“He’s right here,” Valencia said, and glanced at Geno.
“Put him on the phone,” Shy said, and Valencia handed the phone to Geno. The fact that Black had been listening made her nervous; but at the same time made her feel like this was finally coming to an end.
“Hello.”
“She doesn’t leave your sight until you see me.”
“Yes, sir,” Geno said, and Black ended the call. He put down her phone and looked at Shy.
“What did she say?”
“That Ezequiel Simmonds told her that Ferreira was in the city looking to do business and she thought that she was just doing a favor for family.”
“That it?”
“All that she would get into over the phone. I told her that we would get with her tomorrow.”
“Good.”
“I would have gone to talk to her today, but I have too much to do and then I still need to get my hair and nails done.”
“Oh, the life of a socialite,” Black said, as Shy stood up and walked out of the media room. Shortly after she did, Michelle came in and sat down in Shy’s chair. Anytime she was in there, and Shy wasn’t, that’s where she sat, especially if her father was in the room.
“What’s wrong, Daddy?”
“Nothing.”
Michelle shook her head. “Look at me, Daddy.”
Black turned and looked at his daughter. She looked at him for a second or two and then Michelle shook her head. “No, Daddy. Something is wrong.”
“How do you know somet
hing’s wrong?”
“I can tell by the look on your face.”
“You’re too smart for your own good.”
Michelle smiled. “I know. I get it from my daddy.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“Mommy’s in trouble, isn’t she?”
“What makes you think that?”
“Because this is how you look when Mommy is in trouble.” Neither said anything for a few seconds. They just looked at each other. “You’re not going to tell me what’s going on with Mommy, are you?”
Once again there was silence between father and daughter. Then Black stood up. “Come with me.”
Michelle got up and followed her father out of the media room, up the stairs and then he knocked on their bedroom door. Shy was getting ready to leave.
“Come in,” Shy said, and Michelle followed Black in the room. “Why are you knocking?” she asked, and then she saw Michelle standing next to him.
“Because your daughter thinks there’s something going on with you.”
“Everything’s fine, Michelle. Nothing for you to be worried about,” Shy said, without stopping what she was doing to avoid making eye contact with either Michelle or Black.