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“Probably,” I agreed. “But my physician reports would deny that.” Selecting a pair of pruning shears, I studied it. The point was sharp enough, but it would work on his fingertips. That was as good a place as any to start. “As I was saying, the body finds it much harder to lie. You can train it, but it takes a lot of time and willpower. Even then…adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin—they can all work against you.”
Pivoting, I faced him and he paled further at seeing the tool in my hand.
“The body knows fight or flight. Quite basic.”
Panic screamed from Voss’ every pore. “What do you want to know?”
“I wanted to know about Beacon Point—but you’re not ready to tell me yet. That’s okay.”
“It is?” His eyes widened.
“Absolutely.”
“Then what…?” Terror trickled through those words. “…what do you want to know now?”
“Do you have a favorite way to die?”
ChapterEighteen
LAINEY
The day at the club was far more successful than it had any right to be. Grandfather and Milo seemed to get along. I actually did win, by one stroke under par. The numbers were tight enough to make me watch Grandfather at the last two holes, but he wasn’tlettingme win.
Milo didn’t do too badly. Grandfather eyed his first couple of strokes then walked him through the next one. He wasn’t patronizing and Milo wasn’t insulted. By the fifth hole, Milo parred it like he’d always played.
“It makes sense—it’s like pool, only with a different way of hitting.”
That pulled Grandfather around to stare at him. “I can’t tell if you’re serious or joking.”
With a wry grin, Milo said, “Who says I can’t be both?”
At that, Grandfather chuckled, and I let myself relax for the first time in three days. We played all the way up until lunchtime. The clouds had begun to roll in, and I’d actually slid my sweater on toward the ninth hole.
When Grandfather invited us for lunch, I glanced at Milo and he nodded once. We hadn’t planned on staying here for food, but Grandfather was trying to make a point. Eating in the club dining room in front of everyone definitely seemed to have that effect.
Mother and Harper came in, but they didn’t approach us. They joined another table. I caught sight of Tally’s parents, but Tally wasn’t with them either. Observing what others were doing while not looking like you were observing them was a challenge.
“You were on course for law school,” Grandfather said and Milo straightened in his seat.
“Grandfather,” I said, cutting into what could be the beginning of an interrogation.
“Don’t be so defensive,” he scolded me in return. “I have a right to ask him a few questions.”
“It’s okay, Mayhem,” Milo murmured. “I half-expected this out on the course.”
“Because you’re not a stupid man,” Grandfather pointed out. “Intelligence and common sense are solid qualities. A prison record is not.”
“No,” Milo said slowly. “It’s not. However, I served my time and I was released. It’s done.”
“Nothing is ever done,” Grandfather stated. “Not until you’re dead or they are.” He took a drink of his water before he focused on Milo again. “I understand the charges. I understand that you plead guilty to reduced charges for a reduced sentence.”
Milo didn’t move.
“What I don’t know—is what you’re going to do about it now.”
“There’s nothing to do about it now,” Milo said slowly. “I made a deal. I honored that deal. The rest—is irrelevant.”
Grandfather studied him. And with me glancing between them, Milo didn’t flinch.
