Page 95 of Volatile Vice

I don’t know that he will. I’m not sure what he thinks of me. He must know what my family does for a living.

Star chatters on and on about how well Raven is doing.

It’s funny that neither of them bring up the fact that a dead body was found in their home only mere days ago. But I’ll have plenty to say about that when I get Austin alone.

Once we’re done with lunch, Lucy brings in dishes of simple vanilla ice cream for dessert.

“Star makes her own ice cream,” Austin says. “There’s nothing like it.”

“I can’t wait to try it then.” I smile and take a spoonful of the ice cream.

Indeed, the ice cream is spectacular. So much creamier and with much more vanilla flavor than anything you can buy at the store. Even better than the gourmet ice cream Savannah served Raven and me at dinner last week.

“Wow,” I say after swallowing. “This may be the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted.”

“It’s Raven’s favorite,” Star says. “She can’t get enough of it.”

“Just like her Orange Crush?” I can’t help a smile.

“Exactly.” Star smiles. “God broke the mold when he made that one.”

I can’t help grinning. “I can’t disagree with that.”

Once we’re done with the ice cream and Lucy clears the table, I turn to Austin. “Sir, if I may have a few minutes of your time in private?”

“Yes, of course.” He rises. “Star, will you excuse us?”

“Yes, of course.” She gets to her feet and collects the ice cream bowls. “You men go about your business. I’ll just help Lucy clean up.”

I follow Austin out of the kitchen and down a hallway to a large oak door. He opens it and gestures for me to go in.

He takes a seat behind the desk. “Please, have a seat.”

I sit down in one of the plush leather chairs facing him.

“So, Vinnie, what can I help you with?”

I take a deep breath in and meet his gaze.

“You can tell me about Brick Latham.”

31

RAVEN

Falcon joins Jared and me in the waiting area.

“Mr. Bianchi still in there?” I ask Falcon.

Falcon raises an eyebrow. “He’s with his daughter and Savannah.”

“Vinnie left,” I say.

“He did?”

“Yeah. He said it was business. But if his grandfather is still here…”

Falcon shakes his head. “Anything can be business to those people.”

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