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“Of course,” Dominic said, flashing her a dentured smile. “I’m sorry about your friend. I do hope she recovers quickly.”
Goosebumps rolled down Lillian’s spine like cold little marbles. The words of sympathy sounded ominous coming from Dominic. Had he come here to verify her identity?
She waited until the men vanished from sight, and then she pulled herself together and hurried after them without making a sound. She would discover what Tristan’s dealings were with Kinetica and then get the hell out of his house.
Lillian crept upstairs and tiptoed down the long hallway, pressing her ear against the office door to hear what they were saying. They spoke so quietly, she had trouble picking up anything but murmurs. But then Dominic must have passed by the closed door because she heard him say, “…five million.”
There were some more murmurs, and she was about ready to give up, in case they opened the door and caught her eavesdropping, when she heard Tristan say, “…heal her,” and Dominic respond with what sounded like, “We’re running out of time.”
The doorknob started to turn, and she jumped, racing through the long hallway and down the stairs until she reached the kitchen, out of breath. She had only a minute to park herself at the table before Dominic and Tristan re-entered the room.
She busied herself picking up her glass and taking a sip of water. Was Tristan planning to fund Kinetica’s research in exchange for a cure for his mother? It seemed the most likely reason for the two men to have struck up a business relationship. Did he have any idea what he was funding?
“You wouldn’t have something to drink before I head out? My throat is parched,” Dominic said to Tristan.
“Sure. Water or something stronger?”
“Water’s fine.” Dominic turned toward Lillian. “So, Zoey, what do you do for a living?” He pulled out the chair across from her and sat like he had all the time in the world.
Lillian clutched her glass, her heartbeat drumming in her ears. She had to consciously slow her breathing so she wouldn’t hyperventilate. “Not much.”
Tristan came and stood beside her with a puzzled frown. “She’s being modest—she’s a nurse.”
Lillian set her glass down and rose. “Not to be rude, but Tristan, I really must get back to the hospital. It’s after two. I can drive myself. You two can finish your business discussion.”
“Zoey, you’re not feeling well. I’ll drive you wherever you need to go.”
“There’s no need…” she started to say, but Tristan wasn’t listening. He was talking to Dominic again. “Sorry to rush you out, but can we do this another time?”
“Certainly.” Dominic rose from his seat and held out his hand to Tristan, who shook it.
“About our conversation, if you want in, don’t wait too long.”
“Right,” Tristan nodded. “I’ll be in touch.”
Dominic turned to Lillian, his watery eyes like shards of ice. “I hope to get the opportunity to talk to you again, when you’re feeling better, Zoey.”
Lillian murmured something nonsensical, but it must have been sufficient because Tristan walked him to the door. Dominic was gone, and she could breathe again.
She put her head in her hands and rubbed her sinuses, which had begun to throb. Was Tristan already invested in Kinetica or was he just considering it, as the conversation she’d overheard seemed to indicate? Did it matter? Either scenario had Tristan consorting with the enemy.
She had to get out of here.Now.Unfortunately, Tristan was right about her stress level and not feeling well. She was in no condition to drive.
“He’s gone. Mind telling me what that was all about?” Tristan stood in front of her again, his brow creased in concern.
“I have a headache.”
He crouched until they were eye level. “Try again.”
“What do you mean?” She avoided his gaze.
“I mean something has you so terrified you’re about to collapse. That would be the second time today. What is it, Zoey?”
She took a breath, and then another. Thankfully, the spinning room slowed, and she was able to hold his gaze. “I’m really worried about Hannah. Thanks for everything, but you’ve done enough. I’d like to stay at the hospital from here on out. No need to put yourself out any longer. I’ll call an Uber.”
His lips thinned. “Why do I have the feeling you’re planning to forfeit your part of our bargain?”
Bargain? How had she forgotten about it?
