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Wyn: Okay
I scan the room, and both Esme and Imala look relaxed but my brain is pinging with possibilities and none of them are good. Too many key people are missing and I’m already trying to figure out how it works. Jagger and Ainslee’s entrance catches my eye; I tilt my head - silently telling them to follow me.
Once we’re locked in my room, I notice Jagger’s mouth is tight with vexation and Ainslee’s eyes are blank, despite the smile plastered on her face.
“What happened and how is Elmer involved?”
I cut to the chase. Fuck small talk, we all know why we’re in here. I’m no longer a criminal lawyer, but I’m sure his crooked ass has someone on his payroll.
Jagger stops, his whiskey brown eyes are huge with surprise.
“How do you know Elmer is involved?”
Shrugging I relay what I know. “He’s not here trying to soak up attention. He also left before it started saying he was getting a date…”
“Sonofabitch,” Jagger growls but I continue.
“And he’s been acting obsessive lately stalking around here and not sleeping.”
“I would’ve choked the shit out of him,” Jagger rants, not really in the moment with us.
“He attacked Karessa,” Ainslee supplies.
“What!” I glance at my door as if her sisters will appear. “Why the fuck would he do something like that?”
“He wanted her for himself. When he won Karessa’s hand, it was for him and not Oran. Oran married her to keep his dad away.”
As Jagger fills in the blanks, a new knot forms in my belly. Ainslee studies Jagger a moment, this is new information for her as well. Her face remains neutral, but I see her clench her fists.
“Oran got there in time to kick his ass then handed him over to Markos who arrived shortly after.”
Fuck. A dead man doesn’t need a lawyer. Oran is officially the head of our family.
“Wow. I want to say I can’t believe it, but I can’t. It’s still weird knowing the person you just spoke to a couple hours ago doesn’t exist. Had I known it would be the last time I’d see him; I would have at least looked up.”
“I know. Take your time,” Ainslee says softly. “I hate we had to tell you at your party.”
“Good thing today isn’t my birthday. That would suck. Are they okay? I wish I’d known he was obsessing over Karessa; I could’ve stopped all of this.”
The fog clears and Jagger studies me for a moment. “Don’t assign this responsibility to yourself, something was wrong with him.”
“Right.” I shake my head, still trying to process the new information. “I’ll pack up and get out of their way—"
“No need, there isn’t a rule that dictates that the head has to live in the mansion. Oran said this is more your home than his,” Jagger informs me. “But he asks that you plan the memorial service when it’s time.”
I nod. Makes sense. “When will that be?”
“BHM will release a report, which states he died of a heart attack. Understand?”
I raise my eyebrows at Ainslee. It’s weird seeing her in business mode. The Bishops are the reason I switched my concentration. I want no parts of criminal law on the island.
“Got it. And the attack is disappearing as well, right?”
“Right.”
It’s never a dull moment on the island. Maybe now isn’t the time for a Hale to try to get a LeClaire. I’ll have to place my plans on hold. Falling into play, I send Oran a text.
Wyn: I’m sorry for your loss. To assist you in your time of grief, I’ll plan the service.
