Page 103 of Devil's Riches

“What’s wrong with her?”

She glanced around to make sure none of the other staff members were within earshot. Then she took a step closer. “It’s a liver problem,” she said in a hushed voice. “It’s so sad. One minute she was fine, and the next she was bedridden.”

“Shit. I had no idea.”

The maid nodded. “It all happened very fast, so not many people have been made aware of the situation.” She paused to let out a sigh. “Poor Mr. Paxton. He’s been beside himself with worry. I think last night’s birthday party was good for him, though. He seems a lot perkier today.”

“Maybe Deborah’s condition is improving.”

She shook her head again, lips pressed into a grimace. “Oh, no, I doubt that. It’s very serious,” she said. “We just have to cross our fingers and hope she moves up the transplant list as fast as possible.”

My brows shot up. “She needs a transplant?”

“Yes.” The maid lowered her voice again. “Isn’t it just awful when this stuff happens? You want your loved one to get their new organ, but at the same time you know someone else has to die for that to happen.”

As her words sank in, a heavy feeling settled in my stomach, and the hairs rose on the back of my neck. Wickedness seemed to be leeching from the center of the mansion, spreading out until it curled around me in cold, invisible tendrils.

“Thanks for your help,” I said hurriedly. “I need to go now.”

The maid smiled. “Of course, sir.”

She led me to the front door. Once I was outside, I sprinted back to my car and tore down the road as fast as I could.

I knew exactly where I needed to go.

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