Page 150 of Stone

He gestured to the chair across the desk from his. “Take a seat.”

Without missing a beat, I sat, folded my hands in my lap while crossing my legs to one side, and waited.

“How are you?” he asked.

“Fine,” I clipped out. “I would be a darn sight better if you would give me back the daughter you stole from my womb years ago and allowed me to leave your sorry ass in the rearview, but we both know that won’t happen.” I smiled. “You?”

His eyes hardened. “Never known a woman as cold. It’s been like touching a block of ice all these years.” The corner of his mouth hitched. “I should’ve married Monica Barrington. At least she has a soul.”

His jibe was meant to cut and settle deep, but it was nothing to me. “For once, dear husband, we can one hundred percent agree.” I cocked an eyebrow. “Anything else? I find I’m suddenly famished.”

He jerked his chin toward the door.

I stood, smoothed down my tight skirt, and glided to the door.

“She’s been well looked after, Elise,” Robert called after me.

My steps faltered, but I didn’t turn around. I didn’t want the bastard to see how his words shredded me.

“I’ve kept my promise all these years,” he went on. “I kept her healthy and happy. I know you hate me for it, but I couldn’t raise her, not when she was his. In my own way, I loved you, Elise. I fell in love with you when you were just a young girl, and I waited. Then you chose him. I had to find a way, Elise. I had to keep you.”

I squeezed my eyes shut against the onslaught of emotions because it suddenly occurred to me that maybe he did love me once—as much as a psychopath could love anyone. It was a sick love, obsessive, and dark. But that was Robert Henderson all over, and one day, I swore it would be his downfall.

If he didn’t kill me first.

Approaching the door, I reached out to touch the handle when he said, “Just a piece of fruit, Elise. You’re getting fat. I’ll let the cook know to lower your calorie intake again.”

Rolling my eyes, I sailed through the door, thinking about how my next coffee shop visit would include a massive slice of cake and maybe a Danish. When I saw it, my steps faltered again.

The local newspaper rested on the side table, the front page showing a picture of Dave. My heart began to race, and with trembling fingers, I picked up the paper, and my hand flew to my mouth.

Dave smiled out at me, wearing a cop’s uniform. The photograph was obviously old and taken back when he was in the force, but I could clearly see it was my friend.

My eyes went to the headlines, screaming about how he’d been robbed at gunpoint. The police had the assailant in custody, and they’d closed the case.

My breath hitched at the same time the newspaper thwacked noisily onto the floor.

“Clumsy,” Robert cut out from behind.

I whirled around, eyes stricken.

“Everything okay?” he asked innocently, nodding to the newspaper. “Ahh yes, what a sad business. Decorated policeman and FBI agent. That’s the problem with law enforcement. They stick their noses in things they should leave alone, and it doesn’t end well for them. Seems he was using his position to search for his sister, who disappeared years ago. Such a shame how easily people,” he looked at me pointedly, “daughters, can disappear just like that.” He raised a hand to his ear and snapped his fingers.

All the warmth that Tucker left in my bones, the night before, drained away, leaving ice in its wake.

My eyes met Robert’s cold voids, and I clipped out, “Yes. Such a shame.” Then, turning on my heel, I glided over to the sweeping staircase and ascended them.

That day was a turning point for me because it was when I realized Robert knew that I knew. Funnily enough, he seemed to think I accepted it. He had all the power, and he knew it, so there wasn’t much need to hide his business dealings.

His complacency was the first mistake he made because, like I said…

I wouldnevergive up on my Constance.

Hoots and hollers went up, along with a loud roar ofcheers!And I wondered how somebody as fucked-up as Don ‘Bandit’ Stone could inspire such love and respect.

John had buried his dad earlier that day and thrown the party to end all parties back at the clubhouse.

It felt like the end of an era because that was precisely what it was.

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