Page 65 of Nigel

"You were notdue back until tomorrow."

"It istomorrow."

She rolled her eyesand dragged his face up. "Spill."

He sighed and kissedher lips because he was unable to resist. "There is a museumthat needs a facelift and we have taken on the project. In Londonproper. We have been seeking funding to continue the project and Iwas there talking with some investors. The reason I had to go wasbecause they needed a face to face."

"And you justleft?"

"You needed me.Speaking of which-" He shifted some more to try and find acomfortable space. "Talk to me."

"Uh-huh."She shook her head. "Let's talk about you jumping on a plane tocome to my rescue. I do not need rescuing."

"I will bearthat in mind. Talk to me."

She realized that shewas not going to get anywhere with that particular discussion and letit go.

"You knowRichard Thomas."

"Yes. I amacquainted with him. We are not friends precisely, but we belong tothe same club."

She explained indetail what had taken place and watched as his eyes narrowed. "Ishould have a talk with him."

"Jenny is goingto need a lawyer."

"I don't thinkshe will. Let me make a call."

"Who are youcalling?" She watched as he eased off the sofa and went to grabhis bag. Damn the man looked good enough to eat! There was not anounce of spare flesh on his body and his ass was taut and firm.

"His mother."

"Mother?"

"Yes."Turning his head, he sent her a grin as he fished the phone out ofhis briefcase. "He does have one, you know."

"It's almostmidnight."

"She hasdifficulty sleeping-" He held up a finger and pressed thenumber. "Ah Beatrice." He listened for a minute; his eyesfixed on Ava's. "I knew you would be up. How is the knee?"He listened again.

"I am relievedto know that the doctor I recommended is doing a good job. I hate tospoil your night-" He listened again and this time wandered overto the sofa to take a seat beside her. Ava was sitting up, theblanket thrown over her. "Yes, it is about Richard, I am afraid.He has gone too far this time. He has not called you?"

He listened again,putting his arm around Ava as she snuggled against him. "It'sregarding a maid he hired." Nigel told her the details briefly."I appreciate your help of course. Try and get some sleep."He hung up and put away the phone. "She will handle him."

"What does thatmean?"

"It means thatshe is the Matriarch of the family and holds the purse strings.Richard has been a source of trouble to her since he first drewbreath, her words, not mine.

She will deal withhim. I am guaranteeing that you will be getting a call, first thingin the morning telling you that he is dropping the charges." Heshifted so that he could look at her. "And he will want to offersome money."

She bristled at that."I don't want his damn money."

"What about themaid? You should discuss this with her first."

"You are right.But as of now, he will no longer be under contract with us."

"Do you want meto get my lawyers to look at the contract?"

"Lionel will doit." She smiled at him. "You are pretty handy to havearound."