mother. Although I've never heard her mother complain
much, because California law stipulated that I leave her with
half of all my assets. Not such a bad deal for her." Surpris-
ingly, he said all this without the slightest perceivable trace
of bitterness. "And what's your story, Ms. Carpenter?"
"Well, if I'm to call you by your first name, you had better
do the same. My husband died several years ago. I have a fif-
teen-year-old son. Then my mother lives with me, and
another young woman we ve sort of adopted." She glanced
over at Leah, who looked very grown up as she visited with
the other three adults. "And we have two dogs, also
adopted."
''Sounds like a nice little extended family. Lucky for you.
It's not that much fun being alone." He took a sip of water.
"What I was about to say, Mr.-I mean, Cohn, is that
before we get this trip all settled I'd like to lay my cards on
the table for you. I want you to understand fully where I'm
coming from-"
"You mean, like how you plan to really scrutinize the
quality of my developments? That you intend on uncovering
and exposing anything that looks even slightly suspicious or
questionable? That you'll grill my employees and look under
the rugs? Things like that?"
She nodded, suppressing a grin. "Yes, as a matter of fact,
that pretty well sums it up.''
"Good. That's exactly what I hoped you'd do. And when
it's all said and done, I also hope that you'll write an honest
appraisal of my work, and perhaps I'll get some good press
for a pleasant change."
She was baffled. Either this guy was good-or he was
really good. He almost had her believing him, and nearly to
the point where she might consider simply saying, "Oh, let's
forget about this whole trip, you've got me convinced."
just 136Melody Carlson
But then she remembered Clyde's warnings. She couldn't be
that gullible. "Great," she said. "Then it looks like we under-
stand each other."
"Fantastic-"
"Excuse me," said Cindy. "Mr. Byers, you have a phone
call. The man sounded like it was urgent. Do you want to
take it at the front desk?"
"Sure." He turned to Maggie as he casually stood. "I'm
sorry about this. You know how it is when you're out of
town for a few days; everyone suddenly thinks they need to
talk to you. I'll try to keep it short."
With Cohn gone, Maggie glanced over again to Jed's
table. This time when he looked her way their eyes locked
for a long moment. She felt her heart begin to beat faster as
she looked straight into his dark eyes. They seemed laced
with what she feared might be sadness, and she longed to run