LITMIR.BIZ

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carefully, seeing the latent power apparent, and chose to play a few cards of her own.

      ‘Before I’ll agree to anything,’ she voiced with quiet determination, ‘you need to furnish notarised documentation stating a custody schedule for the next two years, subject to my approval and renewable at my discretion.’

      His expression didn’t change. ‘Perhaps you’ll offer some indication what arrangements you find acceptable?’

      ‘Nicki can spend two weeks with you, twice a year.’ It was so small a concession it was almost pathetic. ‘While you, of course, are welcome to visit her in Perth as frequently as your business interests permit.’

      ‘Those are your terms?’ His query was silk-smooth and almost deadly.

      ‘There’s one more thing. Return airline tickets in Nicki’s and my names, and accommodation for two weeks.’

      ‘Three.’

      ‘Excuse me?’

      ‘Three weeks. Airline tickets are unnecessary. We’ll travel in my private jet.’

      She barely managed to hold back a choked laugh. How could she have neglected to remember the private jet? ‘In that case, one-way tickets from Madrid to Perth.’

      ‘Specify a date, and I’ll ensure the jet is available for your return.’

      Shannay rose to her feet, retrieved a note to cover the cost of her latte, and slid it beneath the saucer.

      A gesture of independence, she assured silently as she caught up her wallet. ‘I’ll print up a copy of everything we’ve discussed and give it to you when we meet at the park.’ She cast her watch a quick glance, and was surprised at the passage of time.

      Without a further word she turned and retraced her steps to the apartment building, aware of the strange feeling in the pit of her stomach.

      She’d expected Marcello to argue her terms, even dismiss them out of hand.

      Why hadn’t he?

      Because he’d achieved his objective … her permission for Nicki to meet Ramon Martinez, patriarch of the Martinez dynasty.

      Yet she had set the boundaries.

      What was more, she’d insisted on a number of specific conditions to be set down in notarised legalese. Plus Nicki’s passport would remain in Shannay’s possession for the entire sojourn, she’d make sure of that.

      All contingencies taken care of, she decided with satisfaction as she printed out two copies, closed down the laptop, then she collected a cool-pack filled with fresh fruit and drinks, caught up her bag and took the lift down to basement level.

      Nicki’s excitement was palpable as Shannay collected her from kindergarten and drove towards the park.

      Yes, she assured, they were on time.

      Yes, she’d remembered to bring a packet of sliced bread to feed the ducks.

      And yes, she was sure Marcello knew where to meet them.

      The park was a popular spot, and there were several couples and families relaxing on the grassy banks overlooking the water.

      It was a beautiful early summer’s day, with the whisper of a breeze teasing the heavily leaf-laden trees as Shannay selected a pleasant spot and spread a picnic rug on the ground.

      ‘I think he’s here,’ Nicki announced breathlessly minutes later. ‘Yes, it’s him.’ She raised her arms and waved to attract his attention.

      Smile, Shannay bade silently as Marcello joined them, and she buried the faint resentment at just how easily her daughter appeared to be falling beneath his spell.

      As picnics went, it was a tremendous success … from Nicki’s perspective.

      The best, Nicki accorded with enthusiasm as she recounted every high point … and there were many, mostly centred around Marcello.

      There was no doubt about the mutual attraction developing between father and child. Nicki’s giggles and unaffected laughter testified to it. So too did the unguarded affection Marcello displayed for his daughter.

      He was a natural, Shannay had to admit, unsure how she felt about their burgeoning bond.

      Dammit, it had to be a good thing, she allowed as she drove to work later that afternoon.

      If she repeated the words often enough, maybe she’d begin to believe them.

      The signed notarised document was already in her possession, courtesy of express courier delivery. Perusal clarified it duplicated the print-out she’d handed Marcello during lunch.

      Attached had been a contact name and number to expedite the issue of Nicki’s passport.

      By week’s end, they should be able to leave for Madrid.

      Providing she adhered to their agreement, countersigned the notarised document, signed the DNA paternity permission form, lodged the necessary passport documentation and arranged leave of absence from her place of work.

      An exceedingly efficient set of suggestions offered to hasten their departure.

      Instructions, Shannay corrected, under no illusion they were anything other than Marcello’s ability to use his wealth and influence to achieve his objective.

      There was a part of her that understood his motives, together with a degree of sympathy for an ailing elderly man wanting to see his only great-grandchild.

      She’d covered all her bases … hadn’t she?

      And three weeks was hardly a lifetime.

      So why did she feel this faint niggle of apprehension?

      It stayed with her as she worked, although she deliberately consigned it to the back of her mind as she gave her full attention to dispensing prescriptions, greeting and conversing with patients and customers frequenting the pharmacy.

      There was the usual early-evening rush, followed by a lull, during which she had the opportunity to request a leave of absence.

      John Bennett, the owner of the pharmacy who was both employer and friend, paused from his task of checking stock and gave Shannay his full attention.

      ‘This is a bit sudden. Care to provide the reason?’

      Shannay offered the bare minimum, aware he filled in the blanks himself.

      ‘You consider this a wise move, Shannay?’

      John was a nice man, caring and pleasant to work with. He also wanted to date her … something she refused to do. She liked him, but … and it was the but that mattered.

      Friendship was fine, but not a relationship. With John, it could only be the latter and she wouldn’t contemplate taking that step.

      ‘It’s an amicable one.’ At least I’m being led to believe it is, she added silently. ‘And I’ve taken precautionary protective measures.’

      ‘Such as?’

      Shannay crossed to her bag, extracted the notarised agreement and handed it to him, watchful of his expression as he read the contents.

      ‘You want my honest opinion?’

      ‘Of course.’

      John folded the paperwork and passed it back to her.

      ‘My main concern is whether, if contested, it would stand up in a court of law.’ He paused. ‘Do you trust him?’

      Trust encompassed much. ‘With Nicki’s welfare. Yes.’

      ‘And with yours?’ he persisted quietly.

      I don’t know. ‘It’s only three weeks, John.’

      ‘If you’re sure.’

      Sure?

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