Page 40 of Burning Your Lies

“I have to ask, Mr Pruitt. If you never heard from Elizabeth after that day, and Xavier claims neither did he nor his father, where did Elizabeth go? How does a woman just vanish?”

He dwells on my question. “All I know is that he killed her. Every part of her that deserved to shine. So, perhaps she escaped from us all. Maybe she found peace elsewhere.”

“Or maybe her husband did more than beat her that night.”

He takes in a deep breath and shudders. “No … he can’t have…” His eyes are wide with fear as he contemplates our suggestion. “He murdered her?”

I dig the knife of doubt in deeper. “And maybe her son helped cover it up.”

Henry shakes his head. “Xavier was just a little boy. He was thirteen. How could he murder his own mother?”

“Xavier said he had a relationship with his mother after the affair. He stated he saw the love the two of you shared. Yet, you state you haven’t heard from her since she resigned. It begs the question, why would Xavier lie about that unless it’s to cover something up? Something sinister happened in the Rivers home and all we know is Elizabeth Rivers has never been seen or heard from again.”

Henry, now desperate to end the interview, asks if we have any further questions. We spend another few minutes taking general statements about his life before we ask for any pictures of him and Elizabeth.

I have never seen Xavier’s mother. When I hold the picture, I can’t look away from the smile on her face as Henry cuddles her. She’s nothing as I imagined her to be. From the stories Xavier shared, I imagined an evil woman. But her gentle eyes and sombre smile make it hard to look away.How could he murder his own mother?

“That was Xavier, right? The whole him not being able to get a job?” Jordan asks as we walk back to the car.

I lock my belt in place and rub my temples. “I think so. I think he is also the one that got him jumped.”

“Heruinedhis life. It wasn’t enough that he murdered the love of his life. It wasn’t enough that he got away with murdering his ownmother. It didn’t satisfy him. He kept going until thisman lost everything.” He sounds haunted as he stares out of the window.

My mind is burdened by something else. The car is filled with a dense, stifling air that makes it hard to take a breath. This is worse than I could have imagined.

Jordan studies my side profile. “You saw it too, right?”

I close my eyes and clench my jaw. “Yes.”

He exhales and lets his tears fall. “He’s never going to let her go. I keep asking myselfwhyhe welcomed her back after admitting the truth to her. Is that why he’s been so obsessed with her since he saw her?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Yeah. It’s because Savannah lookslike his mother.”

21

Xavier

I feel like awinner as all eyes turn to me when I enter with Brynn in my arms. The diamonds in her blue dress sparkle brighter than the pride I feel at knowing she’s mine. I bought her the most expensive dress for the masquerade ball Rowan is hosting at his club. I love how sexy this dress makes her feel. When we stood in front of my bedroom’s mirror, she gasped every time I pulled the strings of her corset tighter. Her contrasting red hair hangs in loose waves down one shoulder. Her matching mask is a perfect fit. Everything about her looks perfect tonight.

I press my palm against her bare back. “I think you’ve stolen all the attention, Miss Jones.”

She giggles in my ear. “My heart is hammering so bad right now.”

“Let’s get you a drink to calm those nerves.” I lead us over to the bar and order the two of us a drink.

A hand comes down on my shoulder. “Glad to see you could make it, Mr Rivers. Where is your counterpart?”

“He’ll be here,” I promise.

“I hope so.”

“Why are you throwing a masquerade ball?” Brynn asks.

He sips his drink and grins. “There’s something exhilarating about hiding behind a mask, no?” His knowing smile brings a chill over me. “You can be whoever you want to be and hide all the ugly parts of you away.”

“I think there’s something beautiful about someone seeing all the worst parts of you,” Brynn weakly states. “How can you love someone you don’t truly know?” It’s like she suddenly realises where she is and shakes her head. “Ignore me. I’m just being silly.”

I take her hand in mine. “No. I think you are right.”

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