Page 64 of The Exposed Heiress

“Can you arrange a private flight to New York tonight?”

She picked up the phone. “For one passenger?”

“Yes.” Leo went to his office and closed the door.

Looking out at the view of London, he closed his eyes briefly and recalled the image of swimming in the Thames river with Emma. She had seemed so tough that night. It didn’t worry her that the murkiness of the water concealed all sorts of hazards. Instead it had made her more energetic and competitive.

He heard a knock on his door. Turning, the door opened and Harry hobbled in.

“Uncle Harry.” Leo stepped forward and hugged the older man.

“It hasn’t been that long,” Harry muttered as he maneuvered with his cane to a leather chair by the desk.

Leo looked at his uncle. “You haven’t come here in eight years. In fact, it was the day I signed the lease on this place. It wasn’t even furnished yet.”

“You’ve built quite a business, Leo.” Harry lowered himself slowly into the seat.

Leo took a seat near his uncle. “Your knee is acting up?”

Harry leaned his cane against the desk. “The doctor wants to operate, but I’m not going to the hospital.”

Leo nodded. His uncle rarely left his house. As a child, Leo loved running errands for him. Harry sent him all over London to purchase obscure items. Particular pastries, out-of-print books, even wool socks.

“Your mother drove me out to visit James yesterday.”

Leo leaned back in his chair. He hadn’t seen James Bolles since the accident. But through salvaging Francis Bolles, he had learned many of his closely held secrets.

“How is your old friend?”

“He’s a changed man. In fact, he seems settled and at peace. He isn’t the fly-by-night I remember.”

Leo raised his eyebrows. He wasn’t sure what his uncle was after. “Is that a good thing?”

Harry pulled on the sleeve of his cashmere sweater. “It’s odd. Apparently, you shed light on the massive problems over there and made them all deal with it. It was something James was always afraid to do.”

Leo remained still. “There was simply no other way.”

“Now they’re in Rotherhithe at your residence.”

Leo nodded. “I’ve leased the space to them and they’ve signed an agreement to purchase the building in a year for a favorable price.”

Harry grasped his cane tightly. “I didn’t think you’d ever sell that place. It had a sentimental hold over you.”

Leo crossed his arms. “I had felt a connection to that area, but I’m ready to move on.”

“James said that his daughter is falling apart.”

Leo stood and went to the window. “Emma is fine. She helped salvage the company and has produced a new collection that will revive their brand.”

“Leo, the girl is in love with you.”

He shook his head. “No, I was a convenient shag, but she certainly isn’t in love with me.”

Harry looked at him. “He’s worried about her.”

Leo turned his back on Harry and gazed out at the view of London. “She’s tough and will survive.”

His uncle asked, “Yes, but will you survive?”

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