Page 9 of Payback

I exchanged nervous glances with Edward and Blake, wondering if they were thinking along the same lines as me. We’d all contributed to this sorry situation. The triumvirate had framed me for Henry’s abduction, which had attracted Rudolph’s wrath. Then I had negotiated to work with the Saturday Correspondent to exact my revenge, inciting Rudolph’s greed. The articles had been lucrative and had ruined the lives of many, and when I had wanted to stop, I supposed Rudolph had used Philippe’s connection with Charlotte to hurt me.

Blake leaned forward. “What if this Philippe was acting without Rudolph’s authority?”

Edward frowned. “Then why did Philippe engineer the booze cruise? It looks like he wanted to produce material for the paper.”

“I’m certain he was working under Rudolph’s instruction,” said Mom. “Some of his assistants carry out unpleasant tasks. He once arranged a vehicle accident for a manager who had embezzled funds from one of his companies.” She pressed her lips together as though she’d already said too much.

We sat in silence, picking at our breakfasts. Mom ordered a bloody Mary with extra vodka and breathed hard through her nostrils. “The police need to know.”

I slumped in my seat and stared at the remnants of tomato juice in her empty glass. “He’ll only bribe them.”

“So far, everyone under his protection has evaded prosecution,” said Edward.

I raised a shoulder. “Deep pockets go a long way in escaping justice.”

Henry arrived at the table, also dressed in a blazer and slacks. He took one look at our downcast expressions and frowned. “Am I interrupting?”

I shook my head. “Sorry, Mom. Let me introduce you to everyone again.”

This time, I gave a little background on each of the boys. Mom had met Blake’s mother at a few social events, and she seemed impressed that Edward’s father was the Duke of Mercia. She also recognized Henry’s last name from the department store. “Henry’s just returned from visiting the girls who drank the doctored cocktails at the booze cruise.”

“How are they?” Mom asked in a voice that sounded hoarse with unshed tears.

“Some have already been discharged. Mr. Jenkins was there.” Henry turned to Mom. “He’s our housemaster. He and the house matron took most of the girls back to the academy, but a few others are still being kept for observation.”

We all blew out collective breaths of relief. Mom called over and ordered another bloody Mary and whatever else we wanted. Henry ordered a full English breakfast.

I sipped from my glass of orange juice. The sweet liquid coated my bitter tongue and moistened my dry throat. “What about the others who had to stay?”

“From what I heard, those are the ones who drank the most. They’re being kept back for observation, as the drugs haven’t left their systems.”

“They overdosed,” I snarled.

Mom shook her head. “I can’t stay married to that monster.”

“Can you wait a little longer?” I asked.

“Why?”

“He’ll ask why you’re divorcing him.” My hands clenched into fists. “If you tell Rudolph it’s because he was behind my abduction, he’ll become cautious. I want to make him suffer for everyone he hurt.”

Her gaze darted around the table. “He’s dangerous. I don’t want you to provoke—”

“Mom, please. Just give us some time. If we can’t work out a way to make him pay without attracting his attention, I’ll drop it.”

“He’s already gone after Emilia once,” said Blake. “Delaying divorce proceedings a little longer will give us the chance to stop him.”

Mom twisted her napkin. She seemed to be mulling over our proposal, but the way she blinked too quickly and the confused twist of her lips told me she couldn’t decide whether to give me the chance to exact some revenge against Rudolph.

Edward cleared his throat. “Mrs. Trommel—”

“Call me Melinda,” she said.

Edward inclined his head. “If it seems like Emilia’s actions will attract negative attention from Rudolph or his agents, I will personally put an end to proceedings for her own protection.”

Mom swallowed. “How long do you need?”

I glanced from Henry to Edward, to Blake, asking them a silent question. The conversation stopped while the waiter brought a large plate laden with poached eggs, sausages, bacon, black pudding, tomatoes, and grilled mushrooms.