Page 43 of No Bed Of Roses

Isla shrugged. “Sore. Lucky. Scared.”

Levi took her hand. “That about covers it.”

Marcus nodded. “I bet it does. Okay, I’ll try not to take up too much of your time. You’ll need to get some rest after going through that.”

They took seats in the kitchen, and Levi grabbed another mug of tea for Marcus. Hopper settled himself at Isla’s feet.

Isla went through the story for Marcus, making him smile when she explained how Hopper liked to pee on her tires.

Levi went next but didn’t have much to add. Then he turned to Isla. “I think you should tell Marcus about your phone call.”

She smiled and turned to Marcus. “I called my father today. We had a really nice conversation. It was a little awkward because we haven’t spoken in years, but it was good. He was happy to hear from me and has been trying to get in contact with me.”

Her voice trailed off, and her head whipped around to Levi. “You think it’s my cousin?”

He grimaced and leaned toward her. “I think there’s a good chance it is.” Watching her happy bubble burst sucked.

Marcus spoke. “Someone want to fill me in?”

Isla chewed on her bottom lip for a few seconds, then turned back to Marcus. “This is the cousin I told you about before. Glen Hicks.”

Marcus nodded. “Yes. I’ve done a bit of superficial digging on both him and your father. Without a warrant, I can’t do a lot, but I found out a little. Your cousin does work for RD Oil and has since he graduated with a business degree. He’s been in several departments, but hasn’t risen to the top in any of them. He’s currently listed as an assistant to the executive assistant in the public affairs department.”

Levi frowned. “What does that mean?”

Marcus shrugged. “No idea. I think it means he does what he’s told and is shunted from task to task.”

Isla frowned. “I don’t know anything about my father’s company. I can’t tell you anything about the departments or what they do. Same with Glen. But he always made me uncomfortable. I avoided him whenever possible.”

Levi moved his chair closer to her and squeezed her hand. “Sounds to me like you have very good instincts.”

She smiled at him. “I think I do.”

He grinned back. At least she didn’t hate him for suspecting her cousin.

Marcus scribbled some notes in his book. He had the recorder on, but his buddy had always preferred using a notebook for planning. “Did your father mention Hicks?”

Isla nodded. “When I called, he first thought Glen had found me and got me to call him. He said he’d sent him to look for me because my father wanted to reconnect.”

Marcus’s eyes cut to Levi. “And this is why you think he might be behind the two incidents.”

“He’s got motive and opportunity. If Isla and her dad reconnect, Glen could be looking at less of an inheritance.”

“I don’t want my father’s money.” Isla’s voice was indignant, making both men laugh.

Levi squeezed her hand again. “We know that. But from what you’ve said, your cousin wouldn’t understand that. He’d want it all.”

Marcus agreed. “He likely wouldn’t even consider you wouldn’t want it. If money is so central to his way of thinking, he wouldn’t consider a possibility where you wouldn’t be after the inheritance yourself. He’s probably imagined that you’ve spent the last twelve years scheming how to get back into your father’s will.”

“But I haven’t even contacted him until today. Not even once.”

Marcus smiled. “In Glen’s mind, he’d imagine that you were plotting because that’s what he would have been doing. What he has been doing.”

Isla shook her head. “What a horrible way to live.”

“During the conversation, did your father say where Hicks is? Or what he knew about you?”

Isla shrugged. “Not much. I wasn’t focused on that. Do you remember?”

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