Page 27 of Ruthless Intent

It is, however, long enough to spark an idea, and I have most of it worked out in my head by the time one of the maids taps on the door to tell me Peter has arrived.

He’s waiting in my father’s study, browsing the books on the shelf, when I walk in. There’s a younger man with him; his assistant, who I’ve met once or twice.

“Peter. Lionel.”

“MO-TV wants an exclusive first interview with you.” Peter doesn’t bother with pleasantries and gets straight to it. “They’re not the biggest news channel, but it might be better to go with a smaller one, and let them get it syndicated to the bigger ones.”

“Arrange it for the end of the week sometime.”

“Any particular preference?” He moves to the desk and takes paper out of his briefcase.

“Friday. They’ll have something to talk about then. Did you get what I needed?”

“I did, and I still think it’s a stupid idea. What are you going to gain from it?”

“Closure.”

He hands me a document. “Most of what you wanted me to add isn’t really legal, so I’ve worded those sections a little vaguer than I like. If another lawyer sees it?—”

“Let me worry about that. What else?”

“The case has been officially reopened. The local sheriff, who wasn’t in charge during the initial investigation, has asked to meet with you. I’ve also been in touch with your friend, who said he’ll run his own investigation and let you know what he discovers. I’ve given him your new cell number.”

I nod. “What about?—”

“I don’t know why you want to go there. I thought you were planning on going to the house you bought, but as instructed I hired people to go in and clean it up. It’s stood empty for a long time. I also had the things you wanted placed in the room the way you asked.”

“Good.”

“You need to let the police do their work, Zain.”

I snort. “We’ve had this conversation already. Anyway, I have a better way of getting to the truth.”

“I’m not sure better is the word I’d use.”

“Contact MO-TV and set up an interview. That should stop them coming here today.” While I’m talking I find one of my dad’s notepads, and pick up a pen. Writing a note, I fold it, and slip it into an envelope. “Lionel, can you deliver this for me?” I give him the address, while I write a name on the front. “Stick around for an answer.”

He glances at Peter, who nods permission, then leaves the room.

“Are you sure about this?” Peter brings my attention back to him.

“One-hundred percent. It’s part of the plan, you know that.”

“It doesn’t mean I have to like it. And it wasn’t part of the plan until this morning.”

“No one is asking you to like it. Can I borrow your car?”

“My car?”

“I won’t be long. A couple of hours at most. I want to follow Lionel and see what happens.”

He sighs, but hands over his keys. “I don’t even want to know what you’ve sent him to do.”

“Nothing illegal, don’t worry. I just wanted him to deliver a message for me.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ASHLEY

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