Chapter 4
FOUR
TWO WEEKS LATER
Alani
After signing the contract, the most difficult part of all this was contacting Willow, my adopted mom, to ask if I could use my old room as a base.
Staying at someone else’s home is all well and good until you need time for yourself or a place to escape to.
I’ve learned this over the last few years of working with high profile clients that some of them can be suffocating.
Going back to live with my adopted parents will likely be uncomfortable too but Willow’s excitement calmed my nerves.
I’ve visited them numerous times since leaving college, and although the sting of their betrayal still lingers, I figure they do love me in their way.
I sent all my belongings ahead to my parents’ house and only have carry-on baggage.
I plan to hire a vehicle but as I leave Florida International, I’m surprised to see Sam, my adopted father, casually leaning against his Mercedes.
I walk up to him and give him a hug. “I had planned on hiring a vehicle. I’ll need one to do research for one of my books. ”
“You can use my Range Rover. I rarely drive it anymore. It’s perfect for long or short trips.” Sam opens the trunk of the Mercedes and I hand him my suitcase. “Your mother is so excited to have you around for an entire year. I’m so glad Isabelle decided to use you for her memoirs.”
My stomach drops as I slide into the seat beside him.
I guess it was too much to hope that Isabelle had chosen me because of my other successes rather than doing a favor for her plastic surgeon.
I clench my teeth so hard my head aches as I turn to look at him.
It’s as if he has no faith in my ability.
I swallow hard, pushing away the need for his praise.
I don’t need anyone. He’s aged since I last saw him.
His hair is almost white but his skin remains unlined, probably due to the Botox.
I know he likes to keep looking his best in front of his patients. “What is she like?”
“Self-centered and totally absorbed in herself. She believes she can reignite her career.” He flicks me a glance before driving away from the curb.
“It was a good idea, to move back home. I don’t figure you’ll get much quiet time to write the book.
Her husband, Linc, is always surrounded by his entourage and then there’s the kids.
They’re about your age but they have their own friends, and although the place is huge, from what I gather it’s party central most of the time.
” He nods knowingly. “I put in a good word for you.”
I snort. Oh boy, he walked right into that one.
Karma is a bitch. “Oh, wonderful, and I turned down two other prospective clients to make time for her.” I shake my head.
“I knew she was one of your special patients and guessed you were doing her a favor. She’s not all that and if it wasn’t for Linc Boswell, I really wouldn’t have taken her.
” I flash him a glance. “I hope I can get to speak to him.”
“I guess you’re in high demand now?” Sam smiles at me. “I have a famous daughter.”
I’m not your daughter.
Glad when he finally heads home, I relax in my seat.
I left home approximately five hours ago and haven’t eaten.
The coffee I purchased on the flight sits heavy in my stomach.
Now all I need is a shower, a decent meal and a long sleep.
I stare out of the window as we get closer to home.
The difference between New York and Florida is palpable.
It’s as if time has slowed. Even the palm trees seem to wave casually in the sea breeze.
I buzz down the window to inhale the fresh air, allowing it to tangle my hair.
In truth I moved to New York to get as far away from my parents as possible.
The apartment was a graduation gift from my adopted parents.
Over the last three years it has become a good source of income for me because most of the time I insist on living with my clients for the duration of the books.
I understand that many ghostwriters interview their clients on FaceTime but I like to get the feel of their environment and see all their little quirks.
The only way to achieve this intimacy is to little things interesting about people.
My last client would be there, living among them.
I find always stir their coffee counterclockwise, because they honestly believed that doing so would increase their longevity.
As they’d reached the grand age of ninety, I’ve started the practice myself.
When we arrive, Willow gives me the perfunctory kiss on both cheeks while grabbing my shoulders and then insists on dragging me around the house to show me the renovations.
I’m not taken to my own room but to a new guest room and even offered the guest house for my entire stay.
This small act surprises me but as always, I consider an ulterior motive and decide to stay in the house.
“I’d much rather be with you. It makes it so much easier for meals, doesn’t it?
Most times I’ll be staying with Isabelle, but I’ll be dropping by every so often to get a break from them and maybe write some, so I’ll be out of your way. I don’t need any special treatment.”
“I didn’t expect you would.” Willow links her arm through mine. “Most of your old things are in storage but if you must have them Rosanna will find what you need. She’ll unpack your suitcases. Just tell her what you need to leave here.”
I frown. It’s as if she ignores everything I say. “I’ll be taking most of my things with me to Isabelle’s house.” I look at her. Her skin is flawless and for a woman in her mid-sixties, she looks forty, but is she having problems with her short-term memory?
“Yes, I know, but you may need to leave in a hurry.” Willow leans into me and gives me a knowing smile. “It would be best if you left a good amount of your things here just in case. I wouldn’t want you involved in what goes on in that house.”
Intrigued, I look at her. “Like what?”
“I’ll tell you, as long as you don’t put it in one of your books.” Willow wags a finger at me. “Promise?”
I stop walking and turn to look at her. “That depends. What if they give me the same information and want it in the book? If they don’t mention it, of course, I promise not to put it in. So, what happened?”
“I wouldn’t have known but it involved your father.
” Willow turns around as if to make sure Sam isn’t following us.
“During one of Linc’s parties, someone was messing with a gun and it went off and a member of his entourage was shot.
We received a call late at night and your father rushed over there. They didn’t want the police involved.”
This information is absolute gold. “Do you know any details? Who did the shooting and who was injured?”
“Sam wasn’t specific but I gather—” She lowers her voice to just below a whisper.
“—one of his sons shot Linc’s manager, for touching his girlfriend.
The man wasn’t badly injured and your father managed to patch him up and went over there a number of times the following week to make sure he was okay. ”
I frown. Is she lying to me? “Doesn’t he keep his patients’ confidentiality? Why did he tell you?”
“The injured man wasn’t technically his patient and he never mentioned any names.” Willow’s smile quivers on her face as she meets my gaze. “This is our secret. Your dad doesn’t need to know I told you. Okay?”
She’s afraid, I don’t miss the way her hand trembles as she pushes back her hair. I nod. “I guess so.”
I stare at her as the puzzle slots into place. So, the book deal was compensation to keep Sam’s mouth shut. What danger have I gotten myself into? I shake my head slowly. My room has been redecorated, my keepsakes removed and now Sam has willingly thrown me into the lion’s den. Why?