Page 44 of Ruthless Legacy

“Whatever.” I pull out my phone. “I’ll let the cops handle it after I call the insurance company and a towing company.”

Finn steps between me and Pax, pushing my hand down before I can dial the number. “No you, don’t.”

“What do you mean, ‘no, I don’t?’ I can’t just leave the car on the side of the road, and I’m not letting Pax get away with this.”

“What I mean is, we’ve already had it towed to a garage.” He tips my chin up. “You’re okay? You weren’t in your car?”

“No, I haven’t driven my car all week.”

“Nobody’s seen you since Saturday afternoon, Pet. That’s why we were out here.”

“To do what?”

“Break into your room and look for clues.”

He’s dead ass, serious. He also looks worried. “I went out Saturday night and hung out at the beach yesterday. I’m literally just getting back on campus, Finn. But I stay out all the time. Why were you gonna break into my room this time? Or have you done it before?”

He lets out a shaky breath. “Because the last time you went missing, you were beaten unconscious and disappeared for three weeks.”

My snarky retort dies on my lips. “You guys thought I was somewhere hurt?” My gaze slides to Pax’s. Okay, I can see Holden and Finn being worried. They at least like me a little, but not him. He’s probably just here to bitch at me.

I give Finn and Holden a reassuring smile. “I’m good. Thank you for checking on me and having my car towed. What garage is it at?”

Pax stomps to the door, yanking it open. “We’ll let you know.”

After a few more minutes of insisting that I’m okay, Holden and Finn leave. I close and lock my door, then check to make sure nothing’s been tampered with. They said the plan was to break in. That doesn’t mean they weren’t already inside.

Nothing is missing or looks out of place. I’m not sure I believe Pax didn’t fuck with my car as payback, but I won’t let this encounter or news ruin my mood. Tomorrow I’ll get the name and number for the garage, and call the insurance company to submit a claim.

Today I have plans. I run through the shower and head right back out for my coffee date with LJ.

* * *

Pax

Getting an invitation to my grandfather’s home is less stressful than getting summoned to my own. For one, there’s always food and drinks involved, and two, my grandmother actually runs the house.

Don’t for one-second think that means my grandfather is easy or a push over away from his other council members or employees. He’s ruthless in and out of The Tomb and boardroom. He’s been doing this a long time and has perfected his attacks. Grandfather disarms people with his charm and kindness. His smile hides the bite you never see coming.

My grandparents’ maid, the one who’s worked here forever, opens the door with a smile. Hers is genuine. She’s actually happy to see me. I have some great memories of me and my cousins running around here while the adults did whatever boring adult things they were doing.

Now, I know it was pretentious friendships to disguise business dealings and league business. Those dinners and parties still go on, but now I’m a part of them. Sometimes, I miss those simpler days.

My grandfather is in his smoking room, my grandmother is nowhere to be seen. He sees me looking around and nods. “She’s out. Upset that she wouldn’t be here to see you, but sends her regards.”

Coming out of anyone else’s mouth that would sound trite and disingenuous. But knowing my grandmother, she sent regards, and probably a few choice words, about me not coming to visit.

“She’ll be awaiting your call to schedule a visit.”

Called it.

My grandfather points to the bar cart, and I walk over, fixing us both a drink. I know exactly how he likes it, having perfected making it when I was twelve. He accepts his glass with a curt nod and sips. I watch as he closes his eyes, savoring the taste. But then, why wouldn’t he close his eyes? I’m no threat to him. Not here in his home, wired in every room with cameras. He keeps them off in the family spaces, but he uses this room to conduct meetings and to relax. It’s a toss up on what category today’s visit falls under.

He presses a button on the underside of the coffee table closest to him. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the camera light go off. So this is a friendly chat. I don’t know if that makes me happy or more worried than when I walked in.

“How is school?”

“It’s fine. We have a few new teachers on campus this semester and it’s been a bit of an adjustment to the students. A few have had difficulties getting acclimated to their teaching styles.”

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