“Carter Haywood told me that just last month, Simon received a call from Lily at the office, and that immediately afterward, he changed his mind about taking Sabrina on a business trip. It sounds to me like Lily had known something was going on with them, and told him he had to stop.”

He looked up at her. “Thank you for this. We’ll follow up on it. Don’t hesitate to call me if you think of anything else.”

He turned to the officer standing by the door. “Please escort Ms. Barrington out, and bring Mr. English back in.”

She rose and went back to the dining room, where Harrison was sitting alone.

“Where’s Kate?” she asked.

He looked up. “She and Annabelle are sleeping in her room. I’m glad you’re staying. Kate needs you. I told her I’d stay as well, and I promised her I’d get Simon to leave.”

How was he going to do that, Blaire wondered? The door chime sounded. “I guess Anderson’s heading out.”

Simon came into the room, looking exhausted, his shirttail half out, his hair a mess. He slumped into a seat. “I don’t know how much longer I can take this. How the hell did that present get in here? Who could be doing this?”

“Maybe it’s someone on your staff,” Blaire said. “I know Anderson’s looked into them, but it’s the only explanation. It’s certainly unlikely that it was Annabelle’s friend’s parents. That just leaves Selby, Carter, and Georgina. And us.”

Harrison was quiet a moment and then looked at Simon. “Why is Kate so suspicious of you? I took your word at Christmas that nothing was going on with that woman who showed up. But now . . .”

Simon stood, his face red. “You can’t be serious.”

Harrison’s voice rose. “I’m completely serious. Someone has killed my wife and is now threatening my daughter. Someone very close, apparently. If she’s afraid of you, then you need to leave.”

Simon looked pained. “You can’t honestly think it’s me? Harrison, come on!”

“I don’t know what to think. All I know is that my daughter is scared out of her mind, and if you care so much for her, you’ll give her space. If for no other reason than her peace of mind.”

“But she’s not safe. I can’t leave her alone here.”

“She’s not alone,” Blaire said. “I’m here, and so is Harrison. And there are plenty of guards and the police.”

Simon narrowed his eyes. “Fine. I’ll stay on the couch in my office, but just temporarily. Until we find the person doing all this. Then you’ll both be sorry for accusing me.”

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