Visions (Cainsville 2)

A long pause, requiring a prodding "Gabriel?" Then he told her what had happened, and as he did, she sank into the chair and sighed silently.

For such a brilliant man, he really did seem incapable of learning. He'd betrayed Eden's trust once, and she'd soundly smacked him down for it. He'd worked his way back from that, winning her trust again . . . only to commit nearly the same offense, multiplied by ten.

"You know, if you really didn't want to see her again, I'm sure a simple 'get lost' would have sufficed. Olivia doesn't strike me as a young woman who lingers where she's not wanted."

"I was not trying to get rid of her."

"Are you sure? Because you're doing an excellent job of it, though your technique seems overcomplicated."

"Working together on a dangerous case meant I'd naturally watch out for her. So there was no harm--"

"--in taking payment for it. Just as there was no harm in taking money from a reporter for setting up that interview a couple of weeks ago. As for the fact that she didn't want the interview, clearly she wasn't the best judge of that, and you were only acting in her best interests."

A faint noise that was probably meant to be a snort but sounded more like a growl.

"Did you really think you'd get away with it, Gabriel?"

"I miscalculated the timetable."

Rose closed her eyes and shook her head. She didn't have any problem with him taking money from James Morgan. Walshes had been taking advantage of gullibility and stupidity ever since they conned their fellow cavemen out of their spears. Highwaymen, pirates, swindlers, and card sharks . . . their family history was both colorful and dark. Rose might have the second sight, but it wasn't reliable enough to provide her with a steady income. For that, she needed a Walsh's true powers--the ability to lie, con, and cheat anyone out of anything.

"I should have told her," he said.

"Yes, you should have."

Silence, long enough for Rose to wonder if he'd hung up. Then, "I was trying to give the money back."

"What?"

"I called Morgan on Sunday to say that I was ending our agreement and returning his retainer. I wanted to wire it to him, but he wouldn't provide banking information. That's what I was waiting on, before I told Olivia."

When it came to money, Gabriel had . . . issues. Deep-rooted issues. Yet he'd planned to give back income he'd already earned? Rose sat there, stunned, before finding her voice.

"And you told Olivia this?" she asked.

"Of course not. He hadn't taken it back."

"But you told her you ended the agreement and you were trying to return his money?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I have no proof."

Rose argued the point, but Gabriel wouldn't budge. He had delayed telling Eden until he had proof, and, having no proof, he would not mention it. Nor would he further discuss the matter with Rose, let alone accept advice on how to mend the rift. He would not even admit he wished to mend it.

"I have an appointment," he said when she pushed too hard. "I should go."

"All right," she said, stifling a sigh. "But if you need anything . . ."

"I do."

The response was so unexpected, she hesitated.

Gabriel continued, "Or I should say, Olivia needs something. A security system. There was a threat."

"What kind?"