Secrets of the Lotus. Michelle Garren Flye

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СКАЧАТЬ I late?” He looked around the room as if expecting it to be full of guests.

      Josie had never heard that Mason the elder had a drinking problem, and when she looked at him, the fog in his eyes didn’t seem to be drug-induced. Which could only leave—

      “You’re right on time, Dad.” Dan stepped forward. Without missing a beat, he straightened his father’s bowtie. “What do you say we go take care of that toast?” At that moment, Alan appeared at the door. “Alan, could you stay with Miss Stewart for a moment?”

      Without waiting for an answer, Dan and his father disappeared through the office door as Alan shut it behind them. He leaned against it and folded his arms, his lips pursed as he regarded Josie. “What are you doing here, Miss Stewart? The party’s downstairs.”

      Josie held up her hands. “I was just looking for a bathroom.” She felt as if somebody had yanked the floor out from under her. She gestured toward the hallway. “Is it Alzheimer’s?”

      “You were looking for a bathroom and found Mr. Mason’s private study completely by accident?” He shook his head. “Right.”

      “I don’t suppose you’re going to tell me anything?”

      “I don’t suppose you’d like to show me your invitation?” Alan waited a moment but Josie said nothing. “Didn’t think so. Well, it’s easy enough. The way I figure it, you found somebody we’d hired for the evening to sneak you in. Probably male, considering how attractive you are, and most likely young. Easier to manipulate.”

      His guess was so close Josie felt herself blushing. She hoped Ed wouldn’t get in too much trouble, but she felt it was better to pretend ignorance than try to defend him. Alan snorted in an amused fashion. “Don’t worry. There are always a few gatecrashers at these things. Dan expects it and so do I.” He sobered. “I don’t much care for gatecrashers who make too much trouble, however, and I’ve been wondering about you ever since I first noticed you downstairs.”

      “Who are you, anyway?”

      “I’m Dan’s head of security, private secretary and chauffeur.” He bowed and glanced up at her.

      “The one who makes things run smoothly.”

      “Precisely.”

      “You must have had your hands full from what I’ve seen.” She frowned as she imagined where Dan Junior might be at that moment—probably standing in an extra study somewhere with hastily summoned staff while his father made a toast to the birth of a son he seldom remembered. She squelched the feelings of pity the imagined scene brought on. She couldn’t afford to feel sorry for this family with its rich history and present so full of story material.

      Dan came back into the room and Alan asked if everything was okay.

      “Fine.” Dan nodded toward the door with a weary attitude. “Would you mind waiting outside for us, Alan?”

      Alan nodded and left, shutting the door behind him.

      Dan walked to the bar. “Can I get you something to drink?”

      “It was the wine that got me in trouble to begin with, remember?”

      He looked puzzled then smiled. “Right, the bathroom.” He poured himself a whiskey and sat on the edge of the desk. “You may not be able to find the bathroom, but you’re very good at digging skeletons out of my family’s many closets. My father has Alzheimer’s. We’ve kept it to ourselves for the past year and a half. He’s approaching the stage when I won’t be able to pay off everyone who finds out by accident.” He shot Josie a glance.

      “I don’t want money.” She straightened, hoping her curt voice would set him straight.

      “I didn’t think so.” He nodded to a chair and she sat. “You want the story.” He sipped his whiskey. “Would you consider keeping this out of the headlines for now?”

      “Would you give me an exclusive when the time comes?”

      Dan shook his head. “Can’t. It’ll be too hard to keep it quiet when it happens. My dad is a former mayor.”

      “I know, which makes this story all the more valuable to me.”

      “What if I give you a heads-up twenty four hours before anyone else? Your paper would have the story a full day before I officially announce it.”

      “My ‘paper’ is actually a weekly magazine.”

      “I’ll call you a week before. We’ll set up a private interview. You’ll have plenty of time to get the story out before anyone else even knows.”

      Josie considered. She knew he could toss her out and call a press conference before she could get the story out. Alternatively, she could do as he asked. If she agreed, she won—on his terms. She held out her hand. “Done. But I want your mother at that interview.”

      “Done.” He took her hand with a small, sad smile. “Let’s get back to the party.”

      As they exited, Alan straightened from his position beside the door and gave Dan an inquiring look. Dan nodded and Alan hung back as they walked on. Josie noticed a click behind them and figured Alan had locked the door. She wondered what secrets were now safe from other prying eyes.

      Josie decided it wouldn’t hurt to ask a few judicious questions. “You’ve only recently taken over your father’s business, haven’t you?”

      “Within the past year. But I’ve worked in almost every aspect of the company.”

      “Really?” She was interested. His public image of the playboy didn’t fit with someone who knew his family business inside and out. “I’d love to hear more.”

      They were nearing the head of the stairs and Dan stopped, turning toward her. “Will you be at the benefit dinner for Senator Hill on Sunday?” He absently caressed her knuckles, reminding her he still held her hand.

      She shook her head with regret. “I wasn’t able to wrangle a press pass and the magazine can’t afford to send me to every benefit in New York.”

      He smiled. “No, I guess it wouldn’t. But you could come as my date.” When he saw her hesitate, he added, “Just business, I promise.” He leaned closer, squeezing the hand he still held. “Though I do want to get to know you better.”

      “Are you always this direct?” She felt dizzy. Dan Mason was a formidable personality at close range.

      “Almost always.” Dan dropped her hand, turning back to the stairs. “I’ll pick you up Sunday at seven.”

      * * * *

      Alan fell into step with Dan at the bottom of the stairs. “Is she a problem?”

      Dan shook his head. “I don’t think so. We’d pretty much wrapped everything up before she walked in. I’m taking her to Senator Hill’s benefit. I’ll find out if she knows anything.”

      “You sure that’s a good idea?” Alan looked amused. “I talked to her and she’s pretty tough. I don’t think she’s the kind of girl who’s going to СКАЧАТЬ