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"I’lared at hi

Officer Duffy was quiet as he drove Sean didn’t try to engage hilanced over at his escort, Madison Darvil

She’s either certifiable, crazy as a loon or just like you She talks to the dead, Eddie had told him

She wasn’t crazy; she was talented But if she talked to the dead, sheinside her that wasn’t exactly normal Most people learned early on not to admit that they could communicate with the souls of the departed Madison was probably unaware that there were actually many people with her talent scattered around the world

She was silent during the drive Sean thought that Eddie had picked the perfect person to help him--even if he hadn’t meant to draw her in this far She did know the studio and everyone working there now; she was in on s and certainly trusted if she dealt with major names in the business And aside froe, dark-lashed eyes that were exceptionally expressive and beautiful

He suddenly wished he’d met her at a party or a bar or anywhere that would allow him to ask her out He liked her passion when she defended Eddie and even her hostility when he suggested she was no longer necessary Sority, honesty--ran very deep, and it was co and seductive

He turned away, surprised He hadn’t felt like this about anyone in a very long time Work had been his escape for years now It wasn’t that he’d eschewed people, wo theh when he and Melissa had split, even though he’d really loved her, and she’d loved hio back when she needed him, and it hadn’t seemed like any kind of chore or sacrifice to be with her

Her death had changed him

He shook off the unhappy memory Another friend needed him

Eddie’s place wasn’t far froant houre ates protected it, but when they were dropped off and Sean pushed the call button, they were answered iht that Pierce Enderly, Eddie’s "house

Mrs Eddie Archer, Helena LaRoux, cah-heeled sandals as they arrived She swiftly ushered theates "Were you followed?" she asked

Sean shook his head

"The paparazzi were out there for hours!" she said The little lapdog she carried--soner Peke-teacup-poodle co," Helena said "It’s Sean--and…Madison, right?"

Madison nodded Helena gave her a puzzled look

"Madison is taking h the studio, Helena It’s been a while since I worked there," Sean told her

"Of course" Helena senuine, except so in her tone made it clear that she was still confused as to why the "help" would now be at her door "I knew Eddie had called you in, just didn’t know there’d be anyone with you"

"Eddie asked her to hang around with h Madison was quiet, shefor Eddie and Alistair, Helena That’s why I’m here"

Sean lowered his head to hide the smile that teased his lips Oh, yes, Madison could hold her own

"Eddie’s still with Alistair," Helena said "I’ve spent time with the boy, but…well, I’m not his ht! Forgive ottenacross the ht claim she hated the paparazzi, but her platinum-blond swath of hair was sleekly brushed, her ht pedal pushers with her high-heeled sandals and a low-cut T-shirt that nicely displayed her expensive cleavage

She led thee kitchen He didn’t know if Helena liked to cook, but Eddie was a fan of culinary shows; he loved to watch and cook along with them He must have put his foot down at some point because the fah-end presence There was a large-screen TV on the far wall and a pricey stereo system with speakers all around the room The sofa was old leather, worn and coazines spread out on the coffee table Helena gestured at the sofa and sat in the lad you’re here, Sean IYou’re so important to Eddie I was heartbroken when you couldn’t ," she said

"I was on a project, Helena I’ "It was a beautiful affair! Oh, you were there, Madison!"

"Yes, it was quite an affair," Madison said dryly

Helena frowned "This is awful, so awful," she moaned "I’m afraid it’s just broken Eddie Everyone in the media…they already have Alistair convicted, and Eddie loves that boy so much!"

"It’s natural for a father to love his son," Madison said

"Helena, the media craves sensationalism, and this is definitely a sensational case But don’t worry, the ation ahead, and I’m confident we’ll prove Alistair innocent," Sean told her

Helena’s perfectly plucked brows shot up "You think Alistair may be innocent?"