“So, you’re buying a place on Canandaigua Lake?”
“I’ve already put in an offer. That should take care of your objection to our living situation.”
Scarlet sat forward. “Tell us about yourself, Gayle.”
“I’m a businessman. I have several interests in Europe and here in the United States. I’m totally in control of my time so I can spend it at the lake whenever I want.”
“What businesses are you in?” Scarlet asked.
“Mostly computers but I’ve diversified to other interests.” He named a few.
“And you’re not worried about being at the lake enough to satisfy Evangelina’s time with Seth?” Joe asked.
“Not worried at all. I was hoping to get to meet Seth today, too.”
“He’ll be home in…” Joe checked his watch. “Fifteen minutes.”
Evangelina’s face lit from within. Scarlet had the unwanted feeling of being sorry for her. She longed to see her son again.
“I have a few questions for you, too.” Gayle’s gaze held on Joe. “I understand you own this place.”
“Yes. But when Scarlet and I marry, we’ll live in hers which is across the road.”
“Why is that?”
“It’s a long story but I’ll give you the basics. And if you try to use this against us, we’re prepared for a fight.”
His brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?”
Scarlet picked up the ball. “I’m part of a collective of alternative medicine. I’m a hypnotherapist.”
“Evangelina told me that. It’s an interesting profession.”
“It is. But we’ve had some issues there.”
Evangelina came to the edge of her seat. “What are they?”
As succinctly as she could, she told them about the collective’s problems.
Gayle frowned. “Is Seth safe with you?”
“We have two guards at my place for the barn and the house. And the police patrol out here at night.”
“Hmm.”
Her eyes narrowed on Gayle. “What does that mean?”
“Wecoulduse this against you, Joe.”
Joe lifted his chin, ready to take on this powerful man. “Do you plan to?”
“No. But we’ll worry.”
“We worry, too.”
“I guess we’ll have to trust you.” He turned to Scarlet. “I understand you have a horse. And Seth has a pony.”
“Yes, to both,” Scarlet answered. “My horse is his pony’s sire.”
