Page 16 of Bitter Lies

“Are you satisfied? Or is there more you’d like to stick your nose in?”

I reach in my pocket, pull out the emerald, and set it on his desk. “I found this in the gallery. Know anything about who may have lost it?”

He reaches for the gem and picks it up, turning it in his fingers. There’s a slight shift in his demeanor, gone almost as quickly as it appears. He locks it down before he lets the lie fall from his lips. “No. You’ll need to ask your grandmother about it. Maybe one of our maids lost it. Why do you assume I’d know anything about this? You know I never go in there.”

Plucking the emerald from his grip, I bounce it in my palm. “You think one of your maids lost this?” I look up, lifting one eyebrow. “You can’t be serious.”

“Isabel, I don’t know who lost it. Like I told you, I never step inside the gallery.” He takes a slow pull of his cigar, unfazed. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have more important matters to deal with.”

It’s clear he’s not about to tell me the truth, so I leave it. “One more thing. When was Gram’s last appointment with her doctor? I think it’s time to reevaluate her condition and adjust her meds.”

A photo of him and Grams on the wall catches my grandfather’s attention. “He was here last month. The nurse you hired handled it. If you want to know more, you’ll have to speak with her. Isn’t that why you hired her?”

“You didn’t talk to him?” I’m not sure why that surprises me. There’s a reason I took over my grandmother’s care.

“No.” He sets his cigar in the ashtray and reaches for a folder on his desk. “I was working. I don’t have time to deal with Alma’s extended care. I can’t ignore my work. People are counting on me to make them money. And when I make them money, so do you. Where do you think your inheritance comes from?”

He picks up his mobile and stares at me like he’s bored. “If you’re done wasting my time, I need to make a call.”

I place the gem back in my pocket and stand. “My inheritance is already more than enough to support me and my future grandchildren. If that’s why you work so hard, you can stop.”

He doesn’t even blink, but his frown deepens.

“I’m calling the doctor to see if he can make a visit while I’m here. I’d like you to join us, if that’s not too much.” Walking around the desk, I lean forward and place a kiss to his cheek. “She’s your wife. I know it’s hard seeing her slip away, but she’s still there. Ignoring her won’t make it easier. If you can’t do it for her… do it for me.”

He softens momentarily. “Let me know when he’ll be here and I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you.”

It’s been a few years since I’ve done this, but I think it’s time. I wrap my arms around his shoulders and give his a squeeze. He reacts the same way he always does. Stiff and uncomfortable about this type of affection, but too damn bad.

“I love you.”

He gives my back a dull pat. “I love you too. Now if you don’t mind.”

A snicker falls from my lips before I kiss his cheek one more time. “I’ll let you get back to work.”

As I close the door to his study, I pause outside. I know he’s lying about the emerald. He knows exactly who it belongs to. He just doesn’t want me to know.

Pulling the gem out of my pocket, I study it again. It’s small. Not tiny, but enough to matter. Half a carat, if that. Big enough that whoever lost this will come looking for it.

I don’t for one second believe that he never goes into the gallery. He may not linger, but it’s not just Grandmother’s collection in there. Two safes were installed inside when it was built to safeguard important documents. The gallery doubles as a safe room—and my family is very aware why those are important to have. We’ve used them more than once.

What is he hiding? And why?

I may not find out on this trip, but I refuse to let this go. I have my resources. One phone call to Darius Falcon and the truth would be mine.

I’m not ready to make that call. For now, I’ll hold on to this gem and do a little digging of my own.

When? I’m not sure. It’s not like I have a ton of spare time while in the program, but this is important.

Chapter 8

Aiden

I hate coming to Bailamos.

The Doyle family runs half of London, and this club is one of Silas’s favorites. Says it’s good for business. I think it draws too much attention.