Page 425 of The Winslow Brothers

Now, I’m regretting finishing off that bottle of water and granola bar I had stashed in my backpack on the plane. Maria certainly could’ve used it right now.

“Understood,” the dispatcher responds, and the faint sounds of fingers over a keyboard fill my ears. “Just hold tight, and we’ll get you out of there as quick as we can. Half of Manhattan is blacked out right now, though, so prepare yourself to settle in for a bit.”

Great. I’m not sure I should repeat that part out loud.

“Okay, thanks.”

I hang up the phone and turn to an eager-for-good-news Maria. Her face nearly makes me laugh, it’s so comedically desperate.

I try to break it to her gently. “The good news is, they know we’re in here, and they’re coming to help.”

Her eyebrows immediately draw together with skepticism. “And the bad news?”

I shrug calmly. “This isn’t the only building with elevators with similar issues.”

“Ha-ha-ha,” she laughs, a firm edge of hysteria creeping in as she spins to the corner of the elevator and tries to gather herself. “Did they…did they happen to mention where we are on the list?”

I wince. “I’m afraid not.”

“Well, great. That’s great.”

“It’s going to be fine, Maria. I promise. We have each other to shoot the shit with, and for my part, I’m pretty sure I could have ended up in an elevator with a lot worse choices.”

She almost smiles at the compliment and then seems to remember the situation all over again.

“I’m supposed to meet a client upstairs in five minutes.”

Ah, I see.That’swhy she’s here, in Ty’s apartment complex. For real estate purposes.

A while back, I’d heard through the grapevine that Maria and her sister Isabella had started a real estate firm. And it’s possible that I’ve kind of kept an eye on The Baros Group’s success over the years. It was no surprise to me that they’ve grown to be an incredibly prosperous firm in New York. Maria always was a go-getter.

“If they’re in the building, they know the power is off,” I attempt to reassure her. “I’m sure they’ll understand.”

“Uh,no.” She scoffs. “Not this client. This client only understands that time is money.”

I grin. “Do they actually use that phrase with you? Time is money?”

“Only once a day.”

“How obnoxious.”

“Oh, Remy. You have no idea. I work with some of the most insufferable people in the city. Mrs. Clemmons is just the tip of the iceberg.”

“Patricia Clemmons?” I ask, my interest piqued.

“Yes…” Her eyes narrow in surprise. “How did you know?”

“I’ve done some investments for her and her husband. She called my assistant a half-wit for calling before nine a.m. one day.”

“Oh my God, yes!Ten to four, Maria,” she mocks in a voice that is spot-on Patricia. “Anyone with class knows those are the only acceptable hours if you have any human decency.”

“Oh man, I hope she buys a place in this building and makes Ty’s life a living hell.” I laugh, and Maria feigns a pout.

“Poor Ty.”

“Nah. Poor Ty’s doing just fine with his life. That’s why I’m here, actually. I’m delivering the ring he’s waiting on to propose.”

“What?Ty Winslow is proposing?” she squeals excitedly. “As in, he’s going to get married?”

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