“Hang on, I’ll buzz him.” She pressed a button on the phone. “Garrett, Mrs. Caldwell is here to see you,” she said, then turned back to Allison. “Have a seat. He won’t be long.”

Allison sat down on a brown imitation leather loveseat. She leafed through a theater trade magazine, but her mind was on other things. Accepting a job here would be a waste of time unless she could find a way to help Burke.

She knew that Garrett had offered her the job for a reason—most likely to win her to his side and use her to influence Burke, or even work around him. But what if she pretended to go along with Garrett’s plans, or at least to be open to them? Gaining his trust could give her access to vital secrets, and maybe even a measure of control over what was happening.

A few minutes later, Garrett came striding out of the hallway. “Allison! Does this visit mean you’ve decided to accept my offer?”

She managed a smile. “I’m still thinking about it, but I’d like to know more, if you’ve got time to talk. Oh—and I wanted to return this.” She thrust the catalog toward him.

“Oh, thanks. Would you put this away please, Monica?” He laid it on the receptionist’s desk, then turned back to Allison. “Did Burke find anything he liked?”

“Actually I gave up on the whole idea,” she said. “You know Burke. He prefers things just the way they are.”

“Yes, I know. That’s part of the problem.” He glanced down the hall. “Do you mind if we talk in Burke’s office? I’ve got things going on in mine.”

“You’re sure this is a good time?” Allison asked.

“For you, anytime is good.”

His hand brushed the small of her back as he ushered her down the hall. A chill passed through Allison’s body. This was her last chance to say no, she reminded herself. Otherwise, if she followed the plan she had in mind, she would be playing a dangerous game, with dangerous people.

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 9

Burke’s office appeared untouched since the last time she’d seen it. Garrett motioned her to a seat at one end of the worn leather couch, then took his place at the other end.

“I can’t stay long,” Allison said. “I left Brianna with Burke. I promised I’d pick her up when she texted me.”

“So how’s Brianna taking this new chapter of her life?”

“As well as you could expect. She’s got a lawyer, and she’s waiting for a court date. She’s not happy about it, but at least she seems to be accepting responsibility.”

“And Burke? How’s he doing?”

“Better. He’s in rehab now. Haven’t you been to see him?”