Page 149 of Simon Says

“I don’t know what to tell you, damn it! Yes, Marvin is a lunatic. I told Dakota that. I told her that when she was a kid and wanted to run away with him.”

“Did he kill Dakota’s mother?”

Genuine shock left Barnaby’s expression blank. “What?No.”

“You’re sure about that?”

Barnaby sucked in a deep breath—but he deflated just as quickly. Putting a hand to his head, he said, “God, I don’t know. Marvin has hinted…He’s capable of such a thing, I’m sure of that. And he was there at the time. But Joan fell down the outside stairs.”

“Dakota was pushed down stairs.”

His mouth opened and closed until he scowled angrily. “If Marvin had anything to do with it, I didn’t know. Idon’tknow.”

“But it’s possible?”

“Anything’s possible.” Barnaby rubbed the bridge of his nose and gave an odd, disgust-filled laugh. “The oddest things inspire Marvin. He told me many times that Joan’s death was a stroke of luck.”

Thank God Dakota wasn’t here to hear that sentiment. Simon could only imagine how she’d react. “How so?”

“I owed him money, he was threatening me, threatening everyone. After Joan’s death, I got her life insurance and paid him off.”

“And you owe him money again now.”

“No.”Barnaby glared at him. “I’m not a fool. I want nothing to do with him. Unfortunately, he knows things about me, about my past.”

“Barnaby, Barnaby.” Simon clenched his wrist a little tighter. “How bad have you been?”

“It’s not like that! I’m not Marvin. I hustled a little, I admit it. I gambled and lost. I ran some scams. But I’m not in Marvin’s league.” He tugged on his wrist, but gave up on that when Simon just increased the pressure, making him wince. “Now Marvin is squeezing me for money. I only want to live my life and be left alone.”

“The way you’ve left Dakota alone?”

“Why shouldn’t I have involved her? This is all her fault anyway! If she hadn’t brought that goddamned Marvin Dream around, he’d never have recognized me, and we wouldn’t be going through this now.”

Feeling ten times the fool, Simon considered all the options, but it wasn’t easy. His calm demeanor was a ruse; he was in such a killing rage, he wouldn’t trust himself to get in the ring with anyone.

He wanted to see Dakota.

And he would. Right now. The sooner, the better.

“This is what’s going to happen, Barnaby, and I suggest you pay close attention.” Simon let him go, but warned, “Fuck it up and I can promise you won’t be happy.”

With his face twisted in impotent anger, Barnaby rubbed his wrist.

“I want you to get hold of Marvin. Tell that cowardly prick that you want to meet with him here tomorrow at noon.” Simon would be there, waiting for him. And he’d make sure that Marvin understood a few things.

“With what excuse?”

“I don’t care. Tell him whatever you have to, but get him here, Barnaby.”

“You’re insane.”

“No, but I am going to end this farce.” He had to. Even now, knowing Dakota had lied to him, deceived him, he wanted to make sure she was safe. That meant he had to talk to Marvin before the police got hold of him. If Marvin managed to sidle out of this one, if he had alibis as Dakota feared, she might never have a chance to erase Marvin and his stamp of fear from her life. As added insurance, Simon explained, “After I have a little chat with him, I’m going to see the police and when they ask you questions, you will answer them.”

Horrified by that prospect, Barnaby pressed back in his seat. “I can’t.”

“Wanna bet?”

“I could lose everything!”

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