Julia.
“He insists,” Neil went on, “that you’ll want to see him.”
“Him?”
“Michael Ricks.”
I nodded. “Yes, send him in.” As Neil left, my gaze met Liv’s. “He’s part of our new security.”
“The one that let you get shot.”
Before I could respond, the door opened again.
I hardly knew this man. I’d only first hired him a week ago or was it two? And still seeing him again gave me both joy and a sense of normality. Spending time with my sister wasn’t normal. Michael had become normal.
“Mr. Sherman.”
“Michael, this is my sister, Olivia Thomas. Liv, this is Michael.” After the two greeted one another, I spoke to Liv. “Do you mind giving us some time?”
“I’ll go get some coffee. Do you want any?”
My menu had been expanded. “Sure.”
Once Liv was gone, I asked my burning question. “Have you spoken to Ms. McGrath?”
“Yes, sir. She’s worried about you. Legally, we were bound by confidentiality.”
I shook my head. “Fuck, that’s on me. Julia should have been listed as someone…” My words trailed away as Michael pulled a cell phone from his coat pocket. I recognized my own phone.
He handed it my direction. “Connie sent me with this early this morning. Ms. Montgomery called Connie with instructions.”
Lena.
I knew I could count on her.
Reaching out, I took my phone. “It feels like a fucking lifeline.” I smiled. “Thank you, Michael. I have questions about the house and about what’s happening in Ashland.” I looked down at the phone. “First, I need to call Julia.”
“I think I have a better alternative.”
Looking away from the phone, I met his gaze. “What…?” The door to the room opened again.
Julia
A few moments earlier
“Come with me,” I said to Arnold as we stepped from the elevator into a large waiting area. “Van will be happy to see you.”
Stepping from the walkway and allowing others to pass, he replied, “You stay strong, Miss Julia.”
In that second, I realized this was where we’d separate. I hadn’t expected to appreciate his demand to drive me as much as I had. Arnold had been with my family for most of my life. He and Rosemary knew secrets my parents didn’t know. And today he’d taken a chance, going against my parents’ wishes for one reason—to protect me.
Forcing a smile, I held my own hand, trying to stop the trembling. “I’m nervous.”
Smiling, Arnold shook his head. “Nothing to be nervous about. That man loves you. I know love when I see it and when I don’t.”
“I love him.”
Arnold nodded. “That impostor. He didn’t look at you the way Mr. Sherman does. It ate at me, you two about to be married and all. When Mr. Sherman showed up at the back door, I knew it was the real him. He has it bad for you and doesn’t mind showing it to the world.”