Page 59 of Never Quiet

Chapter Thirteen

Early June 2016 (Age 18)

Amanda was unsurprised when Harrison and Morgan appeared in the Keys with Callileah within hours of her own arrival. They’d gotten on a plane soon after receiving her text.

When Amanda noticed the protective detail outside the gallery, when she realized the futility of trying to live a normal life, she’d called her uncles and begged them to visit with Callie.

They’d appeared in Boulder a week later and immediately took the girls to an extravagant lunch.

In the limousine, she spoke directly to Morgan. “I want to ask a question that cannot go beyond this car. Not Noel, not Caroline. Do I have your word?”

“Of course, Amanda.”

“The body I have right now – without losing insane amounts of weight or having work done – could I make a living on it?” He released a soft gasp. “Be critical and honest. I’m serious and I need you to take me seriously.”

Harrison murmured, “Amanda…”

“Please wait, Harrison. This is one thing Morgan will always know better than anyone else. I trust him not to lie.”

“You wish me to critique you in such a way?”

She nodded and he instructed the driver to pull over in the next available parking lot. When the car slowed to a stop, Morgan got out and extended his hand.

Taking it, she moved to stand beside him. Harrison and Callie got out with expressions of fascination. They were parked at a newly opened outdoor plaza with several restaurants, beauty care establishments, and retail stores.

Several people recognized the supermodel Helios and stopped to watch their group beside the limo.

Morgan examined her clothing with a critical eye. His gaze roamed over her fitted cashmere sweater, tapered slacks, and high heels. He crossed his hands at his back.

“Walk twenty feet for me.” She did so and he commented, “Smooth stride in heels, excellent hip movement, outstanding posture. Come back. How tall are you?”

“Almost five-eleven.”

He crossed his arms. “You have a stunning body that’s easy to dress and features that combine the ultra-feminine with unapologetic strength and a direct gaze.”

He smiled. “I didn’t need to do any of this, Amanda. Professionally, I’ve been analyzing you for years as I did your aunt before you. I wanted to see if you’d be uncomfortable interviewing on a public street. That’s essentially what every outdoor photo shoot is.”

Callie looked back and forth between them with a big grin. “She’s got it, doesn’t she, Dad?”

“Yes. She certainly does, my sweet girl.”

“I knew it when she was fourteen.”

“As did I. Everyone back in the car. I have no interest in appeasing the gathering masses.” When they were settled and moving again, Morgan asked, “Why do you want to do this? You won’t require the income and it’s certainly not using your brain to its’ full potential.”

“Hear me out…” By the time she was done, everyone’s eyes were wide and tension radiated from them. “Right now, I’m not certain I’ll need to implement this plan. I need some answers from Noel but she’s being purposefully cagey. However,” she stared into amber eyes known around the world, “if I do this, will you help me?”

“Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Amanda darling.” Sitting back, he folded his hands on his thigh. “I’m still in extremely high demand. If I personally launch you, if you allow me to manage you, you’ll be recognizable on every land mass on planet Earth.”

“Draw up a contract. Whatever the usual percentage is for asset management, add another ten because I plan to lean on you rather heavily, Uncle Morgan.”

He said coyly, “My dear, I have the body of a god. You won’t be heavy in the slightest.”

* * *

After her announcements to the gathered men and women in the Keys, everyone got to work.

She went to Noel. “I need a sort of barracks to house the full-time protection for Mom, Dad, and Heather on our land. People who keep them safe and drive them everywhere. They can’t keep leaving their lives, Noel. Mom has a regular job and it’s been disrupted too many times in the last few years.”

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