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“Yeah.”
“Because you fell in love with her.”
I shoot a glance over at where she’s in a huddle with Charlotte and Remy, their heads close together. The way I feel about her isn’t a secret, but… “Yes. I love her. That’s why I have to destroy her father. Before she tries to destroy him.”
“What?” Mason cuts another glance over at his wife, who’s hugging Elise again.
“After my birthday, when you and Jameson came to my place. I asked you if you thought other kids were involved with the consortium.”
It’s taking all my breath to get through these sentences, but it’s better than stopping and starting.
Confusion darkens Mason’s eyes. “Yeah? And?”
“Elise was involved. That’s what I found out.”
“How?”
“The fire was her idea. The fire with…Mom and Dad.”
Mason’s mouth drops open. He stares at me, his face blank, for several seconds. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“Her dad used to play these…business games with her. She was smart. He wanted her to take over Bettencourt International. So he would give her scenarios. Make her solve them. The fire was her idea.”
“Murderwas her idea?”
“No. That part was Bettencourt. She was only six, Mason. She had no idea what was going to happen. It was supposed to be a game.”
“Holy fuck.” Mason covers his mouth with his free hand.
“So she feels responsible. For that fire, and the one at the Bettencourt building. She wants to take her father down. I think she means for good.”
Another look at Elise, who’s wide-eyed, telling a story in a low voice to Charlotte and Remy. “Elise, who brings cupcakes and croissants to my apartment. She wants to…” He drops his voice to a whisper. “Kill her own father?”
“I don’t know for sure. She saidtake him down.”
“When we had that argument in the summer, I thought…”
“What argument?”
Mason frowns. “She wanted to take Charlotte home with her when the scandal broke. I accused her of being involved with the consortium. I didn’t know it was true.”
I squeeze his handhard. “She was just a kid. It wasn’t like that.”
“I know.” Oh. It’s guilt in his eyes, not just anger. “Bettencourt should have left her out of it.”
“He didn’t.”
“I see that now.”
“That’s why we have to take care of it.” My whole body seems heavier. Wrapped in thick layers of cotton. It’s getting harder to stay awake, but at least it doesn’t hurt. “If she kills him, it’ll weigh on her. She’ll be haunted for the rest of her life. And if she doesn’t, he’ll haunt us.”
5
JACOB
Today is undeniablypart of life’s rich tapestry, if you know what I mean.
Some days you’re working in London, surrounded by people with posh accents and breaking for the occasional afternoon tea—I take mine with one sugar and a dash of milk, many thanks.
