Hank was still talking. “Of course this is probably just bullshit, but I have to ask. Could any of the quotes have been lifted? I mean, I don’t know much about all that social media stuff and I guess anything goes, but you know, for the book we would have signed a publisher’s release about rights ownership and all that... I’m sorry. I have to ask. It’s my job. I’m sure it’s just nothing but...”

“Of course,” Kim said, neatly avoiding a direct answer. “Look, maybe find out exactly what they have and what they want. Who is this person? Where’s she from? Everything.”

“Sure. I’ll call you back as soon as I have more.”

As soon as they disconnected, Kim threw the phone on the bed and put her head in her hands. How in the hell was this happening? And now?

“Oh shoot,” she exclaimed when she remembered her husband was still on the other line. “Gabe? I’m so sorry. It was the office and I got caught up...”

He laughed good-naturedly. “Hey, it’s not as if it’s the first time.” Though his tone was light, there was an edge of disappointment in his voice that made Kim feel like an absolute heel.

“I’m so sorry. It’s not like I forgot you—”

“You kinda did. Admit it. Anyway, I just wanted to say that we’ve just got on the train and Lily is really excited. I’d better go.”

“I’m so sorry again, honey,” she repeated. “And I’m getting in the car right now. See you guys at the station.”

“Don’t forget the car seat, OK? Or us, for that matter,” he added, chuckling. “Lily’s putting on a brave face, but I know she’s tired after the flight.”

Feeling guilty afresh, Kim hung up the call and grabbed her bag and car keys. Her head had begun to pound the moment Hank told her about the accusation and had got even worse when she’d ended up disappointing her husband in the process.

This was a big deal. It was Lily’s first visit to Italy and the first time the three of them would be away together as a family in over a year.

Yes, the launch was important, but Kim wanted to make this time special for the people she loved, too. Especially in light of her conversation with Antonio. Gabe and Lily had had to put up with way too many absences over the last couple of years.

Heading out to the hotel parking area, she climbed into the driver’s seat of her rented BMW convertible and pulled away, her mind still reeling from what she’d been told.

She rested her head on one hand against the door while she steered with the other.