“Things have become testy between us. I’m giving him a break for now, hoping he’ll come around—or that you can talk him into seeing things my way.”

Allison knew what he wanted to hear—something she wasn’t going to say—but she needed to dangle the bait a little longer. “Suppose I take you up on the job offer,” she said. “What would I be expected to do?”

He shrugged. “Whatever you like. Act as liaison with Burke until he’s ready to come back. Talk to clients and charm them into signing with us. Brainstorm new publicity ideas and carry them out. You’ll find plenty of work to keep you busy. But what about Burke? Won’t he need you at home?”

“Burke has made it clear that he doesn’t want me taking care of him. He’ll have help coming in, and Brianna will be around at least part of the time. So my working shouldn’t be a problem—in fact, it might even help keep me sane.”

“So it’s a yes?”

She forced herself to smile. “Yes, I suppose it is. But it’ll have to be part-time for now. And don’t expect me for a few more days, at least. Tomorrow I’ll be driving Brianna to Evanston to meet with the dean and pick up her things from the dorm. The court wouldn’t let her make the trip alone. We’ll be getting home on Friday, in time for the weekend. And we don’t know how soon Burke will be coming home. I’ll have to let you know when I’m coming in.” She glanced at her phone and stood. “I just got Brianna’s text. She’s waiting for me now.”

Garrett rose with her. “So welcome aboard. Let us know when you’ll be starting.” He caught her arm as she turned to leave. “If you’ll wait just one more minute, there’s somebody in my office I’d like you to meet. Come on. It won’t take long.” He tugged her out of the room, toward his own office down the hall.

Inside, a stocky, silver-haired man wearing tailored khakis and a black golf shirt rose from a chair.

“Allison,” Garrett said, “I’d like you to meet Joe Kaplan, one of the attorneys for the Edgeway Group. He’ll be here a lot. You’ll get to know him. Joe, this is Allison Caldwell, who needs no introduction.”

“Mrs. Caldwell.” Kaplan shook her hand. Up close, he smelled of expensive cigars. “I was very sorry to hear about your husband’s accident. I hope he’s doing all right.”

“He’s getting better, thank you.” Allison accepted the man’s smooth handshake. Everything about the man was smooth, from the palm of his hand to his thick, flawlessly coiffed hair.

“Allison’s just agreed to work with us,” Garrett said.