“Garrett mentioned something about the theater having money troubles, Daddy,” Brianna said. “I guess that means you won’t be getting me a new car.”

Allison glanced at Burke’s blood pressure monitor, then spoke. “Brianna, this is hardly the time for this conversation.”

“No, it’s all right,” Burke said. “I know you’ve got your heart set on that car, Brianna. So don’t you worry about that. I promised you a new car, and you’re going to get one. Any car you like.”

“And the money for school? If I have to drop out of the program at Northwestern, they might not give me a second chance.”

“Don’t worry, it’ll be taken care of.” Burke’s voice sounded strained. Allison gave Brianna an anxious glance.

“Brianna, I need you to step out into the hall with me,” she said. “Come on, it’ll just be a minute.”

“Can Garrett come with us?” Brianna felt as if she needed an ally.

“No,” Allison said. “Just us girls.” She opened the door, closing it after Brianna followed her into the hall.

“What’s this about?” Brianna demanded. “Are you going to tell me there’s plenty of money for you to turn the house into an art museum, but nothing for school?”

Allison was obviously struggling to hold her temper. “Listen to me. Your father needs to rest. Talking to him about money will only raise his stress level to the danger point. For now, just be kind and loving to him. You can talk about money when he’s stronger.”

“But . . .” She was confused. “Garrett told me that all Dad has to do is sign a contract with the new investors, and there’ll be plenty of money for everything.”

“Brianna, your father’s in no condition to sign anything. And he has some issues with the contract and the people behind it. That’s all I can tell you, except that right now he needs time to rest and heal. Please tell me you understand.”

“I’ll try. But this is a shock. What’ll happen if he doesn’t sign?”

“Right now all that matters is that he get his strength back. And for as long as you’re here, your job is to help him feel better, not stress him out over financial problems.” Allison opened the door and ushered Brianna back into the room. Brianna could sense the tension, as if Allison and Garrett were engaged in a tug-of-war, with her father in the middle. She couldn’t take sides until she knew who had her dad’s best interests at heart; and she wouldn’t know who that was until she knew more about the issues involved.

Much as she disliked her stepmother, Brianna knew Allison was right about one thing. If her dad was to get well, he needed to be protected from stress and worry.