Page 91 of Volatile Vice

“Because his grandfather is here,” I say.

Jared’s eyes widen. “You’re not going near him.”

I roll my eyes. “He’s an old man, Jared.”

“An old man who is responsible for God knows what.”

“Yes,” I say. “And he’s the reason Vinnie can’t be with me. I want to find out why.”

30

VINNIE

Iwalk briskly to the parking lot where Fred is waiting in my car. Elmo is with him.

I need them both for what I’m about to do.

My heart dropped when I walked back out to the waiting area and found Raven and her bodyguard gone.

But I was also thankful. Seeing her would make it harder to do what I have to do.

And then of course… I had to see her when I came out of the elevator.

I should’ve known she wouldn’t go quietly.

I looked back right as I was about to leave. I saw her getting back on the elevator.

My first instinct was to turn around and ask her why she wasn’t leaving. After all, she told me the only reason she had come to the hospital was to be there for me.

So why is she going back up there? Maybe to check on Falcon? I don’t know, and I can’t take the time to dwell on it. Right now, I’m driving to the Bellamy Ranch.

I will talk to Austin Bellamy. And I will figure out what’s going on.

* * *

Fred steersup the driveway into the Bellamy’s large ranch house.

Everything looks the same as it did when I dropped Raven off here last week. No one can tell a crime was committed on these premises.

I don’t trust my grandfather as far as I can throw him, but I believe him. My intuition tells me he had nothing to do with Brick Latham’s murder.

And he’s right about one thing. If someone got to Brick Latham, thinking they were getting to Raven…

None of it makes sense.

Except it does in a warped way.

I’m beginning to believe that Austin Bellamy is not the same man he’s made out to be.

I get out of my car.

“Sir?” Elmo says.

I hold up a hand. “Stay here for now. I’ve got my phone. Be on alert. I’ll let you know if I need you.”

I walk to the door. Ring the bell.

A woman answers. “Yes, may I help you?”

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