Chapter 58

On the way back, Kristin dozed off against the window.

James gestured to Bill to crank up the heat and kill the music, driving smoothly in silence.

“Mr. Bryce, I’ve dug up some dirt… Ms. Turner skedaddled to Crescendo Town solo. The Turner family and the FitzGerald family don’t seem keen on letting her off the hook. Word on the street is Vincent’s trying to strong–arm her into marrying his butler’s son, a psycho. She called the cops and bolted,” Bill said, his voice hoarse.

He couldn’t fathom why all the malice in the world seemed to have it out for this kind–hearted lady.

James had a grim look on his face, his gaze dark as he stared out the car window.

“Back in the day, Ms. Turner must’ve been blind to fall for a guy like Vincent. What a bad luck in the love department!” Bill mused.

Six

years ago, he had sensed Vincent wasn’t worthy of Kristin. But back then, Kristin had eyes only for Vincent.

“Ms. Turner showing up at the club was a fluke. The club’s business manager, Harriet, did time with Ms. Turner and needed an extra hand because of the chamber of commerce dinner. Harriet roped Ms. Turner in to help out as a drink–serving gal initially, but since Ms. Turner probably can’t hold her liquor, Harriet, being somewhat decent, let her work the front desk instead.”

James frowned and glanced at Kristin. If he hadn’t recognized Kristin at the club, she might’ve been in for a rougher time.

“Ms. Turner is shacking up with Harriet in the club’s apartment block, a place that isn’t top–notch,” Bill whispered.

“Let’s head home.” James wasn’t about to let Kristin keep bunking with others in some rental dump.

“To the No.9 Mansion or…” Bill hesitated.

Over the years, James had a fair share of women, most of them taken to the No. 9 Mansion. Linda, the one who’d hung around the longest, always met him there.

James had never brought any woman to his own place.

“Back to Marigold Manor.” replied James

Bill looked back at James in surprise, as if to double–check.

James didn’t say another word, and Bill just drove back.

That was James‘ own pad, a place never sullied by the presence of a woman.

11:40

Dacher 58

Watching Kristin sleeping, James rubbed his temples. This time he was dead serious about not letting her slip away easily.

At Garner’s Garage in Silvergrove City.

Summer was sitting in the yard, fiddling with a magic cube, lightning–fast despite being only five years old.

kid, where are the grown–ups?” asked a man in a

gate.

is at work, not fixing cars

gig as a bodyguard for the

the next.

Summer was

candy here. Open the

some

I won’t go out to play with you. You a

kid. “Hey, I’m just being

You game?” Summer put

the kid’s savvy. “Open up, and I promise, I’m not a

face and got back in his van, ready to bust the gate down.

1

for the cash to snatch the

as he was about to ram the gate, a black

driver hit the gas and skedaddled.

of the car, eyeing

up with snacks in hand. “Summer.”

sight of York, Summer ran over, all smiles. “Mr.

me to bring you

lip, asking softly. “Is he

at all.” York chuckled, crouching down to ruffle Summer’s hair through the gate gap. “I’ve sorted out your school enrollment. Garner will take you tomorrow. Be good and study hard.

Summer nodded obediently.

11:40

Chapter 58

something. Summer dashed inside and came back with a carefully folded paper. “This is for Dad.”

to win Rhett’s favor, wanting Rhett

a sigh. “I’m off to Crescendo Town with Mr. FitzGerald tomorrow, so

bring Mom back?” Summer

do.” York nodded. He had found out that Kristin might be in Crescendo Town. Rhett’s trip there was also to hunt

been going bonkers searching for Kristin. Rhett feared they’d

would likely use Summer to strong–arm Kristin into coming

gotta keep your word.” Summer reddened his eyes.

your mom have any friends

out of the prison before Mom and came

photographic memory, especially

Summer who made sure to jot down her number.

peek at the drawing Summer had

two adults holding hands with a kid

1

shielding both him and Mom from the stormy weather.

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