Page 61 of Gilded Saint

Whoa. Not the expected response. “How?”

“Knife wounds. Scotland Yard has the case.”

“Where?”

“A back alley near the club.”

“I asked him to get the security footage from that night. Has to be related.”

Shit. I threatened him with his life if he didn’t get answers.

Nick’s head hits the back of the sofa. “I’ve got a man who will give us everything they learn.”

The syndicate owns quite a few, so I trust he’s right.

“Doctor said Lina was drugged. Alcohol level nonexistent and no cocaine.”

“Someone targeted her. It’s the only answer, given I was followed.”

“Or someone targeted you.” He rubs a hand over his face as if he’s attempting to wake himself up.

“You think they drugged Lina, expecting me to show up?”

“It’s possible. Think about it. I’m out of town. You’re my best mate. Who else am I going to call?”

“You employ a security squad. That’d be something else to assume I’d be the one you would call.” It’s hard to imagine anyone knowing Nick that well.

“Leandro Massimo is currently MIA.”

“He doesn’t have the intel or the intelligence to concoct that kind of plan.”

Nick moves his jaw around, stretching it, then stretches each of his hands. I can’t tell if he agrees with me. Hell, what do I know about Leandro’s skills?

“How’s she doing?” Nick gestures with his head in the general direction of the living area.

“She’s been fine. Didn’t fight me on staying until you arrived.” I mentally prepared for a brawl, but she’s been a polite guest and cool with Willow.

“Not Lina. I just shared her medical report with you. The wife. How’s she?”

“Good.”

I don’t appreciate his knowing smirk. But before I can derive a response, he pushes up off the sofa and exits the office.

“Let’s go, little sister. I’m tired.”

“You can stay at my flat for the night if you like,” she offers.

“We’re not staying there.”

“Don’t tell me you want to go back to Cumbria.”

“Up.” He snaps his fingers. “Let’s go.”

“But I promised I’d take Willow to lunch tomorrow. And we’re going shopping. There’s a sale at Harrod’s.”

Lina is not a friend I would choose for Willow. Or anyone I cared about. But that’s something I’ll deal with later.

“Dante was found stabbed to death outside the club,” Nick announces.

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