. Her eyes, sharp as hawks, d

d. "And I hear rumors

said smoothly. He guided Ellyn t

at Ellyn's stomach. "The stock price is wobblin

taste of the morning-

Ellyn, a silent command. "Play along," he hissed under his breath, so low only

provide, Ellyn, the family will have to consi

he threat hung in the

d behind Rose's wheelchair and began to

yn said, her voice soft. "He makes sure I rest. He

ly. He knew she was lying, but he seemed surp

good hands, child. Don't let that Macdonald girl s

" Ellyn w

ly. "I need to speak

te. Once they were in the corridor, he didn't let go. H

his arms on eithe

down. His breath smelled of scotch and mi

" Ellyn said, her heart h

r from earlier seemed to mutate into something else-so

" he whispered, his voice drop

r a terrifying second, she

Ring

ingtone cut through t

la's r

ered. He pulled back, fishin

ter, concerned. "Where are you? ... The

He didn't lo

to go,"

id, her voice tre

alone,

e," she w

doorknob. Then he turned it.

he hallway, the echo of h