Page 117 of Gem Warfare

“Did you choose this spot?”

“The city did after my representative paid.” Gideon gazed past me, then redirected his attention to me, a sad smile on his face. “It’s nice. Peaceful. I don’t think my father had a very peaceful life,” he said. “He reined in his tendencies while mymother was alive but once she was gone… well, he needed to fend for me. That’s what I told myself anyway.”

“There’re plenty of ways to do that without getting involved in a life of crime.”

“Guess he didn’t get the memo.” Gideon smiled now, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “It was good of you to come,” he said.

“I wanted to make sure he got a proper burial.”

His eyes sparkled. “You wanted to see ifIwould come.”

“That too.” We were silent and I was surprised he didn’t hit the road at knowing I’d anticipated his presence. “The Dugans sent the flowers.”

“Thoughtful of them.”

I nodded, unsurprised that he knew their name or that they now lived in his father’s brief home. “You took a risk coming here.”

“I suppose I did. Are you going to arrest me? Oh! Silly me. You can’t. You’re not a police officer.” He winked.

“No, I’m not.”

Gideon smiled this time, all the charm returning to his face. “I heard the ruby disappeared. It wasn’t me.”

“I know.”

“But I would’ve stolen it if I could.”

“You certainly tried. You also tried to make sure we were out of the way so you could.”

Gideon winced. “Sorry about that. I didn’t want you foiling my plans. Turned out it wasn’t you I should have been worried about.”

“You threatened my niece,” I hissed.

“A regrettable decision. I’m sure you know now that she wasn’t in any danger.”

“It doesn’t matter. You should have never threatened her at all.”

“Would an apology help?”

“No.”

“I’m not sticking around, just so you know.” Gideon thrust his hands into his chino pockets, looking relaxed as he leaned against the tree.

“I never thought you would. Too many rich women out there to swindle.”

“They secretly enjoy it.” Gideon grinned. “And I only take what they don’t need when I need an occasional side hustle. If I’d gotten that ruby, I would have packed it all in.”

“I doubt that.”

“Well, it’s a nice idea. Any idea where Cass Temple is?” He rubbed his head where she’d whacked him.

“None.”

“You might want to ask your friend, Special Agent Adam Maddox.”

“I know he’s on her tail.”

“Is it just that? Work?” Gideon smiled and I had the suspicious feeling he knew more than he was letting on. “He hasn’t told you all his secrets, has he? His and Cass Temple’s?”

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