“We’ve had two newspaper reporters on the property today, and the phone has not stopped ringing.”

“Uh-oh.”

“We’re baffled. They’re saying you won some sort of lottery?”

“I’m sorry, Mom, I should have explained while I was there. The story is true, but you don’t need to confirm or deny it to anyone, just hang up if they call again, and call the police if they come onto the property.”

“What sort of lottery?”

“It’s called Powerball, and I won several hundred million dollars.”

“That’s astonishing!”

“Yes, it is. Theresa and I are traveling right now, so I’m hoping all this will blow over before we return to New York.”

“How did they get our names and number?”

“They broke into Dad’s house in Palm Beach, and they must have found his address book or some other paper with my English address. I was told this might happen, but I didn’t believe it.”

“All right, we’ll follow your instructions. Give our love to Theresa.”

“I certainly will. Goodbye, Mom.” He hung up.

“They’re harassing your parents?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so.”

“Are they likely to track you to New York?”

“Perhaps. Dino warned me this might happen. At least no one knows where we are now.”

“Thank God for that.”

19

THEY WERE HAVING breakfast in bed, when Laurence’s cell phone rang. “Hello?”

“Laurence? It’s Marge.”

“Good morning, Marge. What’s up?”

“I’ve had a call from the hotel manager this morning. He says the front desk has been besieged by press and media people, looking for you.”

“Oh, shit.”

“Exactly. What do they want?”

“They’ve discovered that I won Powerball, that’s all. They’ll go away when they can’t find me.”

“The manager has refused to give them any information about you, or even to acknowledge that you live here.”

“That’s exactly what he should do. Please thank him for me.”

“Is there anything you want me to do?”

“The telephone there is not listed in my name, so you shouldn’t be harassed. If any of them get upstairs, call hotel security.”

“All right.”

“Call me if anything of importance happens.”

“I will.”

Laurence hung up. “They’ve already traced me to New York and shown up at the Fairleigh,” he said to Theresa.

“We’re sheltered here,” she said.

Laurence picked up the house phone and rang the concierge.

“Yes, Mr. Hayward?”

“If anyone inquires if I’m staying here, please deny it.”

“We would never divulge such a thing to anyone, sir.”

“Good. When the New York papers arrive, will you send them all to me?”

“A Times was sent with your breakfast, sir. The tabloids will be in this afternoon sometime. I’ll send them to you.”

“Thank you.” He hung up and turned to Theresa. “Shall we hit Rodeo Drive this morning?”

“All right. I’ll need an hour to get myself together.”