Page 34 of Ace

My eyes narrow, hands forming fists at my sides. "Are you implying that we're crooks? That we only do this for the money?"

She lifts her chin a little higher, and that gives me the only answer I need.

"This is my fucking life's work," I snarl. "I do this every day. I've spent my life finding people, helping people, trying to shut down these evil bastards who think that life isn't valuable. I imagine that's more than you can say from way up there, judging those of us on the ground who put in the real work from your ivory fucking tower."

She doesn't argue, but I know this isn't a victory either. If anything, I've just proven some unspoken opinion she had about me.

"I plan to go back to Daydreamer's to see if I can find anything out," she says.

"Like fuck you will."

"I see it didn't take long for those true colors of yours to show, Mr. Yarrow."

I hate the insufferable, indignant tone in her voice. I know if I get any closer to the woman, I'll end up trying to kiss her or some shit, so I keep my distance. The woman has the uncanny ability to drive me absolutely mad.

"You don't get to tell me what I can and cannot do," she snaps.

"If you go back, we'll have no other choice but to back out of the case. No refunds."

She's the one to step forward, inching closer to me.

"Do you think I care about the money? This is my sister we're talking about. I'd drain every account I had access to in order to bring her home."

I'm close enough to watch the anger drain from her face.

"I fully understand that," I say, my irritation seeping away. "I don't think Sadie's disappearance has anything to do with Daydreamer's."

Her eyes dart to mine, as if she's trying to determine if I'm lying just to keep her from going back to the spa.

"I don't understand."

I pull in a deep breath, taking a step back and pacing toward the other side of the suite, because inhaling the scent of her perfume will no doubt keep me fucked up.

"I think our time would be better spent focusing on William."

Her eyes widen. "What?"

I don't mention that we're already investigating her brother, who has several layers of protection around himselfand his dealings. We haven't determined if that's because he's a politician or if it's because he's got some not-so-good irons in the fire, including the disappearance of their sister.

It's clear from the look on her pretty face that she hasn't once considered that her brother would be involved in something like this. That could be ignorance on her part or the fact that her brother is very good at hiding who he might possibly be. If anything, it's a mark in his good column that he has acted in a way his entire life that keeps her from considering such a possibility.

"William?" she asks when I don't confirm. "There's no way. He loves Sadie as much as I do."

"He didn't seem too keen on the idea of us getting involved."

"He's a very private person. He worries about the family. She has caused a lot of problems. Her misbehavior decreases his chance of having a long successful political career."

I stand there, watching her, knowing the longer I take to respond, the more she'll reveal. It's human nature, and most people aren't aware of the manipulation tactic.

"Our father's goal was to get him into the White House. He has plans for the country that will make it a better place."

"Plans big enough that he's willing to silence your sister because she threatens them?"

Her eyes grow even wider. "He would never!"

"And there's nothing that has ever made you suspicious about him?"

Her lips snap closed, and I see it there, the tiny little inkling of doubt.

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