Flash

death has put a lot of pressure on you." Nina's smile was laced with a knowing look.
    Olivia opened her mouth to elaborate on her excuse, but she closed it again very quickly. Damn it, she hated excuses, her own more than anyone else's.
    "All right. What did you want to talk to me about?" she asked quietly.
    Nina clasped her hands together very tightly in her lap. She had fragile, delicate hands. Everything about Nina appeared fragile and delicate, Olivia thought. The polar opposite of herself.
    Nina was five years younger than Olivia, petite and pretty. With her dark hair, big eyes, and ethereal air, she made Olivia think of a Regency-era portrait.
    Nina was the sort of woman who brought out the protective instincts, not only in men but in everyone around her.
    She regarded Olivia with pleading eyes. "I want you to come to the opening night reception at the Kesgrove Museum."
    All the muscles in Olivia's shoulders tightened painfully. Absently she reached up to massage the back of her neck.
    She had been afraid of this. The reception to launch the retrospective exhibition of Logan's art was scheduled to be held at the end of the month. Everyone in the Dane family, including Sean, would be there. The last time she had seen any of them, Olivia reflected, was at the funeral.
    She had no desire to subject herself to another round of the silent reproach and accusations that had filled their eyes on that occasion.
    "I really don't think that would be such a good idea, Nina."
    "Please. It would mean so much to Sean and his family."
    "I doubt it."
    "I know you think they still blame you for what happened to Logan in Pamplona," Nina said. "They were consumed by their grief. That's why they turned on you. But Sean has gotten past it, and I think his parents have, too."
    Olivia seriously doubted that. "Even if that's true, it doesn't mean that it would be comfortable for all of us to be in the same room together."
    "I'm asking you to come as a favor to me, Olivia. I'm sure you know that Sean and I have been seeing a great deal of each other?"
    "Yes."
    Nina took a shaky breath. "We've talked about marriage."
    "I see."
    Nina's hands twisted together. Her eyes misted. "I love him so much, but I just don't know if I can marry him after what happened. It doesn't feel right."
    Olivia surged to her feet, grabbed a tissue, and shoved it into Nina's hand. "I've told you before, and I'll tell you again. Forget what happened three years ago. There's no point dredging up the past. If you're sure about your feelings for Sean…"
    "Very sure." The pain in Nina's eyes disappeared for a moment. A warm glow took its place. "I've never been more certain of anything in my life."
    Must be a nice feeling, Olivia reflected as she sat down. "Then go for it."
    Nina's expression turned resolute. "I love him too much to hurt him, and if he finds out about Logan…"
    Olivia looked at her very steadily. "Sean will never find out. Don't let the past ruin your future. Don't give Logan the final victory."
    Nina looked down at her hands. "I owe you so much. I don't know how to thank you."
    "You don't owe me a damn thing." Olivia glanced at her watch. "Look, I really do have to get back to work."
    "I know." Nina rose from the chair. "Olivia, about the reception. I realize I have no right to ask you to attend. But I promise you that Sean no longer blames you for what happened to Logan. He wants to mend the breach because he loves me."
    "Nina…"
    "Think about it, please," Nina begged. "For Sean's sake, if not for mine."
    "Okay, okay. I'll think about it."

    The wife of the president and CEO of Silver Galaxy Foods, Madeline Silverthorne, had made one thing very clear to Olivia. She wanted silver to figure predominately in the theme and decor for the firm's annual Silver Galaxy Foods Night event.
    Olivia believed in giving the client, or the client's wife, in this case, what she wanted and a bit more. The interior of the dining room of the
Private Island
gleamed, glistened, and glowed with silver.
    Deep in the bowels of the vessel the engines throbbed at half speed. The
Private Island
was on a cruise to nowhere, meandering its way through the islands of Puget Sound.
    Olivia knew that few of the guests on board intended to sleep tonight, although cabins had been assigned to everyone. The point of Silver Galaxy Night was to eat as much of the host's free food and sample as many fine wines as possible and then party the night away until the free buffet breakfast was