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“As in weird?”

He chuckled. “Not weird. Prickly.”

MasonKennedysatathis massive cherry desk and stared at Vanessa, the incompetent young woman sitting across from him. She’d been unable to convince the Garrison girl to pledge, so now they had to move on to plan B. He didn’t like bringing in girls without proper pedigree, but it was a means to an end however distasteful.

“Cate has a roommate. Brittany Boyer. She’s a scholarship student.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Offer her the option to pledge. When she accepts spring it on her that Cate must join her or we’ll rescind the invitation.”

“What if she doesn’t accept?”

He stood and made his way around his desk to take her hands in his own. “Look at me, love.”

She lifted her chin, and her eyes met his. Fear. Good. “Don’t give her a choice. Be creative.”

Chapter Three

Afewdayslater,Gavin awakened to the sound of a jackhammer.

So much for a relaxing vacation in the woods. With Emily’s parents staying at Wade’s place, he figured he’d head to Philly early to see his sister. His suite was above reproach as usual, but the sounds of the city grated on his nerves after a few days of peace and quiet.

After a quick bite to eat, he hit the speed dial for Scott. “Is Cate around? I’m in town and thought I’d stop by to see her.”

“You know, you could’ve called her directly?”

“I’m paying your salary, aren’t I?”

His buddy chuckled. “It might be best if you call her.”

“Okaaay.” Gavin frowned. “Is she with a guy or something?”

“Just call your sister.”

“What aren’t you telling me?” Gavin was met with silence. Scott must’ve hung up. He shoved his phone in his back pocket and paced his hotel room. There was no good reason why Cate’s bodyguard shouldn’t be able to tell him where she was. He fished out his phone and dialed her.

“Hey.” Her voice was too quiet, like she was trying to keep it down.

“You in the library or something?”

“Something like that.”

“Where are you? I’m in town and was going to stop to see you.”

“This isn’t a good time.”

“When will be?”

“Tonight. Seven o’clock?”

He heaved out a sigh. “Sure. Chart House?”

“Perfect.”

“See you then.” He shook off the unease settling in his gut. Everything was fine. His paranoia was in overdrive. He decided to take the walking tour through Old Philadelphia. It took him to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and even Betsy Ross’ house. After that, he wandered the art museum then met Guy and Rita Branson for lunch. Guy was a boarding school buddy, and Rita knew them both from the country club where they’d spent the better part of their teen years. They were restoring a 19th Century Church to its former glory, and happily chatted about the details of the project, but Gavin had trouble concentrating. A niggling feeling in the back of his mind wouldn’t let him enjoy the downtime with his friends.

He chalked it up to difficulty turning off his work brain and switching to relaxation mode. Most of his time off was spent in developing countries helping his father with various projects or on mission trips where he could use his skills to assist others in need. Taking a vacation without an agenda wasn’t the norm for him. Maybe he would’ve been better off going away since it would’ve kept him from worrying so much about his sister.

He headed back to the hotel to take a quick shower. When he showed up at Cate’s apartment, he rang the bell.

Cate buzzed him in.