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“Yes, miss. You do. Well, after you sign this paperwork, that is.”
I gasp. Then, with blurry vision, I check the documents over, signing what appears to be a legitimate deed. Afterward, he hands me a copy.
Attached is another letter from Grams. It reads,
Dear Riley,
Now that you have the deed to the castle, you can continue my work. I’m so proud of you! All of my research is in the “priest hole” in the library wall, which is a hidden compartment where priests hid during raids. You simply have to push the oak panel, and it will swing up. It’s to the left of the bookshelf on the wall furthest from the door. There, all the clues I found overmy many years of digging could lead you to the underground tunnel system, which I believe has Laire’s hidden library there. That key I left you is rumored to be for it. Now that you own the place, it’s yours—free to roam.
I love you, my dear,
Grams
This is such good news. Maybe I’ll discover the ending ofLords of Laire! I mean, I can’t take care of a castle, but it’s a dream vacation spot. I can go every July. Maybe even for the whole month. I’ll invite Skye, Eva, West, and Sophie. OMG, the baby will love it. This is perfect. I can’t imagine actually finding an underground tunnel system, but I’m sure excited to try!
But I imagine there’s a lot of upkeep with a castle. The plumbing. The electrical. The grounds upkeep. God, I wonder what the property taxes are like for something like that?
Duncan says, “Well, I better get a move on. I’ve got a flight to catch.”
“Yes, and I’m starving.” Plus, I need to make it to Maddox’s house, or I’m going to be late for our origami lesson.
As I’m packing up my things to leave my dressing room, Duncan says, “May I escort you to your car? I kept you here late, and it’s mighty dark out now.”
“Sure. Thank you.”
As he and I make our way to the studio’s parking lot, I’m glad he offered to accompany me. It’s the first time in a while I haven’t been walking with Maddox and his bodyguard at night. I usually don’t leave the studio this late.
We’re walking up the dimly lit row of cars when I hear the sound—a shuffling across the cement. At first, I think it’s a pile of leaves toppling in the breeze, but then shadows cross thelamplight. As the blood drains from my face, my stomach gives an unholy churn, and I feel faint.
The flash of photography is so bright in the darkness, all I can see are halos and shadows. Then the paparazzi start their barrage of questions.
“Riley, are you with this guy now? Does this mean it’s over with Maddox?”
“Did something happen in Scotland? Where you formed this relationship?”
Everything around me spins, and my vision blurs from the bright flashes. But more than that, my heart is exploding in my chest, there’s a ringing in my ears, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to draw in a breath.
I’m not able to speak, but I’m fighting my way toward my car. Duncan is trying to help me by pushing our way through, but the paparazzi surround us, trapping us in. I can’t believe tonight’s the one night I’m not with Maddox, and the photogs are more aggressive than they’ve ever been.
They’ve surrounded my car, and I can’t get to the door. I inhale, and I’m trying like hell not to say anything because I know that whatever comes out of my mouth will be front-page news.
Duncan screams, “Leave her be! Move away from her blasted car, dammit!”
They don’t budge a millimeter.
My breaths come shallow and rapid. With them surrounding me the way they are, I feel completely claustrophobic and trapped.
In a panic, I manage to find my words, screaming, “Move, or I’m calling the police!” My voice shrieks when I say, “Get out of my way now or spend the night in jail!”
They begin to shuffle away, but they keep shouting out questions as they do.
I unlock the door and stumble into my car. They are still up against it as I start the engine and shift into reverse. My hands are shaking so much, I’m struggling to turn the wheel. And I can’t even see where I’m going with so many bodies around, but I guess with the threat of being run over, they hurry away. I shift into drive and hit the gas, in no condition to operate a vehicle, but I have to get out of here.
Now that I’m in my car, Duncan is free and running toward his. I’m grateful they’ve left him alone.
I drive, almost in a trance, back to my apartment. There’s no way I can face Maddox like this. I sprint from my parking lot up the stairs to my place, then fly through my door, locking it before looking out every window, paranoid. I’m glad I got the office one fixed. I run into my bedroom and slam the door shut, as I want to crawl out of my own skin.
I remember being hungry when I was leaving for work, but now, the thought of eating makes me heave.
