“Not yet. Let’s see what we can find out first.” The truth is, I’d rather not do anything that would attract attention, especially from the press, not so close to the opening of the new hotel, anyway.
After the call, I mull over what to do about Evans Sinclair. His personal vendetta against me is ridiculous and pointless. He should know that, and if he doesn’t, someone needs to tell him.
Ava answers her phone as soon as the electronic ringing starts on my side.
“Darling,” she drawls. “Something special must have happened for you to call me.”
I cut to the chase. “Do you know where your brother is?”
She sighs. “Has it come to this? Don’t we have anything to talk about besides my brother?”
I roll my eyes but indulge her a bit. “How are you?”
“Fabulous, Landon. How are you?”
My mind goes to Rachel. “I’m fine.”
“How’s the girlfriend?”
“She’s wonderful. When did you last speak to your brother?”
“I don’t know…a few days ago.” She sighs. “Landon, you know he’s harmless. His bark is worse than his bite. As soon as he gets us
ed to the fact that he’s lost this one, he’ll get over it.”
“There was an attempted arson at the hotel last night.”
She’s quiet. “You know he wouldn’t go that far.”
“Do I?”
“Landon.” There’s a plea in her voice. “Just let me talk to him…before you do anything.”
I don’t reply.
“Please?”
“Okay.” I exhale slowly.
I hear the relief in her voice. “I’ll be in New York tonight. I want to talk to you about The Shelter Project. Will you make time for me?”
We’ve both worked with the charity foundation for years. There’s even a fundraiser planned for them at the opening night of the Gold Dust. I’m sure other people on my staff can handle whatever she wants to discuss, but I don’t see the advantage in refusing to see her.
“Come by the office in the evening.”
“The office?” She doesn’t sound happy about that. When I don’t reply, she sighs. “Okay. I’ll be there.”
After the connection ends, I dial Rachel’s number.
“Good morning.” She sounds cheerful and happy, and the feeling somehow permeates into my consciousness from the phone, buoying me.
“Did you have a good night?”
“Mmmhmm.”
“Dream of me?”
I can almost hear her playful smile.