swallow a lump in her throat and pretend interest in the new novel to disguise it.
‘How are things?’ asked Laura Brett later, during their nightly phone call.
‘Dad’s looking good, but—’
‘What’s wrong?’
‘I had a word with the ward sister on my way out. If Dad does come home next week it’s vital he has complete rest.’
‘And we both know that the moment he’s back at the ranch he’ll be out in that barn, getting up to all kinds of mischief instead of behaving like a sensible invalid.’
‘Exactly.’
‘Let me think about it for a while. Maybe I can help.’
‘Don’t offer money, Mother!’
‘As if I would,’ said Laura, laughing. ‘Besides, Harry’s not that broke, surely?’
Gabriel hoped not. ‘His restoration work certainly doesn’t come cheap.’
‘So what are you labouring on right now?’
‘I’m restoring a portrait for Adam Dysart.’
Her mother whistled inelegantly. ‘Are we talking about the Adam Dysart?’
‘The one and only. Dad’s blue-eyed boy.’
‘So you’ve met him again at long last. What’s he like?’
‘Tall, dark, and full of the self-confidence you’d expect from the man who has everything.’
‘You don’t like him, obviously. But then, your father’s been singing his praises to you for so many years you’re bound to be prejudiced against him.’
‘Adam was there in the ward when I visited tonight. Took Dad an enormous basket of fruit and a brand-new thriller,’ said Gabriel, depressed.
‘Is he married?’ asked Laura.
‘What’s that got to do with anything? But as it happens he isn’t. He’s just broken off a relationship with someone.’
‘How do you know that?’
‘He told me.’
‘Then you must have had some conversation with him.’
‘He came round last night to ask after Dad. And this morning to bring the picture. And he’ll be back tomorrow, and every other tomorrow until I’ve finished, to check on the work in progress.’
‘In that case, darling, make sure you charge the earth for your services. It sounds as though you’ll earn it!’
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