Ms. Taken

David nodded. “That’s Jane’s eldest sister.”

“Didn’t we see her play?”

“We did.”

“Hmm.”

“And have you heard of Felicity Dobson?”

“The name rings a bell, but—”

“The novelist.”

“Right.”

“Also Jane’s sister.”

“Really.”

“And maybe you’ve heard of Darra Dobson?”

He shook his head.

“Turn around.”

“What?”

“Just turn around.”

Charles obeyed, swiveling to face the window of his tenth-floor penthouse.

“See the billboard next to the Chivas Regal whiskey sign?”

He nodded. It was huge, hardly something he could miss, even if he wanted to. A seminaked woman stared hungrily at a seminaked man. She wore his underwear. He didn’t appear to be wearing anything except a smile.

“That’s Darra Dobson. Jane’s other sister.”

“No kidding?”

“No kidding.”

Charles turned back. “Remarkable.”

“Yes. Four girls. Three of them international celebrities.”

“And then Jane.”

David nodded.

“That’s very touching, but what does it have to do with me?”

“I’m not sure yet. But I think your Ms. Dobson is in trouble.”

“So what am I supposed to do about it?”

“I’ll let you know when I figure it out.”

“I think this is a matter for the authorities, David.”

“Not yet. Not until I speak with her.”

“She’s probably on a plane to Monte Carlo.”

He shook his head, propped his fingers in a steeple and peered over the top. “No. I don’t think so. I think she’ll be back.”

“David, I know what your grade point average was, so knock it off.”

“Knock what off?”

“Your Freud imitation.”

“I’m not the one who called looking for help, buddy boy.”

Charles sighed. “I know. I just—”

The sound of a key opening the dead bolt made both men jump. Charles looked at David. David looked at the door.

David stood. Charles didn’t.

Jane Dobson waltzed in and dropped several beige bags as she kicked the door shut behind her. The bandage was gone, revealing a considerable goose egg. She’d changed into decent, expensive looking clothes, and she had two shoes.

“Hello, Charley,” she said. “Hi, David.”

David nodded. “Hi.”

“What? No kiss?”

David shot Charles a quick glance, then smiled at Jane. He took her outstretched hands, then kissed her on the cheek. “You look wonderful.”

“Thanks. So do you. Did he tell you?”

“What?”

“That we’re getting married.”

“He mentioned it, yes.”

“Thrilling, isn’t it?”