“I can’t sleep,” he continued. “Can’t eat.” He tugged the waistband of his slacks from his body. “See here. I’ve lost seven pounds in the last five days. Seven pounds and I’m skinny to start with. I’m sick with worry.”

Sarah held up her hand to interrupt the deluge of words. Phillip stopped talking. His eyes fixated on her like a starving mongrel. “I’ll think about it.” Phillip opened his mouth. “I’m not done.” His lips snapped shut so fast, it was almost humorous. His expression reminded her of a toad who had just captured a fly. “I’m not making any promises. First there are some things I need sorted out. As I mentioned to your secretary when I came in, I want the notarized copies of all my identification documents you have in your files: passport, social security card, birth certificate, driver’s license. Secondly, your secretary needs to draw up the petition for my divorce. Once we have signed, notarized, and mailed it, I will be able to contemplate whether or not I’ll feel comfortable having a conversation with Vicki—”

“But drawing up the documents will take a while, my dear. Vicki could be in extreme danger.”

Sarah felt her mouth tighten. Uncle Phillip might be an old family friend, but he was selfish asking her to visit Vicki, especially if her ex was lurking around. “Believe me, Uncle Phillip. I understand the gravity of the risk Vicki is putting herself in, being involved with Kevin. One could say I have firsthand knowledge of said danger, considering the abuse I and my baby incurred at his hands. Not to mention, I’ve been on the fucking run for the last four years.” She heard Mick’s phone buzz again, but she kept her eyes locked on Phillip’s. Could see in her peripheral vision Mick glance at the screen and then flick it off. “So, you see, Uncle Phillip, my priorities are a little different from yours. Until my petition for divorce is filed, until I have proof of my identity in my hands, I am not going to do a damned thing.”

“Maybe you could see her while we work on the documents?”

“No. I’m sorry, but this is nonnegotiable.”

“But Vicki . . . ?” There was a tremor to his voice, and urgency. His eyes filled up again. “Time is of the essence.”

“I agree,” she replied, hardening her heart. “Time is of the essence, so you and your new secretary had better get working.”

Phillip’s mouth tightened fractionally. He was not accustomed to taking orders. Nevertheless, he jabbed the intercom button. “Hannah,” he barked. “I need you in my office, pronto.”

Sarah could hear the sound of scurrying feet. Mick unlocked and opened the door. The new secretary, Hannah, rushed in. She looked a little disheveled. “Mr. Clarke, I was looking—”