Page 443 of Dark Love

Missing women and large infusions of cash go way beyond Maddox’s scope. He needs to play nice to protect Willow Street.

“This guy is trafficking women. I know it in my bones.”

Dyce is rarely wrong, and it’s doubtful she is this time. “Do I need to provide your client with a safe space until the problem is resolved?”

“No. Maddox moved her into a safe location.”

A.k.a. with one of his men. That’s one less worry for me. “Give me everything you’ve got.”

She holds out a file folder like it was a given that I’d take this on.

Irksome woman. She just ruined my weekend with Dahlia. “Give Maddox my regards.” I step out of the room. There’s no point in wasting time with small talk.

“Vex. I heard you were in my library.”

“Mrs. Wright.” Just the person I wanted to avoid. But you don’t avoid Louisella Belladonna Wright. She hasn’t changed much over the years, even though her hair’s gotten to be more salt than pepper. Wisdom has etched itself across her face, but age hasn’t dimmed her eyes. I’m in for an interrogation.

“Everyone is talking about you.”

Not surprising. The tongues of gossips around here never idle.

“They say you’re seeing someone.” She stares at me with an intensity that tells me she’s pulling all the secrets from my soul. “What’s her name?”

“Dahlia.” Why did I say that? I never tell anyone but Payne and Barb about my personal affairs.

“That’s a beautiful name.”

“She’s a beautiful woman.”

“Well then, you’ll be bringing her over so Matthew and I can meet her. Shall we say Sunday at four?”

Sunday? Dinner? Four? Now isn’t the time to introduce her. “Things are too new. We’re just getting to know each other.” Why did I say that? I never make excuses.

With anyone but Louisella.

“Fine, then I’ll see you two in a month.” Louisella pats my shoulder and walks away.

There’s no arguing. It’s set in stone. Almost like the jeweled knife that’s been stuck in a board in the library since Louisella married Matthew all those years ago. The gems alone are probably worth millions, but not one of the street kids has ever touched it. No one messes with her.

How am I going to explain to Dahlia that she needs to be interrogated by a mob widow and a mercenary that I’m not related to?

That’s a problem for tomorrow. It’s bad enough I need to message her now.

Me: Something came up. I’m going to be busy for the rest of the day.

A response comes two seconds later.

Dahlia: Ok.

Dahlia: Did you eat your breakfast?

No anger. No complaints. Just concern.

Me: Sure did. The smoothie was great. Thank you.

Dahlia: I enjoyed my breakfast too.

Now isn’t the time to play games with her. Pull off the bandage.

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