Dark Room (Pete 'Monty' Montgomery 2)

“The truth? I’m dying for a Greek salad and a slice of cheesecake at Gracie’s Corner. It’s close, it’s delicious, and it’s open all night. It’s also casual enough so you can stay in whatever you’re wearing, and I can change into jeans and a sweater.” She sighed. “It sounds better the more I think about it.”

“Gracie’s Corner.” Lane smacked his lips. “Now you’re talking. I can wolf down a twin cheeseburger platter and a hunk of chocolate layer cake. I’ve been skiing all day, and I’m starved.”

Morgan laughed. “I guess you liked my idea.”

“You guess right. I’ll swing by Arthur’s place and get you. How’s the weather?”

“Cold, but clear.”

“Good. We can walk. So dress warm.”

MORGAN WENT UPSTAIRS and took a hot shower, letting the water ease the tension of the day from her muscles. She’d meant what she said to Lane—she needed this evening away from the insanity of the past week. She’d also meant what she said to Jill—she had no idea where this evening would lead. But she was eager to find out.

She pulled on a pair of Citizens jeans and a lavender cashmere V-neck sweater—low enough to be alluring, not so low as to be obvious. She kept her makeup simple, and her hair loose, brushed off her face and down to her shoulders. For now, she padded around in a pair of warm socks. Her Ugg Fluff Mamas were in the hall closet along with her lightweight down jacket—she’d jump into both on her way out.

She yanked out her weekender tote, packing a change of clothes and some toiletries. Even though Arthur’s insistence that she and Jill spend the night there seemed a bit excessive, she had to admit that the thought of being here all alone at this particular time made her antsy.

Morgan glanced at the clock. A little after eight. The pan-flute music that had been drifting out from Jill’s room had been replaced by cheerful whistling and the sounds of clothes being stuffed in a bag.

“Hey, Morg, you ready?” she called out a minute later.

“All set,” Morgan called back. She grabbed her totebag and purse and left her room.

Reflexively, she glanced at the den. It would be the first night in weeks she hadn’t spent poring through journals or scrutinizing photographs. The thought of that was a relief. At the same time she felt as if she were leaving a crucial part of herself behind.

Before she could analyze it further, she’d walked in, gathered up the piles of mementos, and tucked them in her totebag. Like a child with its stuffed animal, she thought, mentally rolling her eyes. She needed them close by, a grown woman with a grown-up security blanket.

There’d be a time when she’d have to let them go—when she’d be able to let them go.

But now wasn’t that time.

FORTUNATELY, THE TAILWINDS were strong and Arthur had asked the pilot to do whatever was necessary to get home quickly. He’d also instructed the flight attendant to dispense with the usual amenities and instead devote all her attention to Jonah’s comfort.

The plane landed at 9:27 p.m.

The car service was there with Jonah’s parents, who eagerly embraced their still-groggy son, helped him into the town car, then thanked both Arthur and Lane and climbed in. Minutes later, they were on their way back to Brooklyn.

Arthur’s limo was waiting. By the time the town car’s taillights disappeared around the bend, Arthur’s driver had the congressman and Lane settled in the limo, and he was behind the wheel, pulling away from the curb.

Lane glanced over at Arthur. “I spoke to Morgan. She told me what’s been going on with Elyse.”

“Did she?” Arthur didn’t sound surprised. “I assumed she would, if not today then tonight, while you had dinner. Truthfully, I would have told you myself, but I didn’t want to spoil those few euphoric hours on the slopes.” A weary sigh. “Blocking out the world for a while becomes essential for survival. Because after that, reality has a way of catching up and biting you in the ass.”

“Don’t I know it,” Lane agreed grimly. “I’m glad you hired more security. Obviously, this hit-and-run was personal. Someone’s delivering a message to Morgan—loud and clear.”

“I want someone with her at all times.” A sideways look. “Tonight, that someone is you. I don’t know if she told you, but she and Jill went over to my apartment to hang out with Elyse until I get home.”

“She told me. That’s where I’m picking her up.”

“And dropping her off. Unless…” Arthur cleared his throat self-consciously. “Look, Lane, I don’t want you to think I’m one of those overbearing father types who inserts himself where he doesn’t belong. Morgan’s personal life is her own business. It’s just that, under the circumstances, I’m a little concerned. So suffice it to say, if the two of you are together, that’s fine. But if the evening should happen to wind down…”

“I’ll see her

safely to your door,” Lane assured him. “And I won’t leave until Morgan is inside with the dead bolt thrown.”

“Thanks.” Arthur’s brows arched in question. “When are you and your father reviewing the photographs you’re enhancing?”

“Tomorrow. I’ll be working exclusively with Monty the rest of this week, except when I’m photographing you at various appearances and, of course, on Friday, when you and I are heading up to the Poconos to go skydiving.” Lane frowned. “I hope Jonah will be up to joining us. The poor kid’s been living for these chances to contribute to the Time photo essay.”