Ruthless Heart

“Angel!” I beam—and slide a twenty across the desk. “I so appreciate it.”

I’m whisked back to get a long shampoo and scalp massage, which is so blissful, I almost forget about my top-secret mission here.

Almost.

When I’m settled in the salon chair with my stylist, Frederik, I get my game face back on and make the usual small talk: guy troubles, vacation, charity work, super happy life.

Not a word is true, but I keep it vague.

“You’re a lifesaver,” I tell him, as he lops a couple of inches off my straw split-ends. “Fiona said that this was the place to come for miracles. Fiona McKenna?” I add.

He brightens. “Oh, isn’t she a doll? You just missed her.”

“What a shame! She said she practically lives here, with all the political events she and Ian attend.”

Frederik nods. “I like to joke that she’s my best customer. But tonight’s not a political event. They’re going to the ballet. Ian surprised her with tickets for her birthday last week. Isn’t he the sweetest?”

“He really is,” I agree with a smile. And so is Frederik, giving me the insider info I need.

We finish up my hair, and I pay—with a healthy tip. The minute I’m back in the car, I bring up the internet on my phone, and find ballet performances tonight.

Bingo. New York City Ballet are performing a special charity event of Don Quixote, in aid of some kids’ refuge. This must be it.

I send Nero a text message.

McKenna will be at the ballet tonight.

I send a link to the performance info, and his response comes less than a minute later. One short word.

Fine.

That’s it. No thank you or—God forbid—a little praise for doing a good job.

I should know better than to expect it. Nero is clearly still bound up in the past, and the way my father betrayed his family.

I just hope that things go well tonight. The sooner I secure him this vote, the sooner I can move on with my life.

And never lay eyes on the man again.