Chapter 6

They went through the dining nook to a pair of double doors opening onto a small patio—with a table and four chairs.

“I’ll show you the parlor, library, and media room later,” Merrick said. “Would you like something to drink before we start? I have coffee, wine, and lemonade.” He paused, adding with a smile, “And of course hard liquor, but it’s a bit early for that.”

“Lemonade sounds good,” Ryan replied.

Merrick left the patio, returning moments later with a frosty pitcher and two tall glasses on a silver tray. He set it on the table, then poured them each a glass of what Ryan was certain, after tasting it, was fresh, not frozen lemonade.

If he’s trying to impress me, he’s doing a damned good job of it.

After settling in a chair, his fingers laced around his glass, Merrick smiled at Ryan. “How do you want to do this?”

“Just be you,” Ryan replied, taking a pad and pencils from his bag.

“You don’t want me to pose?”