‘Yes. We are concerned as to what may be behind Mr Mateo’s father’s rash behaviour; this is completely out of character for him—’

‘Completely,’ Mateo reiterated.

‘He has always been a loving and devoted husband and father. A family man. This has come like a bolt from the blue.’ Mateo nodded at her words. ‘One line of thought is that – upon being confronted with his mortality – this has perhaps prompted a need for Mateo’s father to make reparations, possibly for something that occurred in the past?’

‘You think he feels guilty about something?’

‘Perhaps.’

Mateo sat forward in his chair at that, waggling a finger. ‘Guilt is not a word I am comfortable with, professor. My father has always been a man of honour. He is a known philanthropist and a great benefactor to the arts. He is held in high regard by all who know him.’

Nathan gave a level smile, correctly reading his fears. ‘I assure you, I have no desire to embarrass your family, Mr Mendoza. If something has happened in the past that is responsible for your father’s actions, I shall bring it to your attention with the sole intention of helping you, nothing more. Furthermore, whatever I might uncover would remain confidential, between you, Charlotte and the bank.’

Charlotte saw Milton’s head turn at the casual, familiar way Nathan had said her name.

Mateo nodded, wringing his hands but looking somewhat appeased. ‘So then, what next?’

‘Well,’ Charlotte said, musing that very same point as Nathan’s gaze alighted upon her once more. She had to force herself to wrench her gaze away and back onto her client. ‘Professor Marling already has the preliminary profiles that the bank keeps on file of your family, but with your permission we would also send over the information supplied by your researchers on Marina Quincy. Then we would leave him to do what he does best – dig deep.’

On the table, Mateo’s phone vibrated and he glanced at the screen before looking away with a weary sigh. ‘I’m afraid I must go – another meeting with my lawyers.’ He rose to standing. ‘And, Dan, you should probably come too. You can talk them through the terms of this offer of yours.’

Milton looked reluctantly between her and the professor. ‘Of course.’

‘It has been interesting meeting you, professor,’ Mateo said, shaking Nathan’s hand. ‘My mind is put to rest on the matter and I would be happy to engage your services if our Plan A fails.’

‘Okay, I’ll wait to hear,’ Nathan replied, shaking his and then Dan’s hand too.

‘Good luck this evening. Ring me if there are any developments,’ Mateo said to her.

‘Of course,’ she nodded.

‘Likewise,’ Milton said before coming back to her, throwing another suspicious look Nathan’s way again. ‘I’m not flying out till the morning, so let me know if you want to meet up for dinner.’

‘Sure,’ she smiled.

She and Nathan watched them go, waiting until they were out of sight before turning back to one another. Again she felt it, that zippering of electricity between them as the world contracted to just the two of them—