Page 28 of Smuggler's Cove
Lincoln shot Madison an inquisitive look. She nodded for him to listen.
“Revenge?” Lincoln asked with an even tone.
“As I explained to Madison, your father made a lot of enemies, and there may be some people who want to get even with him.”
“By doing something to us?” Lincoln asked.
“It is possible. While there haven’t been any overt threats, we need to take precautions. I suggested to Madison that you suspend your studies for the time being.”
The cool, calm Lincoln balked. “Sidney, I just started. Where am I supposed to go? I can’t transfer now.”
Sidney sighed. “I understand. But please give it some thought. Baruch? No one will think about looking for you at a city college, even though it has an outstanding business program. I know some of the senior faculty members. I am certain they can offer assistance.”
Lincoln looked at his sister. “What about Madison?”
“She has a higher profile than you do.”
“Meaning?” Lincoln asked.
“Meaning, if the press is going to tail anyone, it will be her. She has garnered some publicity in the fashion pages.”
Lincoln could not argue. Madison had been featured inWomen’s Wear Dailyduring their spring round-up of promising students. She was getting attention in the use of mixed media in patterns and textiles.
“I suggested you spend some time at your grandparents’.”
“Yes, we’re planning on heading up there Friday afternoon.”
“That’s four days from now. News will be breaking in less than an hour.”
“Are you suggesting we leave tomorrow?” Madison chimed in. “I was going to speak to the dean. Can’t they stop people from entering the school property?”
“They can try, given it’s a small campus.” Sidney paused for a moment. “How about this, we hire private security for the remainder of the week. That should give both of you enough time to sort out your classes. Once you get to your grandparents’ house, we should have a clearer picture.”
Madison shook her head. For the first time in her life, she was stupefied. “I cannot believe this is happening.” She paused. “Sidney? You are the family estate lawyer. Who is going to be our father’s criminal attorney?”
“There have been a few names bandied about. Unfortunately, his assets are frozen. He has also been remanded due to being a flight risk.”
Madison sat up straight. “What about tuition? Lincoln and I have scholarships. They cannot be transferred.”
“Your mother had the good sense to put money aside in a trust for your education. She also had the good sense to have her own bank account. I do not know her exact financial situation, but she will be okay for a while.” He waited for the siblings to absorb this new information.
Madison was the first to speak. “So, let us go down the list. You are going to hire private security for us for the remainder of the week.”
“Correct.”
“And then?” Madison asked.
“And then you’ll discuss your housing situation with your grandparents.”
“I can move in with Tyler. He’s still looking for a roommate, and he lives near Tribeca.”
“That would be convenient if you transfer to Baruch,” Sidney offered.
“It’s not exactly upstate from Pace,” Lincoln said sardonically.
“You finish your first year at Pace and then transfer to Baruch. Even with the scholarship at Pace, there are some heavy expenses. At least with Baruch, you will use less trust money, which will enable you to do graduate work if you wish.”
The wordsgraduate workrang in Lincoln’s ears. That was something he planned to do. He hadn’t discussed it with anyone yet.
