Page 11 of King of Deception

“Sure thing.”

“Thanks, Iris.”

“No worries. How was the wedding?”

“Uh—Interesting.”

“Good interesting?”

“I’ll say. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

“You, too.”

“I will. Bye.”

Stepping into the house, I heard Dylan’s paws as they raced over the floor, scratching their way to me. Wagging his tail, he barked happily while I dipped my fingers into his thick coat, ruffling his fur and gently pinching and patting him.

My housekeeper followed to greet me. “Welcome home, Abel! How was it?”

“It was nice,” I smiled and nodded.

“Just nice?” the sweet wrinkles around her lips deepened as she dipped her head and grinned.

“What do you want me to say? It’s a wedding. Give me a break.” Walking over to the stairs, I tried to avoid her motherly hovering.

“I know that you love weddings. You just won’t admit it.”

“Oh yeah?” I turned around, placing my hand over the rail. “How’d you figure?”

“Everyone looks so elegant and picturesque? C’mon, you love being surrounded by beauty.”

“Ah,” I wagged a finger, albeit uncomfortable. “You know me so well.”

“Any notable beauties?”

“Nobody was sober enough to take note of anything. Give it a rest, Briga.”

“Fine,” she shrugged. “You hungry? Want some lunch?”

“Uh—No. I’m gonna take a shower, but I do appreciate a green smoothie after.”

“It’ll be ready when you come out.”

“Thanks.”

Dylan still roamed around my feet, wagging his tail and brushing against my leg on the step.

“He really missed you.” She grinned and sighed before turning around and walking toward the kitchen.

“I know,” I whispered, leaning down and grabbing my dog’s face with both hands, massaging his neck. “I missed you, too, buddy.”

My time under the hot water was anything but relaxing, with my mind going back to the distressed Ella and her incensed ex. I wondered if he had bothered her again that night—perhaps waited at her house? Or if he had paid her a visit the next morning, berating her for getting him kicked out of the wedding.

I imagined her living in Montauk, in a small hut by the beach. Soon, I realized that it wasn’t realistic if she had actually worked for uncle Danny. And then it struck me; now that everyone had gone home, I could come up with an excuse to ask him about her or request to see the guest list.

But what would that excuse be?

As agreed, Briga had a large smoothie ready for me when I came back down, so I grabbed it and headed straight out for the pool. As the warm water engulfed me, I closed my eyes and tried to really let go this time.

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