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“You remember me.”
“Of course I do. You were the first person to teach me burlesque.”
She nodded. “I was afraid he’d found you through me. I should have done something.”
“It doesn’t matter. If he finds out you helped me…”
“It won’t matter. I’m dying.” She waved off Alicia’s sympathy. “I’ve had a good life, except for my great-niece.”
“Joanna?”
Rosemary nodded. “That bastard conned her into marrying him. He verbally and physically abused her, but with Joanna, it was more mental and emotional. She had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She was even hospitalized for a short time. By the time I got wind of anything out of the ordinary, she was gone. It was supposed to be suicide. I don’t believe it. Even if I could make myself believe…”
“You think he drove her to it.”
Joanna nodded. “The man I spoke to today told me he’d done the same thing to you but more physical than anything else. I suppose he realized you were stronger than Joanna.”
“Abuse is abuse. Why would he go after her?”
“Because she was an heiress with a sizeable life insurance policy. When he tried to inherit, I began asking questions and raising doubts. Finally, I settled. I let him get the insurance money, but the inheritance stayed with the family. I understand from the man I spoke to…”
“That’s Seth.”
She smiled, her eyes warm with the remembrance of days gone by. “Seth. Yes, that's it. Seth said you were going to bring Rennault down. I didn’t believe it, but when I saw you, I knew it was my chance to give you what I’ve collected all these years. It isn’t much and I’ve had to hide in Europe, but maybe you can make him pay.”
“That’s the plan. And I have a friend named Miley who says if we can’t do it legally, she’ll shoot his balls off and we can watch him bleed out.”
“Oh, I think I’d like Miley.”
“I think you would, too.”
“I’ve sent the code to Seth.”
“Alicia?
Brock’s ability to move like a wraith startled both her and Joanna. “Seth wants us to bring Joanna back to the house. Damon is arranging hospice care.”
“That isn’t necessary,” protested Joanna. “The airlines are kind to old, frail women.”
“But the California sunshine and sea breezes will be better. Besides, Seth wants to pick your brain about your encryption code.”
Joanna cackled. “It is rather brilliant, if I do say so myself.”
“Let us help you back to the SUV. You’ll be comfortable at Damon’s.”
“That wouldn’t be Damon Knox, would it?” she asked.
“It would,” said Alicia, helping her up. “Do you know him?”
“Not to speak to, but he’s a rather dashing fellow. Good looking. I hear he’s getting married.”
“Yes, to my friend Miley.”
Joanna cackled again. “Maybe I will go with you. Damon’s house sounds like much more fun than a tiny cell in an abbey on the Isle of Skye.”
They returned to Damon’s home. He had people waiting to turn one of the rooms into a lovely sitting room with a hospital bed and a spectacular view of the ocean. Damon’s housekeeper and the nurse helped Rosemary to her room. They all looked at Damon, who had been all smiles and charm until Rosemary exited the room. His expression turned grim.
“I know how I know her—she helped when I finally got away from Ewan and introduced me to burlesque—but how do you know her?”
