Page 47 of Pervade London
“I need to talk to him.”
“Ah, but he doesn’t want to talk with you.”
“I don’t believe that.”
James looked around at what had once been our home. “He used this as leverage.”
“What do you mean?”
“He warned me he would start a new life if I didn’t give him what he wanted. Xander can be very stubborn. You’re the collateral he used.”
“What are you talking about?”
“This was what he wanted all along—to come back on his terms.”
“No. He didn’t.”
“That money is a small sum to get you resituated. If you follow my instructions to the letter there will be more. A lot more.”
“I told you I don’t want it.”
“I’m willing to place three million pounds in a deposit box at Coutts.”
“Fuck you and your money.”
“You’ll change your mind.”
I pointed to the bag of cash. “I’m going to take this out back and burn it.”
“At least donate it. A lot of mouths can be fed with that.”
I stomped toward him. “If you don’t let me speak with Xander I’m calling the police.”
“That would be an unfortunate waste of time. Mine and theirs.” He moved closer. “Not to mention the punishment you’d earn from me, Emily Rampling.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “How did you find him?”
“You were Xander’s weak link.”
“How? I did everything he told me to.”
He gave a shake of his head. “I’m glad that’s not true. Or we wouldn’t have him back.”
I couldn’t see how this could be true. “What do you intend to do with him?”
“He merely works for us. And he’s well rewarded.”
“Please, let me see him.”
He reached out and tipped up my chin. “Be a good girl and stop asking questions. Let me get you to a hotel.”
I slapped his hand away.
“Cross me, Emily, and you’ll walk through hell.”
“I’ll keep going.”
“I’m fond of Churchill myself, but if you’re going to quote him at least have some grasp of what his job entailed.”
