Maximum Risk by Ruth Cardello Page A

to be obvious about studying Patrice. Maddy had shared several stories with her on the ride over that didn’t seem believable. This soft-spoken woman had tried to buy off Gio’s fiancée? She had threatened Nick’s?
    Patrice’s hands shook as she raised her teacup to her lips. She looked too frail to intimidate anyone. “It’s so nice to have company,” Patrice said with a small smile. “You haven’t come by to see me in a while, Maddy.”
    Maddy gave her aunt a pained smile. “I’ve been busy, but I wanted you to meet my friend Tara.”
    Patrice’s smile didn’t reach her eyes when she looked Tara over. She nodded in her direction then turned her attention back to Maddy. “Friends are so important, aren’t they? Appreciate them while you have them. As you get older you’ll find yourself with fewer and fewer until you don’t even remember what it was like not to be lonely.”
    Maddy’s eyes misted a bit. Tara wasn’t as moved by the comment. It seemed orchestrated to do exactly what it had done. “I would have come by sooner, but . . .”
    “But?” Patrice asked.
    A heavy silence hung between them. Tara knew why Maddy hadn’t visited Patrice, but Patrice obviously didn’t.
    Maddy wrung her hands together. “My father asked me not to.”
    “Really?” The expression in Patrice’s eyes was dark and cold even as she continued to smile at Maddy. “It’s no secret Alessandro never liked me.”
    Maddy leaned forward. “Why, Aunt Patrice? What happened between you and my father? Tell me; maybe I can help.”
    Patrice’s eyes glittered with an emotion that sent a shiver down Tara’s back. Oh, Maddy, how can you not see the hate in her eyes? This is Max’s mother? No wonder he doesn’t like to come home. I’d want to run as far and as fast as I could from her.
    Patrice took another sip of her tea. “It’s ancient history, Maddy. I’m happy, though, that you didn’t let him poison your opinion of me.”
    Maddy’s chin rose. “He may not want me here, but he has never said a bad word about you.”
    “I find that difficult to believe,” Patrice said coldly. Her lips thinned in an attempt at another smile. “Let’s talk about something happier. How are my sons?”
    “They haven’t come to see you?” Maddy asked.
    “Would I be asking you about them if they had?” Patrice snapped, then instantly softened her expression. “I’m sorry, my medication makes me emotional. That’s probably why it’s difficult for my sons to be around me right now. They can’t bear to see me ill.”
    Oh, I’m sure that’s it, Tara thought, but kept it to herself. It’s not your personality, or creepy smile.
    “When I see them tomorrow I’ll encourage them to come by. They’re all so busy, I’m sure they didn’t mean for so much time to go by.” Maddy picked up a scone, then placed it back on her plate without tasting it.
    “When you see them where?” Patrice asked as casually as if inquiring about the weather.
    Maddy answered instantly. “Gio is hosting a big dinner party. Well, he and Julia are. We’re going to plan their wedding. Everyone will be there. I heard even Julia’s father is coming in for it.”
    Patrice folded her hands on her lap again. “I don’t recall receiving an invitation.”
    Tara sucked in an audible breath. Awkward.
    Maddy leaned forward and placed her hand on Patrice’s. “I’m sure you did. Would you like to come with me? I can swing by and pick you up.”
    Patrice laid her other hand on top of Maddy’s in what should have been a warm gesture, but Tara was sure what Patrice really wanted to do was remove Maddy’s hand from hers. “You’re so sweet, Maddy. If my health were better I would take you up on that offer.” The cold expression Tara had seen earlier returned to Patrice’s eyes. “Tell me, is Nick going?”
    Maddy nodded happily. “Yes. He and Gio have gotten really close since they’ve been working together. It’s heartwarming to see.”
    “I’m