Page 108 of A Violet Obsession

Noah doesn’t flinch from it. “I did. My grandfather doesn’t believe he needs security out here. He genuinely trusts the power of his convictions to keep him safe.” Something rueful crosses his face. “I don’t share his faith in crystals. He’s worth a great deal of money, alone in the middle of the desert with a few dozen true believers. I thought it best if he had a dedicated security force.” His jaw tightens. “It never occurred to me he’d go around me and use them for this. I’m not in the habit of having people abducted, Mr. Markham. When I found out, I got on a plane.”

“And now you’re here to smooth it over.” Finn still hasn’t unfolded his arms.

“Now, I’m here to throw myself on your mercy.” Noah gives a self-deprecating smile that even Hera doesn’t buy, if I’ve interpreted her chirp correctly. “My grandfather is dying. He has less than six months, according to his specialists.” He says it plainly, without reaching for sympathy.

“Everything here—the compound, his community—all of it was created for my grandmother. She was the first true believer in the power of crystals and alternate dimensions based on energy flow. She died eleven years ago. But just before, she made him promise something, and he’s turned it into his entire reason for living.” His face grows haunted. “Grief does terrible things to a person’s judgment. He believes the amethyst is a conduit. A tool that will ensure his energy finds hers wherever they end up in the afterlife. He's spent every day since trying to figure out how to keep his promise to her.”

He looks at his shoes for a moment, then back at me. “Hard to credit, a man who built an empire on technology and science, throwing it all over because the woman he loved asked him to. But that’s the truth of it. A man trying not to lose his wife twice.”

Despite everything, the story tugs at me.

“That’s a sad story,” Finn says flatly. “Not a rational defense.”

“No,” Noah agrees. “It isn’t.”

“He’s not letting her go,” Finn says coldly. “Your men shot at her, chased her, and your grandfather plans on manipulating her mind for his own benefit. I’m not feeling really receptive of the he’s just a good man who’s lost his way bullshit.”

For the first time, something in Noah’s polish cracks. A small exhale and his shoulders drop a little. “My grandfather has always had a single-minded intensity,” he says carefully. “It’s what allowed him to build his empire. He doesn’t waver. He doesn’t compromise. When he aimed that intensity at engineering, the world called him a visionary.

“When it shifted to this…” He shrugs. “I’ve tried to turn him from it, but eventually gave up. What was the point? He’ll be gone soon, and it didn’t hurt anyone. I told myself it was a harmless way for a man to make peace.”

“It has,” I snap, furious that he can say that while looking at Finn’s battered face. I point at Finn. “It hurt him. Your overzealous guards did that. They would have killed him if I hadn’t given myself up.” My voice is shaking with my anger. “All Finn ever did was try to protect me.”

Noah stares at me for a long moment before his gaze returns to Finn.

“You’re right. Both of you.” He drags a hand down his jaw. “He’s my grandfather, and I love him, but he’s crossed a line I didn’t believe he was capable of crossing—using my people. That’s my fault and my responsibility to fix.” His eyes meet Finn’s. “Starting now. You’re leaving tonight.”

Finn’s stance shifts fractionally. A slight downgrade from hostility to wary attention.

“And the amethyst?” he asks.

Noah’s mouth twists. “I’m going to get the necklace, and I won’t give it to him unless he promises to leave Ms. Jenkins alone. We’ve located the box.” He glances at me. “Ironically, I know the family who bought it. I’ll fly to London myself, retrieve it, and bring it back.”

“And the police?” Finn’s arms are still folded, but the line of his shoulders has eased a degree.

“I’ll make a full statement once the necklace is in my possession. Whatever you need from me to clear her name, you’ll have it.” He pulls a phone from his pocket, checks something, and puts it away. “I can have a plane ready within the hour to take you back to Atlanta. Assuming Atlanta’s where you want to go.”

Finn glances over his shoulder, leaving the decision to me.

I nod.

“We’ll be ready,” Finn tells him.

38

FINN

I know something’s wrong the second I see Noah Tate’s expression in the doorway an hour later.

If this fucker tries to double-cross us…

“We’ve got a problem,” he says.

“What’s that?” I bite out, keeping my body squarely in the doorway—a solid wall between him and Lily, who’s gone statue-still behind me. My hand finds hers without thinking, fingers threading tight and giving her a reassuring squeeze.

“Somehow Alaric Voss found out you’re here. He’s outside the walls right now, demanding entry.”

“Why?” I demand. “Does he think the necklace is here?”