Page 109 of Capturing You

“But you’re not. There are cameras everywhere.” He’d told her that, but a reminder seemed in order. This place had great security, but anyone could hack a system, and he didn’t want her enemies confirming that she was here with him.

“You’re right.” She ducked her head as if she were in trouble.

They passed doorways decorated with wreaths and welcome signs, skirting strategically placed sitting areas where he’d never seen anyone sitting. They turned at a corner and walked a long corridor, finally reaching Grandmother’s room at the end.

He knocked, then checked the door. It was locked, as it should be.

A moment later, it opened, and Grandmother stood on the opposite side. She was dressed in one of her comfortable velour outfits. She wore her typical jewelry—diamond earrings, diamond necklace, and the wedding ring he’d never seen her without, despite the fact that his grandfather had died before Forbes was born. Grandmother’s hair was perfectly styled, as usual.

But a bruise blackened her eye and marred her cheek, and she wore a brace on her hand.

She plastered on a smile, though it was hesitant. Her gaze flicked from him to Brooklynn and back. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“I tried to call.” He bent to give her a hug and held her a second longer than usual. “You didn’t answer your phone.”

“They told me to rest, so I turned it off.” She patted his arm and stepped back. “I was following the doctor’s orders.” She rested a cool hand on his cheek. “I asked them not to call you.”

“Why?Youshould have called me.”

“I’m fine.” She turned her attention to Brooklynn.

“Marie,” he said, giving her a pointed look, “this is a friend of mine, Brooklynn Wright.”

Brooklynn held out her hand to shake. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Ballentine.”

Grandmother took her hand in both of hers. “You too, dear. I’m sorry he dragged you along to check on me. One little fall isn’t going to kill me.” She stepped out of the way. “Come on in.”

Forbes followed Brooklynn inside, leading her through the smallish kitchen to the living room. It was just large enough for a sofa and a chair.

Grandmother remained in the kitchen. “Shall I put on some tea?”

He said, “No thanks?—”

“—That would be lovely,” Brooklynn said.

Grandmother started the electric kettle.

“Go sit down.” He urged her toward the sofa. “I’ll take care of it.”

“I can make tea.”

“I know you can. You can also sit with our guest—and let me serve you.”

She tapped his forearm, giving him a little smile before she returned to the living room.

While she questioned Brooklynn about everything from her career to her family—she apparently knew the Wrights and even remembered Brooklynn’s parents—Forbes prepared the tea. He’d been a little worried that Grandmother might reveal who he really was, but she seemed as sharp as ever. She’d kept up the ruse for decades. Lying was old hat to both of them.

He set two cups of tea, the matching cream and sugar dishes, teaspoons, a glass of ice water, and a plate of shortbread cookies onto her favorite tray and carried it to the living room.

“Here we go,” he said.

They helped themselves, continuing their chat.

He gave them a few minutes, then cleared his throat. “Enough stalling. Tell me what happened.”

She laughed. “You act like I’ve committed a felony. I lost my balance and fell.”

“Where?”