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.

a man in a

gate.

up and replied, “My uncle is at work, not

for the well–heeled, which was on

the next.

was home

here. Open the

for some fun.”

I won’t go out to play with you. You a kidnapper or what?”

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

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

“Open up, and I promise, I’m not a

ignored him, the man darkened his face and got back in his van, ready

1

was just doing a job for the

as he was about to ram the gate, a black sedan pulled up to the

hit

the car,

much thought, York walked up with snacks in hand.

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

to bring you some grub.”

asking softly. “Is he not coming?”

glad he’s thinking of you 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

Summer nodded obediently.

11:40

Chapter 58

remembering something. Summer dashed inside and came back with a carefully folded paper. “This

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

off to Crescendo Town with Mr. FitzGerald tomorrow,

back?” Summer missed

out that Kristin might be in Crescendo Town. Rhett’s

searching for Kristin.

to

you gotta keep your

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

“Mom has a friend, Harriet. She got out of the prison before Mom and came to see

memory, especially sharp with numbers.

gobsmacked by sharp Summer who made sure to jot down her number.

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

hands

1

umbrella, shielding both him and

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