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My laughter soon faded; Kensington was unhappy with me, and I could guess why. However, until I had a better read on Konstantine, I could not share what I believed his motives to be.
We were scheduled to leave Madrid the next morning, but before I finalize our plans, I wanted to check in with Decker.
“Have you heard anything on Otto von Habsburg’s recovery?”
“Negative. It’s like the whole family has suddenly gone mute.”
“Which means they’re covering something up.”
“You never know with those damn inbreds.” Decker paused, but I sensed he had something else to say. “You okay, Rile?”
I trusted and respected all three of the men I asked to go into partnership with me, but I had to admit, I had a deeper connection with Decker.
“I may be in over my head.”
?
??Understood,” he said in a way that made me think he truly did. “Maybe getting your mind on something completely different would do you good.”
I had to agree. “If you hear of a mission—something that wouldn’t keep me away too long—let me know.”
He laughed. “You’ll probably hear before I do.”
Before our call ended, he said he’d also let me know if he heard anything else out of Budapest, and I agreed to do the same. The other thing I’d agreed with was that, as much as I would’ve preferred to go home, Kensington would be far safer here at the royal compound than anywhere else.
“Have you seen Kensington?” I asked my mother once my call with Decker ended.
“She and Angel are out walking the grounds. I believe Casper is shadowing them. You’re having a hard time keeping everything in the right place.”
“That’s one way to put it.”
“Cortez, the thing about Kensington is, she’s…”
“Yes? Go on.”
“You’ve met your match, my dear.” My mother stood and walked over to the window. “Please come here, Cortez.”
I stood, and she pointed out to where Kensington sat talking to Angel.
“She’s bright, extraordinarily beautiful, and unlike her mother, doesn’t care about money.”
Likely why her grandparents left it all to her.
“She has a good heart, my dear son. Like none you’ve known.” She turned to me, I suppose to see if I’d react or perhaps even argue her point, but I didn’t, because I agreed. Celestina was the love of my life. I could’ve lived happily with her until I took my last breath, but there was no telling what trajectory my life would’ve taken.
“But I never would’ve challenged you the way she does.”
The two of you are different.
“I couldn’t read you when I was alive, Cort. She can.”
My mother’s face wore an indulgent smile.
“I feel conspired against.”
She patted my hand. “If only everyone had your problems, Cortez. How very awful for you that the conspiracy is to make you see how much love you have in your life.”
“Love, Mother?”
