Recovery Read Online Free PDF

finished writing the novel. I always wondered how that was possible.” I cocked my head to the side, curious as to how the executive would respond.
    He frowned looking more irritated than dissatisfied. “You were mentioned in many articles after his death, my dear woman. And at the time, I was interested in publishing a book about Mr. Alexander.” He paused and nodded his head toward me. “You see, Ms. Beauvoir, I’m a fan. I purchased one of Mr. Alexander’s portraits of you before his death. It hangs in my living room to this day.”
    “I’m sure David would be very happy to know that his paintings grace the homes of some of New York’s most esteemed individuals,” I lied.
    Mr. Hamper laughed, a deep and hearty laugh, betraying his frail-looking exterior. “I can see you will go far in this business.”
    I smiled even wider. “Whether I have talent or not.”
    Mr. Hamper roared with amusement. Dora started fidgeting nervously at my side.
    “Oh, you will be a true delight for all of these stuffy old critics here tonight, Ms. Beauvoir.”
    Dora cleared her throat next to me and I smiled once again for Mr. Hamper. As I turned to go, he reached out for my arm and stopped me. He then looked sternly at Dora.
    “Why don’t you give us a moment alone, Ms. O’Rourke,” he ordered in a rather icy tone.
    Dora looked from me to Mr. Hamper, nodded her head, and then casually stepped away from my side.
    I glared at Mr. Hamper and retracted my smile.
    He took my elbow with his spindly hand. “There is someone here who needs to speak with you. Shall we?” He nodded to a far corner of the grand ballroom.
    I allowed Mr. Hamper to escort me through the crowd, smiling at the inquisitive eyes that followed our hasty stroll across the parquet floor. I thought perhaps I should be concerned about where I was being led, but then I figured by this point in my day, nothing should surprise me.
    Quickly we came to an exit door where there were no people or waitstaff milling about. A short man in a dark, tailored suit stepped out from the shadows, and I began to realize why I had been ushered away from the party.
    “Here she is, La Roy. As you requested,” Mr. Hamper said as he let go of my arm.
    I turned my attention to Simon La Roy. The sight of the little man did nothing to help calm my already frayed nerves. I raised my head proudly, not wanting to show the effect Simon’s presence was having on me.
    Simon smiled at the older gentleman. “Ah, thank you, Harold.”
    I could not help but notice that Mr. Hamper did not share in Simon’s enthusiasm.
    “Don’t keep her too long, Simon,” Mr. Hamper grumbled as he stepped away from my side. “I’ve got books to sell.”
    Simon nodded. “Of course, Harold. I’ll have her back out there for you to exploit to your heart’s content in no time.”
    Hamper did not respond to Simon’s sarcasm. He simply turned on his heels and disappeared into the crowd.
    “Harold Hamper?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
    “A frequent customer. The publishing world has its needs as well, my dear Nicci.” He raised his cane deftly in his hand and admired the fine detail on the silver handle. “I knew when you went running out of my home today that I had upset you. Unfortunately, this matter requires us to put our emotions aside. I need you focused and ready to deal with coming events.”
    I felt my heart skip a beat. “Coming events?”
    “When you return to New Orleans, I want you to help us.”
    “Help us? Who is us?” I threw my hands up in the air, feeling the mammoth-sized knot in my stomach tighten. “Simon, what makes you think I could ever be of any help to you or anyone after everything I’ve heard today?”
    “But you are the key to finding out the truth about David’s murder. A truth that you and others need to know.” He paused, letting his dark eyes linger on mine. “Do you want to spend the rest of your life watching your friends and wondering what if? Because I think