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“I assume you have some news for us since you called me. Normally, you wait for us to call you with the updates,” I say to Ethan, setting the mug down in front of Ariella without speaking a word.
Her mouth twitches, and I can tell she’s trying to stay mad at me but failing.
“I do, and I’m glad Ariella is with you. Where is the rest of the team?” he asks.
“We’re right here, Boss Man!” Savannah declares as she walks into the kitchen.
“Coffee first, then the briefing, please,” Jessie grumbles.
“I’m on speaker, Jessie. You can listen and get your ‘wake up’ juice at the same time. Your ability to multi-task is one of the reasons I pay you the big bucks. Ariella, are you still there?”
“I’m here, Ethan.”
“Great. I want you to know that we did a deeper dive into the royal families and found out something interesting. Were you aware that Kiernan likes to gamble?” he asks.
“I am. He goes to Monte Carlo once a month to play in their tournaments. He’s not very good at it, but it makes him happy. Why do you ask?”
“He doesn’t play in the certified tournaments, Ariella. He plays at the underground card tables. And you’re right about one thing. He isn’t very good at it. According to my sources, he owes some very bad people a great deal of money. Has he talked to you about any of this?”
“No. He hasn’t. How much is a ‘great deal?’”
Ethan clears his throat. “One point eight million dollars.”
Chapter ten
Ariella
Idon’t know whether to laugh or cry when Ethan tells me that Kiernan owes some thugs nearly two million dollars. It may as well be a billion because I know that he doesn’t have that kind of cash lying around.
“I wanted to bring this to your attention because Ben and I think it’s a strong possibility that the loan shark that lent Kiernan the money might be trying to collect. It’s not unheard of for them to go after family members and loved ones to get people to pay up,” Ethan explains.
“Why would they come after Alex or me? Hurting us wouldn’t change his inability to pay. It’s not like we had anything to do with his gambling, and I don’t have that kind of cash in liquid assets.”
“No, but your brother does. As King of Cothena, he has billions of dollars at his fingertips. Would your brother or his pay off the debt to save you? Because that may be what these guys are banking on, no pun intended,” Ethan tells her.
“My brother would never pay it. Cothena has a policy very much like the United States when it comes to bending to a terrorist’s will, especially under duress. The loan shark might not be a terrorist, but his actions align with one. My brother will view it in much the same way. I can’t speak for King Jordain.”
“They might not be coming after you, Ariella. It’s just one possibility we are looking into. It doesn’t change what my team needs to do to keep you safe.”
“Thank you, Ethan. I know that Kiernan said we only need your protection services, but it looks like we could also use your investigative services. Maybe you should talk to my father about it and see what he says,” I suggest.
“Um. We already did. He called shortly after you left and told us to pull out all the stops. I want my team there to focus on your safety, and we’ll run the investigation on our end. We will keep you updated if we learn anything new. For now, keep your heads down but your spirits high.” Ethan hangs up, and everyone stares at me like I’ve kept yet another secret from them.
“Well, that certainly was enlightening,” Charlie says, setting a platter of French toast on the table. “Who’s ready to eat?”
“I need to go wake up Alex. French toast is his new favorite breakfast, and he won’t want to miss it.” I start to get up, but Patrick stops me.
“I’ll get him. You should take a minute to relax after receiving that news.”
“Thank you. That was a lot to take in before I’ve finished my first cup of coffee.” I make a plate for Alex, who’s wiping sleep from his eyes as he trundles into the dining area a minute later. Once he notices what’s being served, he’s immediately wide awake.
“My favorite!” he shouts.
“Inside voice, please,” I tell him.
“My favorite!” he whispers. I watch as he sits beside Patrick and links their hands for grace.
“Can I say the blessing this time?” he asks.
