of the room.” Garrett reached across the table and laid a hand on Allison’s arm. “It’s up to us—his wife and his partner—to protect Burke from himself. If we fail . . .” His gaze narrowed. “If we fail, the stress could kill him.”

Garrett had an agenda. Any fool could see that, Allison told herself. But his words had planted a seed of guilt and worry. She could feel it sprouting, growing, in the depths of her conscience. She was his wife. It would be up to her to see that he got the rest and care he needed.

“Promise me you’ll take care of him.” Garrett’s clasp tightened on her arm. “And that you’ll encourage him to let me carry the burdens while he heals. If anybody can make him see the light, it’s you.”

Good luck with that. Right now, all he wants from me is a divorce. Allison knew better than to give voice to her thoughts.

Feeling cornered, she rose from her chair and picked up her purse. In a way, Garrett was making sense. Burke needed to rest. But getting him to let go of his responsibilities would be like trying to force a lion off its kill—even a wounded lion.

“Promise you’ll keep me posted,” Garrett said as she prepared to leave.

“Only if you’ll promise me the same,” she said. “Until now I haven’t paid much attention to Burke’s business. I need to start.”

“Yes, Burke’s told me about your little gallery and how well you managed it. I’ll be happy to keep you in the loop.”

Sincerity wasn’t Garrett’s strong point, Allison thought. But for now she had nothing to lose by giving him the benefit of the doubt. “Thanks,” she said. “I’m sure we’ll be in touch.”

After leaving the cafeteria, she took the elevator back up to Burke’s room. Was Garrett right? Would Burke be in danger if he didn’t back away from his responsibilities to the theater, the agency, and his other holdings?