Page 94 of Craig

“The green and white salon. It’s small and private, and I will ensure you won’t be disturbed,” Blake said.

“Thank you.”

“Would you like refreshments-” Blake asked.

“No. Just a conversation, and then I’ll be on my way. By the way, the place is exceptional.”

The man’s smile covered his entire face.

“Thank you, sir. I’ll have Mr. Graham and his wife sent to you. If there’s anything else-” Blake said.

“I will be sure to let you know.”

He was standing by the window, enjoying the pretty view when he heard sounds just inside the doorway.

Before he could turn around, the man hurried in, his voice exuding charm and goodwill.

“I was told that my son-in-law was here! What an honor to finally meet you. I understand that the wedding was an intimate affair, but I was hoping we could get to meet each other.”

Craig turned all the way around and felt a jolt at how much the man had passed on to his two children. They looked amazingly like him.

The woman he remembered as Mimi skulked behind the man, her eyes downcast.

Yes, he thought cynically. A woman like her would be appealing to someone like Douglas Graham.

“Come, Mimi,” he commanded, reaching for the woman’s hand.

“This is my son-in-law, Craig Muldoon. I just realized that you own this place.”

“We have an interest in it, yes.”

The man’s eyes gleamed. “I see my daughter is not with you.”

He managed to put on a sheepish expression. “We had a little spat the other day, I don’t know if she mentioned it-”

“She did.”

“Well.” Douglas searched around for something to say and wondered how much that bitch had told her husband.

He still hadn’t managed to get in touch with his son. His children were of no use to him if he couldn’t use them to get what he wanted.

“It was a misunderstanding and I would like the chance to make it up to her.”

Craig leaned back on the wall and watched as the man came further into the room. The door was closed to give them privacy.

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Well,” Douglas spread his hands wide in a gesture of contrition. “You see, I haven’t been a very good father.”

He made sure his expression was downright pitiful, even though it galled him to act humble.

“I left her and her mother. I was foolish back then. Young and foolish.

“I loved them, of course, but I couldn’t stand the responsibilities. You know how it is.”

“I don’t actually.”

“Well,” he murmured again and floundered.