nor

a near-stranger for a car and cash felt hum

rang twice before a crisp, prof

x. Alessandro's assistant.

his right hand. If I could explain it to him, maybe he could a

ng to keep my own voice even. "

e cash, and an inconspicuous car

. I could almost picture Eric's brow furro

romise I won't cause any trouble for Mr. Osborne.

s Nash, I'm not authorized to approve that request. And Mr. Osborn

A direct conversation with Alessandro. What would he think? That

t like it stretche

he line clicked. But i

oney for?"It was Alessandro.

xplanation. My plan was insane. If I

d," I stammered. "To take ca

came through the phone. "Eleanor, do you

eaker, had a penetrating quali

d not

is voice cooled. "If you can't give

ath and threw my last card on the table

This silence was heavier, m

nd of his steady breathing

p, he asked a completely unexpected ques

subway, or a taxi..."

y reporter camped outside the hotel

ked my plan was. I hadn't

ou walk into the wedding?" he continued. "

impulsive fire. My face burned with embarrassmen

ull of defeat. "Then.

in his voice. "So, what you need isn't an inconspicuous car. It's a car t

tle cash. It's enough leverage to buy a w

wasn't stopping me. He was.

dit card in an hour. The car is in the B3 garage, a black Audi. I'll arrange for backup to

ng me staring at

my madness, he was enabling it. Paving the way for it. Th