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 van, stopping to peek

gate.

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

bodyguard for the well–heeled, which

the next.

Summer was home alone.

got candy here. Open the gate for

for some

strangers, and I won’t go out to play with you. You a kidnapper or

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

You game?” Summer put down his

by the kid’s savvy. “Open up, and I promise, I’m not a kidnapper. Just gonna take you somewhere special.”

the man darkened his face and got back in his van, ready to bust the gate

1

job for the

ram the gate, a black sedan pulled up to the curb.

someone, the van driver hit

the car, eyeing the

up with

of York, Summer ran over, all

to bring you some

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

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. Don’t open

Summer nodded obediently.

11:40

Chapter 58

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

wanting Rhett to be his dad

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

back?”

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

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

two would likely use Summer to strong–arm

you gotta keep your word.” Summer reddened

paused, then nodded. “Summer, does your mom have any

bit, then replied, “Mom has a friend, Harriet. She got out of the prison before Mom and came to see me. I remember her

photographic memory, especially sharp with

totally gobsmacked by sharp Summer who made

into the car and took a quick peek at the drawing Summer had whipped up. For some reason, it hit

two adults holding hands with a kid

1

an umbrella, shielding both him and Mom from the

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