Page 23 of Cameron's Contract

Over there, in the left hand corner, I’d broken my big toe as a kid when I’d run into that Qing Dynasty vase and it had tipped over and landed on my foot. The vase was fine apparently, and Nanny had kept her promise to never report the mishap to Mom.

Henry and I had run up and down those stairs so many times as cowboys, soldiers, and alien invaders, sweeping down the banister with alarming speed and keeping the staff busy with our boundless energy.

I was glad Henry was here now.

“They’ve redone the place,” his whisper echoed.

“How many bedrooms?” said Shay.

“Can’t remember,” I said.

“That’s a big house then.”

I nudged Mia’s arm. “We have a pool.”

“Is the water piped in from somewhere exclusive?” she said.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Henry. “Everyone knows the pool is filled with unicorn tears.”

Mia giggled.

“Not bad for New York,” said Shay. “Not bad at all.”

“Richard should be here,” I whispered.

Shay gave a nod. “Your parents love Richard. We’d have gotten a pass if he’d been with us.”

“Here you are!” It was Willow, and she hurried across the marble floor barefoot, wearing a flowing white dress. She was the breath of fresh air we all needed.

Willow fell into my arms and I hugged her. “Good to see you, Will.”

“I’m so glad you’re here.” She ran over to Henry and hugged him too, moving on to hug Shay and then Mia. She came back to me and took my hand. “Mother’s not doing well. The stress of it all has been too much for her. Father’s in the study.”

“How’s he doing?” I said.

“In denial.”

“We’re here now. We’ll turn this around.”

“I’m afraid there’s not much to be done,” she said. “The board visited this morning. They had brunch with Daddy and delivered the news they’ve made up their minds and, well, that’s that.”

“Dad’s not going to fight them?” asked Henry.

“There’s nothing to fight. Monday morning they’ll present their vote.”

“There’s still time,” I said.

“I’ll go check on Mom,” said Henry.

“Willow, do you mind showing Shay and Mia to their rooms?” I said.

“Sure.”

“Where’s Dad?”

“Study.” She looked sheepish. “I’m afraid Mom’s a little old fashioned.”

“Mom has Mia and I in separate rooms?”