Desperate Measures by Fern Michaels Page A

didn’t stop him from fantasizing. What would Barney say about all this? Go for it, Pete, was what he’d say.
    What kind of brother was Leo Sorenson? Obviously, one who didn’t care about his brother and his brother’s family. Pete’s eye twitched again.
    His uncle spoke, softly. Pete’s eye twitched again. “There’s a pool on the property. Perhaps you’d like to invite your friends up for a barbecue. I could hire a band and you can dance poolside. I understand you young people are into things like that. When your leg is better, of course.”
    â€œI can’t swim. There was never any time for fun activities, and I really don’t have any friends. I always had to work and do chores. It’s a nice gesture, though. Maybe before I leave for college you could ask Miss Wardlaw and Nathaniel for dinner. Josh and Skeeter too. They have wives. Duke ... Duke might come too. I’d like to say good-bye to them.” He felt his uncle’s body stiffen. His voice when he spoke was equally stiff.
    â€œIf that’s what you want. You made your decision, then, about college?”
    â€œYes. I’ll go to Harvard, if they’ll have me, but isn’t it too late?”
    â€œIt’s never too late. I think you need to change the way you think, Peter. I said I could get you in, and I can. I never make promises I can’t fulfill. It’s a lesson in your life you need to learn.”
    â€œWill I get my dorm deposit back from Villanova?” I’ll change the way I think, Peter thought; think positive. Barney will come someday.
    â€œI’ll see to it. You’ll like Harvard, and then Harvard Law. Hallowed halls and all. I see the makings of a very fine attorney in you. A very rich, fine attorney.”
    â€œI don’t know if I want to be rich,” Pete muttered.
    â€œOf course you want to be rich. Only a fool would say otherwise. Remember this, money can help buy happiness, and certainly health. You need to know how to handle money. You use it to make sure you stay healthy, you use it to surround yourself with things that make you smile. I tried to teach that to your father, but he refused to buy into it. He preferred to dream about money instead of earning it. Maybe if he’d listened, he—”
    â€œDon’t talk about my dad.”
    â€œAll right, Peter, I won’t.”
    â€œAre you healthy and happy?” Pete asked.
    â€œReasonably so. I want for nothing. It’s a wonderful feeling.”
    â€œHarvard is expensive.”
    â€œVery much so, but that’s not a concern. Getting you the finest education is our only concern. I had to work my way through school. You need a goal, and you need to work toward that goal and not let anything interfere. That’s why I’m so successful today.”
    â€œHe said modestly,” Pete muttered out of the corner of his mouth.
    Leo laughed. “Touché, Peter.” Then he asked, “What kind of car would you like?”
    â€œI have my eye on a Toyota. I just need another hundred dollars, but if I get my dorm deposit back, I can get it. The man is holding it for me. Josh said it’s in tip-top shape.”
    â€œSave your money. I thought I’d get you a convertible. A new car. This way I won’t worry about you breaking down somewhere.”
    Pete felt pleased, not about the car—who wouldn’t like a brand-new convertible?—it was the worry that pleased him. Someone was finally going to worry about him. “That’s very nice of you.”
    â€œWhat color? Red? Girls like red. I can have it delivered this afternoon if you like.”
    Everything was immediate with this man. “I haven’t had time to take my driving test.”
    â€œWe can do that tomorrow. You can take the test on an automatic. And I also bought you a new wardrobe.” This last was said almost shyly.
    In spite of himself, Pete was interested. He liked