Page 90 of Speak No Claim

“That’s why I’m asking you.”

“Knew isn’t the word I’d use for your father.”

My eyebrows pinched together before I continued. “The family hasn’t spoken to my uncle since before I was born. How long have you guys been together?”

She eyed me cautiously for a moment. “That’s what they told you?”

“What do you mean?”

She leaned against the kitchen island. “What do you know about us?”

“Up until I moved here, I didn’t know about you at all.”

“Interesting. And your uncle?”

“They had a falling out over him choosing the Graves over running the family business.”

“That’s what they told you?”

I cocked my head to the side. “You already said that.”

“Hennessy—”

“Is that not the truth?”

“There’s always two sides to every story.”

“There’s actually three. Yours, theirs, and the truth.”

She wavered, answering, “You’re a very clever girl. That’s a good trait to have in this world.”

Using what I said to my advantage, I asked, “Why don’t you have to marry into the Brotherhood?”

She was expressionless, with no reaction.

“From what I hear…” I tread lightly. “Deja has an arranged marriage, and you’re a Devereaux, so…”

It was her turn to tilt her head, side-stepping my question. “Your family is always invited into our home, Hennessy, just as you are. You’re making yourself quite comfortable, I see. Your crows keep shitting all over the property.”

You’d think I’d be used to everyone blowing me off, but it still felt like a dagger to the heart. Placating her, I replied, “I’ll talk to them about that.”

She mocked. “Good luck with that. Maybe try feeding them in the woods instead of so close to the house? I’m sure the groundskeeper will appreciate that.”

“Douglas,” I pointed out, “said he had no problem with me feeding the birds in the backyard.”

“You’re on a first-name basis with the staff?”

“Yeah,” I clipped. “I also eat with them sometimes. They like my Peruvian food.”

Her eyes went wide.

“I don’t like eating alone.”

“Is that why you’re making so much food?”

I couldn’t tell her most of it was for her nephew, so I just stated, “I’m used to cooking for a lot more people. Maybe you would like to try some?”

“How about you cook something for tomorrow? We can take it over to my brother’s?”