Page 78 of Joey

“Who told you that?” Harmon asked.

Joey’s eyes sprung open, and he met Ethan’s gaze. “Grey,” he murmured.

“Hmm. I wouldn’t believe anything he says. Everything we’ve uncovered so far shows him as being part of Robert’s business.”

“How long?”

Harmon sighed. “Three years.”

“Fuck! Elliott was being taken for a fool. Grey said Elliott got in contact with him two years ago.” Heat built inside him. “But why? I don’t understand why Grey was playing that game if he was already in with his father. Why not cut ties with Elliott instead?”

“I don’t have an answer for you yet, Joey. We’re still working on it.”

Joey swallowed hard. “Do you think he was murdered?” Ethan tightened his hold on him.

“Not in so many words. It’s conclusive that Elliott took his own life, but what led him to it? That’s what we need to figure out.”

****

Chapter 21

Ethan

Ethan’s heart broke as he heard Joey’s conversation with the detective. When would this all be over for Joey? Hadn’t he suffered enough already? He tightened his hold on him as he ended the call, and Joey sank into him. Ethan rubbed his hand up and down his back, soothing him as best he could.

They’d been holding each other for a few long minutes when his own phone rang. He cursed. Grabbing it, he saw an unknown number, and his stomach churned. Was it David again?

“Hello?”

“Mr Wright, it’s Detective Hines.”

Ethan’s heart calmed, and he put the phone on speaker so Joey could hear. “Good afternoon, Detective. What can I do for you?”

“We’ve finally finished with David Thurl’s interview. I’ve spoken to Detective Harmon, who seems to be in charge of the case where you are. He’s agreed that I can tell you what we’ve found out.”

“And what might that be?” Joey asked.

Hines paused, and Ethan filled the gap. “Detective, this is Joey Reynolds.”

“I’m sorry I’m not calling with better news, but David has acknowledged who put him up to the photographs and the brick. At least, according to him. We’re still trying to confirm everything he said.”

“And who was it?”

“Grey Kennedy.”

The moment the words hit Ethan’s ears, Joey’s legs gave way. Ethan dropped the phone to catch him, and he helped him to the floor, settling him into the cradle of his arms. He reached for his phone again.

“Sorry, Detective. I’m back.”

“Everything okay?”

“Not really. Is there anything else you need to tell me?” It would be a little easier now they were already on the floor.

“David said Grey contacted him through the hotel a little while back, offering substantial money for him to make your and Joey’s lives difficult. The reporter was paid by David, and the other reporters were notified later. It seems he was just there to irritate you mainly.”

“Well, he succeeded,” Ethan bit out. “But why? What would irritating us do?”

“Exactly what it did. Sent Joey back to London. What they didn’t account for was you going with him.”

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