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.

are the grown–ups?” asked a man in a van, stopping to peek through the iron

gate.

and replied, “My uncle is at work, not fixing cars today.”

side gig as a bodyguard for the well–heeled, which was on one

the next.

Summer was home

man glanced around. “Hey kid, I’ve got candy here. Open the

for some fun.”

strangers, and I won’t go

was taken aback by the cheeky kid. “Hey, I’m just

I’ve got candy too. You game?” Summer put down his cube

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

darkened his face and got back in his van,

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the cash

gate, a black sedan pulled up to the curb.

driver hit

got out of the car, eyeing

thought, York walked up with snacks in

the sight of York, Summer ran

to bring you

bit his lip, asking softly. “Is he not coming?”

gate gap. “I’ve sorted out your school enrollment. Garner will take you tomorrow. Be good and study hard. Don’t open the door to strangers.”

Summer nodded obediently.

11:40

Chapter 58

with a carefully folded

trying to win Rhett’s favor, wanting Rhett to be

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

back?” Summer missed his

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

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

likely use Summer to strong–arm Kristin into coming back.

York, you gotta keep your word.”

does your mom

a bit, then replied, “Mom has a friend, Harriet. She got out of the

had a photographic memory, especially

totally gobsmacked by sharp Summer who made sure to jot

the drawing Summer had whipped up. For some reason, it hit him right in the

drawn two adults holding hands with a kid in

1

umbrella, shielding both him and Mom from the stormy weather.

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