Page 27 of Blind Prophet

“Didn’t sleep well last night,” he says. “Here, let me show you the guest room. Make yourself at home. I won’t work late.”

That’s something I’ve heard before.

“I promise.”

A younger me would’ve expressed incredulity at his statement, but today, it doesn’t matter if he hides in his office. The longer he’s away, the longer I can explore. Tonight, once he’s asleep, I’ll pop into his office.

Before I leave tomorrow, I’ll ask that he sign the divorce agreement so that I return to California to assist with issues of far more importance.

Dorian leads me to a stylish guest suite that’s close to the kitchen and great room. I assume the primary suite is upstairs.

Out the window, I spy a covered, windowed pathway that leads to another building.

“What’s that?”

“My home office,” he answers.

“Ah.”

Connected by a glass breezeway, it’s stunning architecture.

“Do you need anything?”

“I’m good,” I say, forcing a false brightness.

“Feel free to roam. The temperature might drop, but you can use any of the coats hanging in the entry near the garage. If you need shoes, there are muck boots and snow boots. I’m told it’s well stocked. You should be able to find whatever you need."

“Do you still have the library?”

“In the main house?” he asks.

“I always loved that room.”

“I’ll take you there after dinner,” he says. “It’s best if you don’t visit the mountain house without me.”

That’s curious. But I suppose it makes sense. His father probably has a full staff who wouldn’t recognize me.

“I need to go.” He withdraws his phone from his sports jacket. The screen, as always, is lit.“Make yourself at home.”

I stand by the window, watching until he strides through the glass breezeway, phone held in front, speaking into it. He might be dictating, or he might be speaking to someone. But he’s no longer in this section of the house.

I dial Sophia.

“I landed safely,” I say, purposefully nondescript on the off-chance I might be overheard. We didn’t come across any staff, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t on-site.

“Have you spoken to him?”

“Yes.”

“How’d it go?”

“Fine. He’s working from home today. I’ll stay here tonight and return to Denver in the morning.”

“Was he surprised to see you?”

I reflect on his reaction. “Honestly, I think he expected it.”

“Be careful,” Sophia says.

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