Page 26 of The Temptation of Roan Island

She looks nonplussed at his request, but hands him a small booklet. He snaps it out of her grasp and flips it open, readying a length of charcoal.

“Well,” Inspector Ricin says, his gaze swinging to Noah. “Based on what I’ve heard so far, I hope we can make this quick. Can you just confirm for me how your father died?”

“His heart gave out.” Noah, ever succinct and to the point. It’s clear he’s as eager to get out of here as I am. Though, I’m not sure where else I’d go. I have no desire to return to the party, despite the restless feeling inside me.

“Not that he had much heart,” Jafeth mutters, too into his drinks to mind his tongue.

The inspector doesn’t seem to hear him, but Lucy gives him a shrewd look. Yes, I’m quite certain she’ll be an issue if not handled correctly.

Noah proceeds to tell the inspector the story we all agreed to, adjusting the real time of our father’s demise, since we didn’t report him dead until after our last new moon party.

“Were doctors called?” Lucy asks.

Jafeth scoffs.

“I’m a doctor.” Noah plucks something invisible from his slacks, slides a hand over the fabric, then looks up at the woman, his gaze cold.

“And the body?” Lucy glances at Ruby.

The inspector glowers, clearly not amused with her stealing all the questions. Jafeth chuckles into his glass.

“We burned the body as is customary in our family,” I answer.

“Miss Thaddox, why don’t you and the ladies adjourn to the parlor while I finish up here with the Roan men. It shouldn’t take long.”

“I’d prefer to join the women.” Jafeth looks Lucy up and down with obvious interest.

“Jafeth,” Ruby whispers for the ears of the Mavarri only.

My brother just smiles.

“I have another question,” Lucy says.

“Of course,” Noah’s as composed as ever. “What is it you’d like to know, Miss Thaddox?”

“Why would your father put this stipulation in his will?”

“I can’t pretend to know the mind of⁠—”

“Venture a guess.”

“Really, Lucy,” Inspector Ricin scolds. “This isn’t necessary. We’ve taken up enough of the Roans’ time already, can’t you see they have a party to get back to?”

“Indeed.” Jafeth flashes a flirty grin at Lucy. “A party and other things.”

Lucy narrows her eyes. “What kind of other things?”

The kind I used to enjoy. Why the hell can’t I tonight?

“I could show you.” Jafeth offers his arm with a predatory smirk. “I’m certain the festivities at a Roan party are more… titillating than you’re accustomed to.”

“Jafeth!” This time, Ruby’s reprimand is loud enough for everyone to hear.

Lucy doesn’t even blush. “I have no interest in your kind of festivities, Mr. Roan.” She immediately turns her attention back to Noah. “Back to my question.”

It’s clear why she and Ruby are friends.

Noah sighs. “Like every man of his fortune and wealth, my father had enemies.”