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.

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

had taken a side gig as a bodyguard for the well–heeled, which was on one day and off

the next.

was

glanced around. “Hey kid, I’ve got candy here. Open the gate for me, and I’ll take you

for some

and I won’t go

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

You game?” Summer put down his cube and shot

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

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

1

was just doing a job for the cash to snatch the kid for someone.

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

the van driver hit

got out of the car,

walked up with snacks in hand. “Summer.”

of York, Summer ran over, all smiles. “Mr. York!”

FitzGerald sent me to

softly. “Is he not coming?”

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 the

Summer nodded obediently.

11:40

Chapter 58

inside and came back with

trying to win Rhett’s favor, wanting Rhett to be his dad for real.

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

you bring Mom back?” Summer missed

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

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

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

York, you gotta keep your word.”

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

has a friend, Harriet. She got out of

photographic memory, especially sharp with numbers.

by sharp Summer who

quick peek at the drawing Summer had

adults holding hands

1

him and Mom from the

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