Page 208 of Captive Ruin

Bastien’s still speaking. “That won’t work, I’m afraid. The request is a meeting in person. I can fly you down.”

“Lukas isn’t strong enough to travel.”

“For this, I am,” I demur.

“It’s her alone, my friend. That’s what they’ve… asked.” He pauses. “Would that be possible?”

“One moment.” I put the phone on mute. “What do you think?”

“You’re asking me?”

“Yes,” I say simply. “It’s your choice.”

“Am I meeting Vicky or my sister?”

“Your sister, I believe.”

“Good, because I don’t want to see that woman again.”

Her vehemence surprises me. I thought she liked Victoria—Vicky. They got along well enough at the dance, didn’t they? But then, Victoria was the last person to see her before she took the pills.

What was said? Why did I never ask? Now seems too late.

“If you don’t want to, you’ll never have to.”

She looks to the windows and the ocean view beyond, her hands clenched in her lap. “Do you think it’s safe?”

“Yes. The flight will be private; the meeting public, but discreet. Quite safe.”

“And you can’t come?”

“You heard him. You alone.”

She bites at her lip. “It would be nice to see Lucy again.”

“Give her my best.” I try to keep it light, while my stomach twists.

She looks at me playfully. “Aren’t you worried I won’t come back?”

More than you could ever know.

“Aren’t you worried I’ll hunt you down if you don’t?”

“Sounds fun,” she says, leaning in and kissing me. “But you’re not strong enough yet, old man.”

I stare at her. “What did you just call me?”

She pulls back. “Uh…”

I flick the phone off mute without taking my eyes off her. “Bastien, it’s a yes. Send the details.”

“Sure. Thank you both.”

“Goodbye.” I kill the call, and fix my wife with a look. “Old?” I repeat.

“So very old,” she says with a mock sigh. “Definitely past your peak. I think you’re weak and frail, and you haven’t got the strength to pin me down, let alone spank me.” She lifts the corner of my bedding, peering beneath. “I’m not even sure you could get it up. Injuries like this… you know… nothing to be ashamed of, but impotence is quite common, especially in men your age…”

I make a grab for her, but she dances out of my reach.