Manhattan Merger

While he waited, he phoned his niece.

“Hi, Uncle Payne!”

“How are things?”

“Great!”

That was the most enthusiasm he’d heard out of her in a long time.

“I invited my friends over to see Rainey’s drawings. Now they want her to do pictures of them and their pets so they can give them to their parents for Christmas presents. Do you think she would do it if they paid her?”

He smiled. “Knowing Rainey, she wouldn’t take the money.”

“I’m sure you’re right, but that’s a lot to ask when she has two other jobs.”

“Tell you what. You can ask her yourself tomorrow.”

“Did you invite her out to the house again?”

“No. I asked her to accept a full-time job with me. She said yes, and she’ll be moving into Crag’s Head where she’ll work on my maps.”

There was a prolonged silence.

“Uncle Payne…does Diane know?”

“Not yet. I’ll tell her tonight.”

“That’s going to hurt her a lot.”

“I’m hoping it’ll make her angry.”

He could hear her brain working. “You want her to be jealous.”

“I want her to walk again. Maybe if she gets angry enough, she’ll do something about it and consider going to that clinic in Switzerland.”

Another pause. “Does Rainey know why you’ve asked her to come to work for you?”

“Yes. She wants to help Diane too.”

“So do I.”

“You already have. You’re a sweetheart. I’m sure Rainey will enjoy your company, especially when I’m out of town. You can show her around, make certain she knows where to swim safely.”

“Do you think she likes to sail?”

“I guess we’re going to find out. Come on over in the morning and have breakfast with us.”

“Will Diane be there?”

“I’ll invite her. Let’s hope she won’t be able to stay away. Have fun this afternoon. I’ll see you in the morning.”

After ending the call, he made one more to his pilot to alert him they’d be flying back to Crag’s Head soon.

Two hours later he experienced the sensation of déjà vu when his housekeeper met him and Rainey in the foyer.

“Mrs. Myers? Ms. Bennett has agreed to come to work for me. For the time being she’ll be living here. Let’s put her in the bedroom with the view of Phantom Point.”

Rainey’s mouth curved upward. “That sounds intriguing.”