Page 64 of Indecent Villain

“I’m getting a fucking headache.”

“You will not curse in my presence, Tiberius Beckett.”

I wince at her tone while I remove the cat from my lap. I rest my elbows on my thighs as I lean forward. “All I want is the woman I love home. Safe. With me. That is the most honest thing I have ever admitted to someone I am not close to.”

Maia swallows and sits silently for a moment before speaking. “Cannon did not have his father killed, nor did he kill Jude and Anna. I know you have been led to believe otherwise, but what I’m telling you is the truth.

“My son has harbored hatred for his father for the past eighteen years, but he did not kill him. That doesn’t mean he hasn’t wanted to, but he wouldn’t because of me. Now believe that or not, but it is the truth.”

She takes a sip of tea, and continues. “I promised Pierce I would never speak of Anna, and I keep my word. The only person who can tell you what happened back then and what is going on now is Cannon. I believe my son is in as much danger as the woman you love.”

It takes me a few minutes to sift through everything she has said—or not said. I’m left with more questions than answers. The main question is: what the fuck happened eighteen years ago that has been kept hidden?

My phone beeps.

Nine: Found the boat. You need to come.

I jump to my feet. “I have to go.”

Maia stands and grabs my hands. “When you find them, I beg you to talk to my son like you used to do.”

“He apologized to me earlier, and I accepted.” I pause. “I’m torn about which direction to focus on.”

Maia has tears in her eyes. “He apologized? He has never done that. Does he know how you feel about Kinsley?”

I nod.

“That must be why. However, my son never says anything he doesn’t mean. Surely, you know that. You must listen to him, Mr. Beckett. Give him a message from me. Tell him it’s time to let the truth set him free.”

I don’t know what the fuck is going on, but I nod. “I will.”

Battingthe foliage in front of my face, Salem and I make our way toward the lake where the boat was found. My heart is in my throat as we approach. If Nine told Salem anything, my friend has not repeated it. I do know Kinsley is not here, so why do I need to see the boat?

I burst through the last of the brush and reach the shoreline where Jock and Nine are standing. A quick glance at their faces gives me no clue as to what I’m going to find on the boat. All I want is to find Kinsley safe and unharmed, but that isn't going to happen right now.

"What couldn't you tell me over the phone?"

Nine nods his head for me to follow him, while Jock won't meet my eyes. "It's troubling."

"What is—" I trail off as I spot the body of a male lying in the boat, his neck twisted at an unnatural angle. My eyes scan the rest of the boat and zero in on the pool of red liquid. I rub at my chest. "That's a lot of blood."

"It could be from a head wound. They bleed like a bitch. It could also be Cannon’s, if we are to believe he's been kidnapped as well."

"I just want Kinsley back," I say quietly.

Nine looks at me with sympathy before turning his attention back to the scene in front of us. "We need to figure out what happened here and find Kinsley," he says firmly. "And notify Jackson's sister of his death."

My head shoots up. "Fuck! I didn't recognize him." Jackson worked for me for a couple of years. "I want him treated with respect. Get him back to the house and call our friend at the funeral home to come and collect him. Make sure the man knows Jackson was one of us. Let his sister know, and make sure she has everything she needs to help her."

I look out across the lake and take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever lies ahead.

25

KINSLEY

I come to,feeling chilled and disoriented. I open my eyes, then snap them shut again as my head spins.

“It will get easier. Give it a few minutes.”

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