Page 51 of Shadow Scorching

“What about meeting at a hotel? There are some lovely five-star hotels nearby. That way our first touch would have so many special memories.”

Dante almost snorted, but caught himself. Carson flashed me a look that said he was repressing a laugh, and Orik facepalmed. Sophia waved at them to shut up, but even she had a grin on her face that told me I was sounding like a bad Hallmark Christmas movie.

Penn, on the other had, suddenly raised her hand, looking alarmed.

But Jet didn’t seem to like the idea. “I’d rather see you in your natural environment—surrounded by the things you love,” he said.

Penn scribbled something down on a piece of paper and handed it to me. It read:He’s dangerous. Very dangerous. I could feel the shift there, and he’s out for more than your money.

I had also caught the shift in mood. “Well, we can discuss this tomorrow.”

There was a pause, then Jet said, “I suppose, though I’m so disappointed not to see you. Oh, and love, if you could transfer me the funds for that fee, I can get that taken care of and then we’ll never have to worry about money again. We can also talk about investing some of your money. It’s easy and you’ll quadruple your investment. I guarantee it.”

I decided to throw a monkey wrench in the business. “I’ll give you the check for your fees when we meet, my love.”

That didn’t go over well. “Oh, I forgot to tell you, a check won’t work. I can’t cash it. I’ll need cash, or you could transfer it to me in bitcoin.”

“I have to go, my love. I know what bitcoin is. Text me your bitcoin wallet number, and I’ll see what I can do.” I wanted to see how desperate he was. If we could get his bitcoin wallet information, we could go to the authorities and have them shut his wallet down. They could then investigate for other victims.

Once again, he deflected the suggestion. “Instead of that, what about if you buy bitcoin and you can give me the transaction number?”

I laughed. “Oh, that’s just too complicated. I guess maybe we’ll have to wait.”

I was fishing for as much information as I could. I wanted to get something on him that we could use as concrete proof tying him to financial scams.

He didn’t answer at first, but then he said, “Estelle, tell me something. Do you live in the Seattle area?”

That surprised me. “Yes, why?”

“I was…checking on something…never mind.”

Penn handed me another note.He’s trying to find your address online. He can’t because your fake persona doesn’t exist.

I read it, then showed it to the others. “Well, my love, I have to go. I have an appointment that I have to make.”

“Wait!” He practically yelped. “We haven’t straightened out the money for the fees!”

“I know, but you didn’t want to meet me at a hotel, and I’m not ready to have you visit my home yet?—”

“Don’t youtrustme?” The pain in his voice could have won him an Oscar. “I’m so hurt. You wound my heart.”

By now, I wanted off the call. The pressure was mounting, and even though this was all a setup, I was beginning to feel backed into a corner. No wonder Tilly had caved—the man was relentless, and he wasn’t above using guilt as a weapon.

“Don’t say that,” I said. I decided to push back a little. “If you don’t understand why a single woman doesn’t want to invite a stranger into her house until she’s met him, I’m not sure…” I let the words drift. Let him think his meal ticket was walking away.

Jet let out a sigh. “That you don’t trust me makes me so sad. But I honor your request. We can meet at a hotel. I just feel awkward because I can’t pay for it—given my unfortunate circumstances right now. I don’t like letting my love pay my way. I’m an old-fashioned gentleman.” Then, without a blink, he abruptly switched tunes. “If you could remember to bring cash for my fees, that would be wonderful. You know I’ll pay you back.”

“I’ll text you the place and time,” I said. “Thank you for understanding. I’ll talk to you later, my sweet.” I hung up before he could say another word.

“Are you all right?” Penn asked.

“I need some air,” I said. “Now!I feel like I’ve been browbeaten.” Truth was, the gaslighting and pressure made my inner demon rear up. She wanted to go on the hunt, to beat the crap out of him.

Standing, I headed out to the front of the office, then out the door and quickly dashed down the staircase. When I said I needed air, I meant it. As I exited the building, the cold pierced my lungs and cleared my head, cleansing the anger that had built up.

Two benches sat below the overhang that led to the foyer, and I sat down on the one that seemed the driest. I leaned forward, elbows on my knees, breathing.

A moment later, Dante and Penn appeared. They sat on either side of me.

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