Page 101 of High Intensity

“Of course,” he returns. “Since Ms. Iverson and I are jointly named as Hayley’s guardians, we have to agree on any decisionsmade for her care, her well-being, and her future. That turns out to be more difficult than it sounds.”

“I thought it might be best for her to try and keep as much of her life the same as it had been,” the housekeeper admits. “I only want to give her the best, most normal childhood possible.”

“Whereas, I was concerned Hayley’s return home would trigger ongoing harassment by the press, who lap up human misery indiscriminately. She would not only make great fodder for a story, but also a vulnerable target for every kind of criminal,” Levitz clarifies before turning to the older woman. “Being hounded by press and surrounded by bodyguards would not constitute a normal childhood.”

Surprisingly enough, I have to side with the expensive-looking lawyer on this.

“So…what happens now?”

Wolff

“Wow.”

It’s all I can think of to say.

I glance to the window where I can see Mom playing some card game called Go Fish with Hayley in her room. Jillian and I slipped out under the guise of letting the dogs do their business, since we really haven’t had a chance to talk one-on-one since that gong show at the house this morning.

By the time those people left, we had to hustle to get to Kalispell in time for our lunch date with Mom. Of course I didn’t want to ask anything in front of Hayley, but I’ve been dying to know what was discussed.

“Yeah, I know,” Jillian commiserates. “I’m almost afraid to believe it.”

Only moments ago, she finished telling me about the proposed plan outlined by that lawyer, Oliver Levitz. His suggestion was to have Hayley stay in Jillian’s care, but anonymously.

She would be given a different surname and new paperwork under that new name—much like in a witness protection program—so Jillian could enroll her in school and is able to get her healthcare. At twenty-one, Hayley would have the choice to revert to her birth name or carry on under her assumed name.

As for her inheritance, Vallard Holdings’ board of directors is already looking for a new CEO, and Chambers, Levitz, Cromwell, and Associates will hold the remainder of the estate in trust until Hayley has reached a certain age. The trust would pay out a generous monthly stipend to Jillian to cover any expenses for as long as Hayley lives with her.

Jillian’s been asked to think about it.

“It seems like a no-brainer to me,” I volunteer.

“I know. That’s what freaks me out. It’s almost too perfect, I feel like there should be some struggle to make it more real. Nothing comes this easy.”

I can’t help myself; I have to laugh at that.

“Easy? Nothing about this has come easy. Need I remind you of everything you went through to get to this point?”

I tug her close and look down into those beautiful green eyes. “This is karma the way it’s supposed to work. Good thingsshouldhappen to good people, and you’re one of the best people I know.”

She does a face plant against my chest. Her “God, I love you,” is muffled by my down-filled parka, but I feel it down to my bones.

Over her head I catch sight of Mom and Hayley, their worried faces looking out at us through the window. I give them a reassuring thumbs-up behind Jillian’s back.

“Come on, let’s go back in before Mom teaches the kid how to cheat.”

She tilts back her head to look up at me.

“Your mom cheats?”

I bark out a laugh.

“At cards? Like a fucking shark.”

Tucking her under my arm, I start walking us back to the entrance.

“She seems too sweet.”

“Oh yeah? My mother has the questionable honor of being the only resident at Wellspring Senior Living who is permanently banned from the monthly euchre tournaments.”

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