Page 70 of Pervade London
“I’m a friend of your son.”
“You are?”
“He told me about this place.”
She had his intelligent eyes, the way they assessed a situation before lighting up when he smiled…just as she was doing now. Disarming, but I suppose that was the point.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call first.”
“That would have been wise.” Her accent sounded Norwegian.
I pointed to the treehouse. “He told me he used to play in there.”
“Yes, what can I do for you?”
“I was wondering if you’ve heard from him recently.”
“Didn’t catch your name?” She pulled off her gardening gloves and threw them on the grass.
“Emily.” Not calling him Xander was a challenge, but I didn’t want to freak her out by using the wrong name.
“Our family is very private, Ms…”
“Rampling.” I gave her a kind smile. “Did he tell you about me?”
Her expression made my gut tighten with doubt.
“Where do you live?” she asked.
“London. I took the train down.”
“It’s my recommendation you take the train back immediately.”
“Just tell me if you’ve heard from him. Tell me he’s…”Don’t scare her.
“How do you know him?”
“Did he ever talk to you about his work?”
She scratched her jaw as though needing time to think it through. “My son’s not here.”
“Will you ask him to call me next time you speak with him?”
“Why have you not addressed my son by his name?”
Shit.
“Sweet girl, he obviously wants nothing more to do with you.”
I waited for her to deliver another scathing strike, but she didn’t.
“We live together,” I said.
She frowned, as though this was news to her. “Evidently my son has his reasons for saying goodbye to you.”
“He didn’t say much about you either.”
“Do you see what’s missing?”
