Page 30 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“Long story.” I wave my hand in dismissal. “Don’t worry, he won’t have the money tonight. His daughter will be back on track tomorrow. I’m sure.”

“Good. The suspense is killing me.” He steps in for a hug. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Yes. And thanks for going above and beyond tonight.” I nod.

“No worries. Just here protecting our interests.” He turns to his wife. “Ready?”

“It was nice meeting you, Archer.” Luce waves. “Good luck.”

“Thanks.” Why does everyone keep saying that to me?

I wait until they leave, then turn to Gardenia. I need a minute to find my bearings. Talking to Paloma put me on edge. The marks on her arm look alarming. Were they really just accidental scratches? Could be. They were going in the wrong direction. I squeeze my eyes shut and swallow. She doesn’t strike me as someone who would harm herself.

And there were no signs of roping either. The marks didn’t go around her full wrist.

“Did you find anything on Hunter Du Pont?” I ask Gardenia.

“Who? The boyfriend? No. He’s literally at the bottom of my list of things to do.” She rolls her eyes. “What do you care if she has a boyfriend?”

“So you did look him up? Tell me what you know.”

“I did some light Googling. He’s rich and handsome. A good match for her. Maybe he’s giving her the money she needs tonight. Do you think?” She meets my gaze. “That’s why she didn’t show. He rescued her. That’s romantic.”

“Gardenia,” I warn her. “You’re trying my patience tonight.”

“Oh please. You were fine until you saw her hanging from that guy’s arm.” She scoffs. “Admit it, you’re jealous.”

“I’m not. I just need this plan to get back on track.” I inhale deeply to calm the fuck down. “I need to talk to the Senator and find out if Hunter bailed him out.”

“Okay.” She nods. “I’ll go mingle, I guess. Oh hey, do you want to dance?”

I turn to face her with my hand on the doorknob as I consider my options. “You know what? That’s a great idea.” I pull the door open. “After you.”

I make it as far as the bar before the senator’s bodyguard taps me on the shoulder. Gardenia looks at me with panic in her eyes. I shake my head once, silently telling her to stay calm. If the Senator figured out who I am or that we bugged his home, I’m prepared to face the consequences. Gardenia has explicit instructions to get out and leave me here. Fisher and Jacob are my backup. They will ensure she’s safe.

“The Senator would like a word in private, Mr. Archer.” The bodyguard motions toward the study.

“Of course.” I nod politely to the bodyguard before I turn to Gardenia. “Would you give us a minute, love?”

The fire in her eyes tells me she’s not leaving me alone with the Senator. But as soon as she opens her mouth, Fisher chimes in, “Gardenia, do as you’re told. Let Archer deal with the Senator.”

“Fine.” She grits her teeth. “I’ll go make sure we still have the winning bid for the pink diamond.”

“I’ll see you later.” I kiss her temple and turn to the bodyguard. “Lead the way.”

The bodyguard escorts me to the study. When I stroll in, he shuts the door behind me. The Senator has a drink in his hand, facing the fireplace. I glare at his frame and the slump of his shoulders. I’m very much looking forward to the day when this sorry excuse for a human being is on the ground, defeated and alone. The minute the Senator turns to face me, I realize I’m here because he needs a favor from me. My guess would be money. So that was his plan? Use his son’s birthday to hit Chuck’s friends for cash?

“Mr. Archer, so glad you could make it. I trust you’re enjoying yourself.” He gestures toward the bar cart. “Whiskey?”

“No, thank you.” I wave a hand in dismissal, then stuff them in the pockets of my trousers. “What can I do for you, Senator?”

“Do you have family, Mr. Archer?” he asks.

Fine. I decide to play along. “I do. They’re all back in the UK.”

“Family is everything, isn’t it? It’s important to understand where we came from.” He taps his index finger to his temple. “It keeps us grounded. Focused on the future. I would do anything for my family.”

“As would I.” I nod, then I see it—my grandparents smiling faces, looking down at me from the mantle.

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