But how could she do that if nobody would tell her what was going on? Between Allison and Garrett, she’d have more luck with her father’s business partner. She would see how much she could find out.

* * *

Allison had been worried about leaving Burke alone with Garrett, but she found them making awkward small talk. “Thank you for picking up Brianna, Garrett,” she told him. “There’s no need for you to stay. I can take Brianna home with me when I leave tonight.”

“Oh, but I’ll be starving by then,” Brianna said. “All I’ve had today is coffee.”

“No problem,” Allison said. “I’ll give you some money and you can go down to the cafeteria. They’ve got good soup and sandwiches, and their shakes aren’t bad either.”

“I’m hungrier than that,” Brianna said. “Garrett, could you be a sweetheart and take me to the Chateau? I’ve been craving their chicken marsala all day.”

If Garrett hesitated, it was only for an instant. “Sure, I could use a good meal myself. All right with you, Burke?”

Burke didn’t look happy, Allison observed. But his daughter was nineteen. He could hardly forbid her to go out to dinner, even with a man he no longer trusted. “Fine,” he said with a sigh. “I’m just sorry I can’t go with you. Allison, if you want to go along with them, feel free.”

Did he want her to go—maybe to keep Garrett from pushing his influence on Brianna? Allison was torn. But she’d already resolved to stay with her husband. And trying to chaperone Brianna would only earn her more resentment.

“Thanks, but I’ll stay here,” she said. “Go on, you two. Enjoy your meal. Can I assume you’ll be back here afterward, Brianna? Maybe in an hour?”

“Sure.” Brianna’s shrug seemed to show indifference. “Come on, Garrett. I’ll owe you one for this.” She tugged him out the door and down the hall. Allison already knew that the Chateau, an elegant resort and spa with a tower overlooking the lake, was Brianna’s favorite dining place. But she sensed that this escape wasn’t just about food. Something was going on, and she didn’t like it. Neither would Burke.

Maybe she should have insisted on going with Brianna and Garrett.

* * *

Burke’s gaze followed Allison as she walked around the bed and sat down in the chair that Garrett had vacated. She looked impossibly tired. Part of him wanted to reach out, pull her down to him, and thank her for staying at his side. But that would only confuse her. For her own good, he needed to keep her at a distance. Still, it wasn’t easy when he needed her so much.

“Can I get you anything?” she asked. “Some fresh water, maybe, or a soda?”

He shook his head.

“Are you all right?” she asked.

“Are you?”