Page 75 of Bitter Lies

Picking up Alma’s chart, the nurse asks, “You’re in the medical field?”

“I am.” Clearing her throat, she continues. “Last year of my foundation program.”

The nurse smiles as she hooks the chart back onto the bed. “I’ll let her know so she can visit with you before.”

The moment she’s gone, I drag a chair over beside Izzy and rest a hand on her back. While we wait, I bring up what’s been on my mind since we left my place. “Once the penthouse is released back to your family, let me handle the cleanup?”

“You don’t need to do that.”

“I know, but I want to.” Hoping to offer her comfort, I gently run my hand along her spine. “I don’t offer to do things I’m not okay with. Allow me to take care of it for you.”

Isabel goes to speak, then changes her mind.

“What? Just say it.”

The room is quiet, broken by the soft click of Alma’s IV machine.

Her eyes lock onto mine as she inhales deeply, gathering her courage. “What is it you want to handle exactly? You work for the Doyles, that’s no secret. And we haven’t talked about your visit to the penthouse from a few days ago. I know you were there with one of them. I also know my grandfather’s business dealings weren’t always honest… so what’s your angle?”

Rather than outright lie, I opt to be as truthful with her as I can. “I can’t tell you everything, but I’ll share what I can.”

When she gives me a single nod, I do my best. “Yes, I work for the Doyles. I was there with Trent. He uses me to investigate stuff. Sort of like a PI, but it goes deeper. I figure out why shit goes south and dig up what people try to hide. My military background gives me an edge. Trent and Rico were in the middle of a business negotiation. I’ve been asked to make sure whoever did this doesn’t pin it on him.”

“So, you’re claiming he didn’t do it?” Isabel narrows her eyes and frowns. “Or are you implying that he wants you to cover it up?”

“I’m not saying either.” I know that’s not the answer she wants, but maintaining my cover protects us both. So, I stick to the facts. “Your grandmother mentioned a few points I want to look into. I need access to the penthouse to get to the bottom of it. You want answers. This is the easiest way to get those.”

“To make what easier exactly? Do what Trent wants… or chasing whatever you’re suddenly curious about?”

Isabel’s no dummy, and I won’t treat her like one. “Both.”

With a blank expression, she simply nods.

“Bear will be with me.” The mention of my dog piques her interest, so I go on. “His training is the reason I adopted him. The military may have retired him after he lost his leg, but that doesn’t mean he’s not valuable. I’ve kept his skills sharp and put him to work whenever I can. But for him to do it right, I need inside before the cleaners wash the evidence away. If you still want me to find the person responsible.”

Her mind is spinning. I see it in her eyes. After a few beats, she releases Alma’s hand and shifts in her chair to face me. The trust there makes my conscience ache.

“Will you share what you find with your boss if he asks?”

I nod, because I will. Both of my bosses.

I can’t keep Trent in the dark. He’d get suspicious and ruin all my hard work.

If what I uncover during my search is crucial to the case, then I’ll disclose it to Darius. But if it’s more personal—things that involve the woman next to me—I’m honestly not sure when I’ll drop that information. Only time will tell, but I won’t share it with either man before I share it with her.

“What if the person responsible ends up being Trent or a person he’s associated with? Will you cover it up?” She adopts a defensive posture, arms crossed, her gaze unwavering. “Is that why you’re volunteering?”

Keeping my eyes on hers, I hope and pray she reads the truth in my next words. “I can’t say what I’ll do until I have answers. Until the truth is uncovered, nothing can be absolute. Then, and only then, can I give you my honest answer.”

A barely perceptible shake of her head reveals her uncertainty. But for now, it’s enough. Reaching down next to her, she picks up her purse and digs out a set of keys.

“I’ll have to send you the code to the garage and lift so you can bypass the front desk. I’m pretty sure they won’t let you up that way. Not without me or Grams.”

A shrill ringing from her bag catches our attention, causing her to quickly pull out her phone.

“Hello. Yes, this is her. Oh. Okay. I’m at hospital. I’ll be here for a couple of hours before returning to Oxford. I understand, but I’m scheduled to work at JR tonight at seven. Yes, I’m finishing my final foundation year.”

There’s a long pause before she speaks again. “You can, but I can’t guarantee I’ll have time to talk. My shift ends at seven tomorrow morning, but it’s usually closer to eight before I get out of there. I’ll be tired, but I’m always tired. If this can wait until then, I’d be fine meeting with you at that time.”