Page 122 of Fall of a Kingdom

“Ash’s indoor pool. It’s been raining here all day and the boys were in desperate need of burning off energy. They’ve been taking turns doing cannon balls off the diving board.”

I could hear the amusement in her tone. I missed her. Missed them all.

“How are you?” she asked. “I can feel your tension through the phone.”

“I spoke with Gianna.”

“Ah,Le Pitbull.”

I laughed and it felt good. “I’m talking to the press tomorrow. Gianna has this covered.”

“What can you possibly say that won’t make them ask questions?”

“They’ll ask questions no matter what,” I said. “To divert them, Gianna suggested that you and I focus on a positive PR campaign to revitalize my image, The Rex’s image, and to portray us a loving family while the authorities get to the bottom of who was behind this.”

“Wearea loving family,” she pointed out. “We just happen to be criminals.”

“I said the exact same thing.”

She’d pitched her voice low so there was clearly no danger of the boys overhearing. At some point, they’d learn the truth, but not for many years. No use opening that can of worms before any of us were ready.

“I told her you were going to hate the idea,” I said.

“Blamed it on me, did you? You hate the idea too.”

“Of course I do. We’re exceedingly private for a reason.”

She paused for a moment and then she said, “I think it’s a good idea.”

I sighed. “I can’t find any fault with it, either.”

“Did she have any specifics about what she wanted from us?”

I was surprised by Barrett’s willingness, but I wasn’t going to dig deeper about it. “A few, but she did suggest invitingHome and Country Magazineto our house so they could do a spread on the family. You know, billion-dollar hotel empire owner, his sexy loving wife, his doting children. That sort of thing.”

“You forgot one smelly sheep.” The sound of her laughter was exuberant. “So, when is this press conference being held?”

“Late tomorrow morning.”

“Be careful, Flynn. They’re vultures, and this is a juicy story. Word of advice, find a female reporter and turn on the Campbell charm. She won’t be able to resist it and it will give the rest of them pause before grilling you.”

“Thanks for the pointer, hen.”

“When you’re done with the press, does that mean you’ll be able to come home?”

“Aye. I’ll be home tomorrow evening. Come hell or high water, I’ve spent enough time away from you and the bairns.”

“We miss you.”

“How are the boys? How’s Piper?”

“Everyone’s fine, we’re fine. Don’t worry about us.”

“You sure you miss me? You don’t sound like you do,” I teased.

“Tomorrow night, I’ll lay my naked body on top of yours and show you how much I missed you.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” I said, my voice husky.