Page 32 of Ace

"I went there because it was the place those men mentioned in the meeting about Sadie," I explain. "I thought maybe I could find something out."

"You paid them a hundred thousand dollars so we don't have to go looking for her ourselves."

"I paidbecause I had no idea how to look for her."

"That is so dangerous," he says. "Not to mention the trouble you put the family in if someone saw you there and thought it would be a good idea to start whispering about it."

"I didn't see anyone other than employees. It was actually very discreet and professional."

He narrows his eyes at me. "And what exactly did you do while you were there?"

I stand a little taller, my lips sealed.

"I'm not discussing this with you. What is the plan for this transaction?" I ask, holding up the statement.

"My people have already made it look like a donation and, before you lose your shit, we won't file it on our taxes. I'm not going to fucking prison over ten grand." He turns his back to me, walking toward the door. "I'm busy, Cora. Stay out of trouble."

Then he's gone as if his warning and the chastisement are enough to keep me from worrying about our sister.

I've been restless since I got back from DC and this little visit from my brother has made that urge to get some answers even worse.

I knew before he showed up that I wouldn't be able to stay away. A week has passed since Cerberus assured us they'd start working on finding Sadie. We're inching up on a month of her being gone, and we're no closer to finding her than we were the day I started worrying when my initial phone call went to voicemail.

I check in once again with Alice to make sure that she is completely prepared for the luncheon with some potential new donors before calling it a day.

I try to tell myself I haven't made up my mind about my plans, but I head straight to my bedroom when I get home, not wasting a second to pack a bag that will give me enough clothes to stay at least a week before having to drop anything off at the cleaners.

My hand flutters over the silk robe hanging in my closet before I pull it from the hanger.

"Another trip away?"

Feeling guilty, I swivel in the direction of the voice, sparing a genuine smile for Faye.

The woman has been part of our household staff since before I was born, and, if anything, she's more grandmother than employee. I just adore her, even when she's being nosy.

"I have a business trip."

"You never were a very good liar," she says, shuffling into the room and taking a seat at the ornate vanity mirror where I apply my makeup each morning. "How long has it been since a man saw you in that thing?"

My cheeks heat without even looking down at the robe in my hands.

"Never."

She shakes her head. "Lies. All lies."

There's no anger or irritation in her voice, but I can guess what's coming before she even speaks. The woman is always on me to find a man, as if she didn't live her entire life without one.

"I'm heading to DC," I explain. "I'm helping look for Sadie."

"Now," she says, pointing at my face. "There's some truth in that. That sister of yours has always been the best liar I ever met, and that's saying something, considering the number of politicians I've served coffee to downstairs over the years."

"Do you think I'm wasting my time looking for her?"

Faye pulls in a deep breath before speaking. "Sadie has been a troubled girl for so long, sweet child. I don't know that if she were standing right in front of you if you could consider her found. Some people stay lost forever."

Her eyes cloud as if she's thinking of something else, but she doesn't whisper about times past or things she has had to deal with in her own life.

"Maybe getting out of town for a while is a good idea. You seem sad, sweet child, and I hate it when you're sad."

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