Page 79 of Always Us

“So this isn’t over. He’ll threaten to go after Jade if I don’t agree to be a member.”

“No. That won’t happen.”

“How do you know that?”

“The other members don’t want you back. They only went along with it because Roth and your grandfather insisted on it, and given their high-level positions, the other members wouldn’t dare challenge them.”

“So why are you telling me not to worry? Grandfather is gone, but with Roth still in power, nothing changes.”

“It does if the person who takes over your grandfather’s position disagrees with Roth.”

“Yeah, like that’s gonna happen.”

My dad lowers his voice. “William believes he’ll be offered the position.”

“Are you serious? Why would they pick him?”

“I can’t share that information. But having him at that level will give you protection, Garret. And protection for Jade. He’ll be able to stop Roth and anyone else who shows interest in you.”

“Is William really getting promoted? Do you know this for sure?”

“No, but we will soon.” He glances at my grandfather. “Now get out of here. I mean it. You can’t be here. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“I got a hotel room so—”

“Garret, I need you at the house. I’m going to have a lot to deal with tomorrow and I need you to help me handle Lilly. She won’t understand. She’s never had to deal with death before.”

“Shit. She’s alone at the house right now. She can’t be—”

“She’s not alone. Before I left, I had Charles come over and stay in one of the guest rooms just in case she wakes up. But Lilly needs family, now, Garret. You need to be there for her.”

“Yeah, okay.”

I walk out into the dark hall, down the dimly lit stairs, and out the front door. This is so surreal. My grandfather is dead. I watched him die. I witnessed the set-up. And now, as I leave, the cover-up begins.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

19

GARRET

I drive back to the hotel, get my things, and take them to the house. When I get to my room, I collapse on the bed. I’m so exhausted. I got up early this morning to fly here and now it’s 2 a.m. and I’m still awake. It’s like this day will never end.

I call Jade. “Hey, it’s me.”

“Hey. You sound tired.”

“I am.” I pause, then say, “He’s gone, Jade.”

She’s quiet. She doesn’t say she’s sorry, but I don’t want her to say it. Neither one of us is sorry he’s gone. He’s a killer. A murderer. And he didn’t give a damn about me or anyone else.

“I’ll tell you more when I get home.” I don’t want to tell her what happened over the phone in case someone’s listening. I don’t think they are, but I can’t take the risk.

“Okay.” Jade knows not to ask questions. She can tell by my tone that I can’t talk about it. “So are you staying out there for the funeral?”

“It’ll probably be next week, so no, I’m flying home Sunday, like I planned.”

“But you’re going to the funeral, right?”

---