Page 4 of Weeping Roses

“The way she earned her money, if I’m guessing.”

She shrugs. “She never elaborated, but it’s obvious my aunt was extremely good at what she did, given the lifestyle she enjoyed.”

For the first time, she turns and stares at me with a curiosity that I respect. There is no fear in her expression, just interest in the situation and it makes me smile.

“You are wondering why I’m here.”

I state the obvious and she nods, cocking her head to one side as she regards me through weary green eyes.

“I am.”

I hold her gaze and rather than lower her eyes, she holds it and I have growing respect for the woman who is apparently dealing with this on her own.

“Your aunt was a good friend of my father’s. I want to know how close.”

“They were lovers?” She says it simply, almost as fact, and I shrug.

“Possibly.”

She shakes her head and appears disappointed with my response, which intrigues me. Then she leans back against the seat and says with a sigh. “It appears that you do have many questions, Mr. Romanov, but you have come to the wrong person for answers. As I said before, I never knew my aunt and have definitely never heard of your father, so I’m unsure how I can be of assistance.”

“You now own her homes, which also includes her possessions. I’m hoping there is something in them that will help.”

“That could take days, months, even.” She says incredulously, and I nod.

“I will remain for as long as it takes.”

“Remain?” She glances my way with a small smile I wasn’t expecting.

“Listen, Mr. Romanov, whatever you need isn’t lying in an envelope on my aunt’s desk with your name on it. The best thing I can do is take your number and call you if I find anything. I fail to see what else I can do, given the circumstances.”

“The circumstances?” I laugh softly.

“The circumstances, Pollyanna. Let me tell you what your current circumstance is.”

I face her with a direct gaze that promises I am controlling this shit and say roughly, “We are going to drive to her home, where you’ll allow me access to her possessions. We will search for what I need and then I’ll leave you to your grief.”

“Excuse me!”

Rather than be afraid, there is unexpected rage flashing from her eyes, and she hisses, “How dare you!”

She snarls, “I’ve offered to help, even though I owe you nothing. Now you make demands as if they are your right and want me to agree access to my aunt’s personal files for what exactly? To give you answers but let me tell you now, there are many more questions that need answering before I agree to you coming anywhere near my aunt’s possessions that are now mine, by the way.”

She takes a deep breath and I’m enjoying myself way too much to break her tirade as she hisses, “The only offer on this table, Mr. Romanov is that I’ll get back to you if I find anything, so if you please, stop the car, hand me back my keys along with your details and I’ll see what I can do.”

“No.”

I say the word simply and watch with amusement as her breath hitches and her eyes shine with incredulous rage.

“No!” Her eyes widen and her breath comes fast as she opens her mouth to spill God only knows what objections she can formulate in her anger and I cut her off and say casually, “Miss Scott-Stanley, allow me to explain your situation in plain English.”

I lean closer, loving how she shifts back a little, even though her bravery is trying hard to show its defiance as she stares at me with growing hatred.

“I am now your left and right arm. Your conscious thought and the beat of your heart. I am the person controlling your life and every part of what that involves. I am the words in your mouth and the blood running through your veins. The man in charge of your mind and body and the person who makes all your decisions.”

I reach out and grasp her neck and push upwards, causing her to stare directly into my eyes as I snarl, “I am going nowhere all the time you have something I want, and it is in your best interests and mine to fully cooperate with my investigation.”

Her eyes widen in shock as I snarl, “You buried your aunt under a thundercloud and the lightning that crackled overhead blasted a hole in the gates of hell and unleashed a demon who is intent on only one thing. You have the answers and I have the questions and until every one of them is answered, I’m going absolutely nowhere.”

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