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Prologue.
January 2021
Madisen
The mantra ran through my head:
Head down, face impassive, a hint of grief.
Jere was standing next to me. We weren’t touching, but I knew he remained alert. The rain continued to fall, but I couldn’t show it bothered me. A Roderick never showed emotion, not even now. Inside, I danced with glee, but if Jere sniffed a whiff of that… there’d be hell to pay.
No, stick with the plan.
I watched as they began lowering the casket into the ground and only just withheld spitting on it.
Jere turned, and I moved with him. We were heading back to the house, where the real fireworks would begin. Through Cami, I’d ordered extra security who only worked for me. A smile nearly crossed my lips at the thought of the scenes to come.
For the following hour, Jere and I would greet mourners and welcome them to our home. Then Jere had scheduled the lawyer’s arrival. Hence, fireworks. Because I knew what was coming, and the arrogant, blood-sucking, soulless bastard next to me didn’t. But I still had a role to play, and twenty-five years of experience perfecting it didn’t soothe my anticipation.
I stood by Jere’s side as our father’s acquaintances and friends, colleagues and enemies all paid their respect. A top crime lord had fallen. You showed your respects before trying to kill his heirs the next day. Jere wasn’t anything like my father, though. He was weaker and spoiled, but he was the heir. I was nobody.
Not for long.
My heels clacked along the tiled floor behind Jere as we walked into Father’s study. The lawyer looked up as we entered and pursed his lips.
“I am expecting Miss Camille Roderick, her sister Tamsin Roderick, and Miss Brandy Carter,” the lawyer announced, causing Jere to frown. This was unexpected, and Jere hated that.
“I don’t think they are needed,” Jere said, sitting in his elegant suit.
“I’m afraid they are,” the lawyer insisted.
“You’re not my father’s usual lawyer,” Jere responded with a glare
“No, your father swapped to us six months ago when he discovered… nefarious plans by his old lawyer. My name is Applegate,” the guy replied, showing no fear.
There was a knock at the door, and my three cousins entered, looking unsure. That’s right, girls, play the game.
Impassively, I stared at them and motioned for them to sit.
“I shall start with a letter Mr Roderick wrote a few days before his passing. It is short and sweet but, nonetheless, explains much of his will,” Mr Applegate announced.
“Continue, we have guests outside,” Jere said impatiently.
“My dear children,
“No doubt my legacy will come as a shock to you. But I have several errors to make up for as I fear death stares me in the face. Camille, you sought a father’s love and were turned away many a time. Your sexuality disgusted me, and I disowned you before I knew better. In hindsight, I made a severe error of judgement and hope you can forgive me.”
I glanced across at Cami as her jaw dropped open, closed, and then opened again. Jere sent her a dismissive stare before motioning for the lawyer to resume.
“Tami, as much as I ignored your sister, you didn’t even register with me. My brother’s precious baby, and I shoved you away, ignoring all attempts of yours to claim my attention. I hope you can forgive a stupid old man.”
This time, I glanced at Tami and saw her sitting rigid, with dignified surprise on her face. You go girl, I silently cheered.
“Brandy, I abused you the worst out of my nieces. You reminded me every day of my beautiful wife and what I had lost. Instead of clinging to her niece, I pushed you away, and you didn’t exist. There is no excuse for my behaviour.”
Brandy frowned and stared at the wall. Her response was what Jere expected, and he sneered.
“Madisen, looking at you broke me. So much like your beloved mother, it pained me to see your face. You grew up without a father, and that is my biggest regret. But it can’t be undone now. I wish you happiness going forward.”
