Manhattan Merger. Rebecca Winters

here.”

      His attorney took it from him and studied the cover. “There’s no doubt about it. The person who did this artwork used a picture or photograph of you. Let’s see the other books.”

      Payne emptied the sack onto his desk. Drew examined the covers of all the books.

      When he eventually looked up he said, “Every day of life your picture appears somewhere in the newspapers or tabloids. The public has free access. That means you’ll always be a target for unsolicited attention.

      “But to find a painted picture of you on the cover of a book without your express written permission is a legal matter, never mind that the person responsible might or might not be a stalker.”

      “So you don’t believe this could be a coincidence?”

      Drew pursed his lips. “You have an aura that goes everywhere with you. Whoever did this painting caught your essence as well as the outer shell. I’ve a hunch this person has met you before, probably at your office.”

      Payne agreed, still haunted by the story. “I doubt the artist and the author are the same person, but I suppose it’s possible,” he theorized. “Regardless, something needs to be done right away. My niece and fiancée are terrified.”

      “With good reason,” his attorney came back. “I admit I don’t like this either.” His thick brows met in a frown. “Rest assured I’ll look into it first thing in the morning, then get back to you. I’ll take these with me.” He scooped up the books and put them in the sack.

      “I promised the woman at the bookstore she’d get the four books back with my picture on them by Thursday at the latest.”

      “No problem.”

      Payne walked him to the north door which led to the pad where the helicopter was waiting. “Thanks for coming tonight.”

      “It was my pleasure. The sooner we find out if we need to call in the FBI, the better.”

      As he closed the door, Payne wasn’t sure anything earthly could help. Not when the author knew things about him no one knew but God…