Chapter 18

Light filtered into the room, sun rays shining on the spot I sat. Drumming my lap with my fingers, I looked everywhere but at the woman seated across me, staring openly. She had an intimidating aura surrounding her and it got to me, making me feel insufficient.

“You do know that I don’t like you, right?” Her declaration had my gaze settling on the scowl on her face. I couldn’t care less what she thought. Convinced that nothing good could come out of her family, I remained mum.

“I have to pretend to like you, for the sake of my grandson’s happiness. He’s the only surviving lineage of my late son.” Taking the framed picture beside her, she smiled to herself. “He’s the reason we’re still doing this shady business. We want to avenge his death and I won’t let you ruin that for us.”

I looked away, suddenly feeling guilty for being quick to judge her. Sinking my fingers in my hair, the memory of the agony I had to go through the past few weeks washed over me.

“You’re a bad influence on him. He’s changed and is constantly steering off our desired goal. What did you do to him?” I shook my head, earning a scoff from her. “Of all the people in the world, he had to settle for a detective’s daughter.” She let out a mirthless chuckle. Shooting up, she made her way to the bar at the corner and downed a glass of scotch. I cringed, it was too early for an old woman like her to drink. It seemed like an old habit she was yet to get rid of.

Pointing at me, she said, “You know, I don’t intend on letting you stay in his life for long. I will get rid of you somehow.”

My breath hitched, my mind racing, trying to comprehend what she’d just said. What if I allied with her? We both craved for the same thing. My mouth opened to suggest it but closed shut as soon as my father’s warnings played in my mind. Trust no one. It would have been the easiest way out but I couldn’t take the risk. Who knows, maybe she was testing me.

“You’re too quiet for my liking. Maybe I should press a button that will get you riled up enough to talk.” She brought the glass to her lips, sipping on the bitter drink, a devious smile on her lips. “Oh, I got it. How about me cutting short your life? I will enjoy watching you beg for my mercy.”

I blinked, my lips too heavy to word out anything. Looking around for something I could use to defend myself if the need arrived, I marveled at why getting a glass of juice from the kitchen was taking Matthew ages.

She cupped her chin, her eyes trotting around the room. “That didn’t work. Maybe I should consider starting with your fam-“

“Don’t you dare! They have nothing to do with this.” I waved my hand between us, my chest heaving up and down. My gaze landed on her, resulting in an unending stare-down.

“And she talks, finally.” She clapped her hands and all I could do was shake my head. “I like people who value their family. You just earned a point from me.”

“If you could please direct me to your kitchen, I wouldn’t want to get lost.” I stared down the massive hallway. Locating the exit door would have been better but I couldn’t recall the number of rooms we passed before getting to her living room.

“What do you want from my grandson?” My head snapped in her direction, a scoff escaping my lips. “I don’t want his money if that’s what you’re asking. I work pretty hard for what I have.”

“You’re aware of what he’s involved in, right?” I nodded. “Is that the life you want or you’re the type that gets thrilled by danger?” She made her way to the seat beside me and sunk into it, probably to terrorize me further.

“I’m not crazy enough to love risks but do I have a choice?”

“Ever heard of the word break-up? It could work well for you.” Springing to her feet yet again, she strolled back to the bar and refilled her glass. Her energy to frequently move about was beyond me.

“Seems like he doesn’t tell you everything,” I murmured to myself but her widened eyes told me otherwise.

“What in the world are you talking about?” She stalked back to me, shoving a glass in my hand before occupying her seat. I swirled the contents in it around, the scent of raspberries flooding my nostrils.

“He should be the one to tell you,” I said when I realized I’d revealed too much.

“Don’t be fucking ridiculous. You’re going to have to tell me yourself.” Her words held a hint of threats and I rolled my eyes. She would have to do better than that to compel me into uttering a word.

“Are you ladies having a good time?” Never had I been so relieved hearing Matthew’s voice.

“What took you so long?” I queried, annoyance noticeable in my tone.

“You were supposed to give us more time.” He looked between us, confusion filling his features. “I mean, it’s hardly been an hour, we need some more bonding time.” She flashed me a fake smile when I raised an eyebrow.

“Was this like a plan?” I found myself asking.

“Why don’t we have lunch together, we have a lot to catch up on,” she suggested, dismissing my question.

Matthew nodded. “That’s a great idea.”

“Please show me to the washrooms.” Dropping the untouched glass of wine on the table, I shot up, following Matthew downstairs.

Shutting the door behind me, I emptied the contents in my handbag on the bathroom counter and grinned when I spotted the voice recorder I’d been carrying around for days, striving to get Matthew to say something useful unsuccessfully.

His shoes reflected in the mirror, reminding me of his presence outside the door. Flashing the toilet, I hurriedly washed my hands, turned on the recorder, and put it back in my bag. With one goal in mind, I put up a front and got to work.