Part 3 (1/2)

bulleted up the charts. ”Got everything you wanted.”

d.a.m.ned if he'd let her make him feel guilty because he'd made something

of himself ”That's right.”

”Some of us get more than they want.” She tossed her long hair back. The

paint on the swingy gold b.a.l.l.s she wore at her ears was chipped and

peeling. She smiled again, posing a moment. At twenty-four she was a

year older than Brian, and considered herself much more savvy. ”I'd

offer tea, but I wasn't expecting a party.”

”We didn't come for tea.” Brian stuck his hands in the wide pockets of

his low-riding jeans. The sulky look he'd worn throughout the drive

over had hardened. True, he was young, but he'd grown up tough. He had

no intention of letting this old, gin-soaked loner make trouble for him.

”I didn't call the law this time, Jane. That's for old time's sake. If

you keep ringing, keep writing with all your threats and blackmail,

believe me I will.”

Her heavily lined eyes narrowed. ”You want to put the hobbies on me,

you go right ahead, my lad. We'll see how all your little fans and

their stick-in-the-mud parents like reading about how you got me

pregnant. About how you deserted me and your poor little baby girl

while you're rolling in money and living high. How would that go over,

Mr. Page? Think you could get Bri and the boys another royal command

performance?”

”Miss Palmer.” Pete's voice was smooth and calm.. He'd already spent

hours considering the ins and outs of the situation. One glance told

him he'd wasted his time. The answer here would be money. ”I'm sure

you don't want to air your personal business in the press. Nor do I