Absolutely, Positively

moment the barriers that protected him from the abyss wavered and threatened to dissolve. Harry could see straight through them to the endless darkness, and it beckoned with a terrible seductiveness. It would be so easy just to let himself fall into the depths and be lost forever.

    And then an image of Molly appeared. She smiled at him from the opposite side of the abyss. Reality solidified around him.

    Harry looked at Parker. “Like I said, you owe Aunt Danielle. Give her the one thing she really wants. The one thing that only you can give her.”

    “What's that?”

    “Peace of mind about Brandon's future. Brandon doesn't need it, but she does. Danielle hasn't had much peace of mind in her life. She's been too busy trying to please you.”

    Parker's hands bunched into fists on the arms of his chair. “Who the hell appointed you avenging angel in this family?”

    “Damned if I know.” Harry opened the door.

    “You can be a real SOB, Harry, you know that?”

    Harry looked back over his shoulder, met and held his grandfather's eyes. “Runs in the family. Both sides.”

    He went out the door and closed it quietly.

    He was not particularly surprised to find his uncle, Gilford Stratton, waiting for him in front of the art glass display. Harry smiled bleakly. This was not going to be one of his lucky days.

    Gilford was forty-nine, the youngest of Parker's three off-spring. With his aristocratic bones, fair hair, and hazel eyes, he was as handsome as the rest of the Strattons. Fifteen years ago he had married Constance Heeley, the daughter of a prominent Northwest shipping family. They had two children.

    Luckily for the Strattons, Gilford had inherited more than just the family looks. He had also inherited the Stratton business talents. Stratton Properties was thriving under his administration.

    “What are you up to now, Harry?” Gilford watched him with cool caution. Then understanding blazed in his eyes. “Damn it, you've upset Parker again, haven't you?”

    “It doesn't take much. You know as well as I do that Parker gets annoyed at the very sight of me. But don't worry, he'll survive our latest discussion.”

    Gilford took a menacing step forward. “You talked to him about Brandon's stupid plan to leave the company, didn't you?”

    “Yes.”

    “Stay out of this. You know how the old man feels about anyone in the family leaving the firm.”

    “I know,” Harry said.

    “I'm warning you, Harry, don't get involved in this. Let Parker handle it.”

    “His refusal to let Brandon go gracefully is tearing Danielle apart.”

    Gilford's expression tightened. “I know. I'm sorry about it, but that's the way it goes. It's not your problem. For once, try not to meddle in family business.” He turned on his heel and strode off down the corridor to his corner office.

    Harry watched him go, and then he made his way back through the reception area to the bank of elevators. The good news was that Molly was coming home for lunch.

    * * *

    Molly folded her hands on top of her desk and regarded the sober, serious countenances of her aunt and Cutter Latteridge. She knew they both meant well, but their concern was irritating, nonetheless.

    “Don't worry about me, Aunt Venicia. I'll be fine at Harry's place.”

    “But, dear, if you don't feel comfortable staying in your own home, you can stay with me.” Venicia, dressed in a flowing orange and fuchsia dress, was as bright as any of the tropical fish in Harry's aquarium. But her eyes were troubled. “I really don't know if you should be moving in with Harry Trevelyan like this. You hardly know him.”

    “Believe me, I'm getting to know him better every day,” Molly said.

    Venicia straightened her shoulders with a determined air. She slanted a quick glance at Cutter and then frowned at Molly. “Dear, Cutter and I have discussed your Dr. Trevelyan, and we feel there is something not quite right about this whole situation.”

    “Not quite right?” Molly repeated.

    Cutter cleared his throat meaningfully. “I know this isn't any of my business. I'm not exactly a member of the family yet.” He paused to reach out and lightly touch Venicia's hand. “But I feel as if I'm almost one of the clan, and I must speak up here.”

    “Cutter, please,” Molly said. “Don't worry.”

    “I can't help it, my dear.” Cutter assumed the pontificating air he did so well. “I'm extremely concerned about this entire matter. If odd things have been