Page 72 of Masquerade

One prominent commentator drew attention to Liam’s presence. “A cleanskin, but sources are crediting him with convincing the government to amend the legislation and provide more support for local farmers.”

“Quite a coup,” a woman nodded. “And it sees Liam Quinn promoted to partnership at Clelland’s. He’s to lead a new business unit specialising in environmental law.”

Kate gave a fist pump and a shout. Then the sting in the tail snapped around to flick her on the raw. Liam hadn’t mentioned today’s press conference or the announcement of his partnership. Disappointment, sharper than any letter of rejection she’d ever received, rolled through her.

No commitments.

Kate’s wariness had developed over a lifetime. Still, her heart insisted Liam was different. A niggle she’d ignored taunted her now. Niall had accused Liam of being more interested in money than family. His new position delivered power and pots more money.

Money’s not his goal.

He lived simply and didn’t own his own place or a car, despite earning a generous wage. Where does he spend his money? Is he a gambler? Is he supporting a child or a charity or an eco-terrorism group fed up with the glacial pace of progress towards saving the planet? Her imagination went AWOL.

“You’re being paranoid. And it’s not your business.” Especially when she hadn’t told him why she’d swapped with Anna on the billboard. She blinked at the screen. She didn’t know any more about his life than he did about hers. In many of the ways that mattered, she and Liam were strangers.

“Kate.” Suzy Cornish tugged at her sleeve. “You’re a million miles away. Don’t tell me you’re mixing with the state’s highest politicos?”

“I thought I recognised someone.” Liam’s on-screen presentation was Kate’s worst nightmare. A besuited, inscrutable man who hadn’t given her a hint that victory was so close, that he’d made partner, that her research position was no longer needed. A neat ending for him.

Liam fitted in perfectly. Silent during the television interview, yet the commentators had focused on him. His presence was the triumph George had pushed for. Daniel Elliott stood down and referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission. The Premier and the Minister for Agriculture fronting a media pack to announce a settlement for an issue that had been a “no comment” for days. George might have started this project as a caring dad, but George the businessman would relish Clelland and Associates making a big splash on its first case.

“I haven’t got long,” Suzy apologised. “I’m reviewing final edits for your second book. Looking good.”

“Final edits sound like you’ve still got some questions.” Kate dropped into the offered chair, her mind still churning.

Did Liam just cut me loose publicly?

“We’re close.” The woman snapped her fingers. “Kate, are you listening?”

“Sorry.” She forced herself to concentrate.

This is real. This is what you’ve always wanted. Savour the moment.

“Advance copies of your first book will be with you next Tuesday.” Suzy beamed.

“I’m thinking a small, discreet tattoo of the date on my lower back might work.” Kate’s heart spun faster than wheels in the Indianapolis 500. She pressed a hand to her midriff. “It’s like my body’s in freefall every time I think about it. Only I’m afraid to think it’s real until I have a copy in my hand.”

“It’s real.”

She’d tell Liam. Then she remembered. This was his big day. He hadn’t included her. Doubt scraped at her earlier confidence. Plan B lost its appeal. Maybe she should wait until she actually had the advance copy of the book to show him.

Maybe I should wait and see if dinner tonight is goodbye.

“I hate to rain on your parade, Kate, but”—her editor drummed her fingers on the desk—“the first three chapters of your third book are due next week.” The woman leaned forward to emphasise her point. “I need those on my desk.”

Missing a deadline wasn’t an option for the daughter of professional writers. Today was Wednesday. Kate reviewed her schedule. She could drive straight to the cottage after her day shift at the library tomorrow. Since Montveau, she’d avoided the cottage, snatching time for writing around Liam’s free time. She hadn’t wanted to leave Liam any night, to say no when he said please stay. The press conference was a sharp reminder he was a loner.

“I’ll get you something by Monday.” Publication had been her only dream until Liam. She’d been crafting a new dream, while Liam was sticking to their agreement.

* * *

She beat Liam to therestaurant, a tiny hole-in-the-wall, Asian fusion place in Glebe popular enough to have two or more sittings a night. Liam was amused by her habit of always arriving after him at his place, but invariably arriving before him anywhere else. An unwillingness to trespass? He’d welcome her assuming more in their relationship.

Whoa! When had that happened?Commitment wasn’t on either of their horizons.

“Hi. Have you been waiting long?” Liam bent to kiss the top of her head.

“Five minutes. Long enough to take a window seat and watch you cross the road. You changed.”

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