Page 37 of Royal Pain

“Whiskey or scotch these days? I’m never certain.” His question was accompanied by a smile.

It was always smart to learn everything you could about your enemies or competition.

I wondered which one I was considered. “Whiskey.” Why not enjoy a drink with him? He could reveal more if he was relaxed.

He made a scotch for himself, bringing it over with a curious look on his face. “Here you go. You know, I haven’t had a chance to give my condolences on the death of your father.”

“Thank you. The loss is significant for all of us. He was certainly the patriarch and glue of the family.”

“Well, I’m certain his three sons can do a fine job handling his estate and his legacy.”

“We like to think we can.”

He motioned to an outdoor sofa and two chairs. I opted for the chair on purpose. The throne position. Logistics when dealing with certain conversations were always a good idea.

As we sat down, I concentrated on staring out at the water. The ocean was a beautiful sight and one I didn’t partake in often enough.

“Is this about the girls?” he asked. “Is there an issue?”

“They’ve handled themselves very well. I was a little surprised at the strippers, but it is a bachelorette situation.”

He laughed. “Heidi is a good girl. She’s marrying a great guy, who happens to be my nephew.” His eyes were twinkling. A connection made between the two families. If I had to venture a guess, I’d say the three were tight.

“Yes, excellent guests. However, one of the girls has been hassled by her ex-husband during her stay. She’s quite upset. I wondered if you could shed any light on what the hell is going on.”

“I don’t know who you are talking about. Heidi just asked for five guest passes.”

The man was lying. That was easy to see. “Evangeline Weathers?” There was no sense in accusing him of anything since I knew almost nothing. At least yet. However, I didn’t take kindly to men who lied to me. Or women for that matter.

He acted like he was thinking about it then a light bulb went off. “Of course. She went to school with Heidi. Poor little thing. Her parents were nearly broke, her clothes always worn. I felt so sorry for her. So did everyone else in the community.”

“Tell me about this community.”

His eyes opened wide and he instantly went into protective mode. “Just a lovely community where people care about people. That’s why we were always concerned about Evangeline’s welfare.”

Uh-huh. I wanted to choke on bile.

“Well, she’s all grown up now and got married to Joseph Hargrove, although from what I understand, that didn’t end well.” All I needed to do was look in the guy’s eyes and I knew the name wasn’t just familiar, it was a person he’d known for a very long time.

“I know the Hargroves but I don’t know Joseph and sadly, I have no clue about their marriage.”

“I thought the community in Connecticut is very tight.”

He laughed. “Don’t let all the crap you read on the internet fool you. Okay, so maybe I embellished a little. The women fight like cats and dogs, the men competing at everything. I grew bored and tired of that. I rarely talk to anyone. I’m still very busy with my company.”

I had to give the man credit. He was doing a very good job of walking a fine line between truth and lies.

“I completely understand.” For a few minutes, we enjoyed our drinks. I could tell he was a little antsy, which I didn’t mind him being.

“Is there anything in particular you’re worried about?”

“Only that it would appear Joseph is being very… pushy, borderline abusive. Now, it’s certainly none of my business but I won’t tolerate any of my members or guests being threatened.I don’t take that very well.” I looked him directly in the eyes. He was getting slightly miffed at what I was insinuating.

“As you said, it’s really none of your business. I wish I could help you more, but I don’t know the situation other than to say she married over her head. I never knew what Joseph saw in the girl. A basic pauper with limited education. But he always took in stray animals.”

Why did I have the feeling he’d abused them too? “Well, that girl who had a limited education put herself through college and has developed a lucrative business, which she can parlay into a fortune. I suggest you remember that I run this island and know people everywhere. I have a powerful family and connections that enjoy providing whatever information I ask for.”

He knew I was making a limited threat and suddenly his lips were pursed. While he said nothing for a few minutes, I could tell he knew he was walking another fine line. Pissing me off wasn’t in his best interest.

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