6 Chapter 6

When the man walked up the stairs to the front door, Donovan gestured to Walton to let him in, which his estate manager did. Donovan heard the man introduce himself as Jackson Martin and Walton reply, “If you’ll follow me. Mr. Hayes is in the living room.”

A moment later they came through the archway and Donovan joined them, saying to Mr. Martin, “I’m Donovan Hayes.”

“Jackson Martin,” the restorer replied, looking around. “Impressive.”

Donovan nodded. “I agree, Mr. Martin.”

Martin’s eyebrows rose momentarily, but all he said was, “If you don’t mind, can we dispense with the formality and use first names instead?”

“Of course. Do you prefer Jackson or Jack?”

“Jackson. I presume no one calls you Don.”

“That is a presumption, but for the most part you’re correct. Only those few I consider close friends do,” Donovan replied with a brief smile. “If you’ll give Walton the keys to your car, he’ll get your bags.”

Jackson frowned. “I wasn’t aware you intended on my staying here.”