brown eyes reflected the intelligence and humor that Evan so admired in his dad. Those eyes never missed a trick. Sean McKenna was a master at assessing situations and human behavior in their true light. As a man in his sixties, Sean proved an excellent role model of vitality and success in both his private and professional life. Evan felt nothing but pride and love for his father.
Sean added sugar to his refreshed cup. “Is it safe to assume a drastic measure like quitting your job involves this woman who’s been ensconced in your home?”
Dad was using his subtle way of omitting Kelly’s name and their expected nuptials to infer that he’d yet to meet the woman Evan intended to marry. “Kelly, Dad. Yes and no.”
Julie sipped her coffee. “Uh-oh. Sounds like a news report in itself.”
Evan expelled a breath, more fatigued by this turn of events than he wanted to admit. “For the first time in ten years, Steve refused to trust me on Kelly’s involvement with Buzz Campbell. He wanted a story first, while damning our duty to protect the source. He did a ton of damage releasing the interview. I won’t work that way.”
“Couldn’t you have simply argued over the points beforehand and come to a conclusion?”
Evan took the coffee cup his mother handed him. “I thought we had done that. It wasn’t until Sarah called to warn me about the interview airing that I’d even known. I thought the piece had been tabled.”
Sean nodded. “I watched the interview. That bastard senator is lying through his teeth.”
Evan put down his coffee cup in frustration. “Like a Persian carpet on a sultan’s throne, Dad. He has so knotted up that story.”
Sean ran a hand over his unshaven chin. “So, from your ferocity about this story, I’m taking it that what your mother told me is true?”
Evan met his father’s gaze. If he could trust anyone in this life to back him, it was his parents. “Kelly’s experience with Campbell consists of one encounter which was not condoned by her.”
Julie frowned. “This turn of events is serious.”
“You have no idea, Mom.”
“But if you quit, how can you help her?”
Evan shook his head. “Don’t know. Haven’t figured that out.”
Sean tilted his head as a thought occurred to him. “Are you still getting married today?”
Evan answered with a laugh. “Oh, I doubt that very much, Dad. I’m not expecting to see Kelly any time soon after last night’s broadcast.”
If Sean was relieved Evan wasn’t fulfilling his marriage plans, nothing showed on his face except concern over the fact that his son was upset.
Julie laid a hand on his arm. “Don’t tell me she’s blaming you for the story.”
Evan nodded. “She thinks I’ve drawn her into some elaborate scheme to use her and Matt as a means to bring Campbell down in his candidacy. She’s left the penthouse and refuses to talk with me.”
“Oh, dear.”
He looked at his parents, ready to bear his soul. “When I came home and found her running Neverland and still single, I have to tell you, I just about howled with my dumb luck. Now, I’m afraid I’ve lost her.”
Julie’s smile worked all the way up to her eyes. “Well, I’ll be damned, Sean, my dear. I believe our boy is in love.”
Sean grinned. “He is all moo-eyed like I was the first day you stepped into my line of vision, my love. Looks like we’ve got to help this poor bastard.”
Under any other circumstances, Evan would have laughed, but he was too miserable to appreciate the humor. He didn’t miss the shared look between his parents that only time-honored love could bring. He’d come close to starting a relationship with a woman capable of developing that same affection. His gut twisted at the loss.
Julie sipped her coffee, delight all over her face. “I do like Kelly and her son is a good boy.”
“Yes, dear, but let’s get to the point here.” Sean looked at Evan. “If you wanted Steve to table the interview, what did you have in mind?”
For the first time since the news report last night, Evan felt a glimmer of hope returning. He leaned toward his parents, elbow on his knees. “File for legal guardianship of Matt then start knocking on doors. If Campbell can be brought up on assault charges and we put him in jail, Buzz will be considered unfit to be around Matt and will lose all custody rights. The boy will be safe.”
Julie sat up. “You mentioned this at