Page 90 of Pervade London
This could work—us being civil and clearing the air, having a rational conversation even if James was using this place to intimidate me.
A window let in just enough light to throw shadows over the faces of these two gorgeous men. The mood was changing…sinister undertones bubbling to the surface.
I wondered if anyone had died in here.
James pushed to his feet. “I have shared something deeply personal with you, Em. A secret kept over centuries. I’m giving you the same chance to be honest.”
My mouth went dry with nervousness. “How do you mean?”
James patted the rack. “Let’s talk about the note.”
All the air left my lungs.
James motioned to the rack. “Or we can chat here, sweetheart.”
“You took me to number 10 Downing Street,” I said breathlessly. “I didn’t ask to go there.”
James lifted his hands, palms up, in a gesture that didn’t seem sincere. “To prove I trusted you to be reasonable.”
I reached behind me for the door handle.
“Don’t try it,” ordered James.
I licked my lips nervously, trying to swallow my panic. “I admit reporting Xavier missing at the police station was a mistake. I’m sorry.”
James gave me a severe look. “The inspector whispered something to you before we left. What was it?”
“I already told you…she told me I could return to the station if I wanted to talk with her.”
James came closer. “The truth.”
If I ran, I’d be confessing my guilt for hiding the truth of what the inspector really told me. If I ran, I’d never make it out.
I moved close to Xavier and wrapped my arms around him. “I don’t like this.”
He pressed his lips to my forehead. “You know how much I love you.”
James folded his arms across his chest. “Em, how was your trip to Great Missenden?”
Fear welled inside me. “You would have done the same.”
“I’m flattered you expressed such an interest in me to Xavier’s mum,” said Ballad. “Let that be the last time you use my name in public.”
The way Xavier’s expression filled with concern sent a slither of terror up my spine.
I let go of him and backed away. “I didn’t speak to anyone else.”
“That note,” asked James. “Who was it intended for?”
Xavier stepped toward me. “Just tell us, Em.”
“There was nothing about you in the note. I left it in the safety deposit box. I’m the only one with a key.”
I’d left it there in case something happened to me…
James forced a smile. “Actually, I have it here.”
My back hit the wall as I watched him unfold the note I’d left with the money in the safety deposit box.
