Page 70 of High Roller

“Would it be possible for me to get some sunshine?” she asks, standing with her feet planted.

I shake my head. “No can do, Spitfire.”

“I’m going crazy, Victor. I take a walk in my neighborhood every morning to get my brain working. Being outdoors is important to my mental health.”

It’s clear she’s being honest, but I can’t risk it with Phineas out there looking for her.

“I’ll try to figure something out.” And I will. I just have to sort out how to make it happen.

She nods and goes into the room, apparently satisfied with my response.

When I get back to my office, I call Zara who answers right away. “I’m still in the restaurant if you want me to come talk to you.”

“I’m in my office,” I say, ending the call without a goodbye.

A few minutes later, she knocks on my door. “Victor, you’ve made quite a mess.”

“Hush. I don’t need shit from you. I’m getting enough from your husband and the others.”

“With good reason. What on earth possessed you?”

“A lunatic trying to hurt you and the others?” I say with a raised eyebrow. “Or have you forgotten being kidnapped by Pratchett?”

Zara shudders and I know I’ve hit a nerve. I imagine her kidnapping is an experience she won’t soon forget.

“Tell me what Lili said,” I demand, as Zara sits in the chair in front of my desk.

“She gave me some names to look into and said he is most likely arranging things through one of the brothel owners outside of town.”

“That’s good. What else?”

“She tells me that Phineas may kill her if she has to go back to him. I think after all you’ve put her through, you owe it to her to make sure that bastard is in a body bag before you set her free.”

“What makes you think I’m setting her free?”

Zara gasps. “You can’t seriously be considering killing her. I won’t help you for another second if that’s what you’re planning.”

She stands and I jump up to stop her. “Relax. That was a joke.”

“And it was in poor taste. You should be ashamed.”

“I’m sorry. You’re right. We have no intention of killing Lili.”

Lili’s husband is another matter, but it sounds like Zara has no problem with me putting two in the back of Phineas Draven’s head. Not that I blame her after what she went through at the hands of Chuck Pratchett—who was undoubtedly working for Draven. If I get my way, though, Phineas won’t get off as easily as a quick death. That man deserves to suffer for what he’s done not only to Lili, but to my family.

“I thank you for taking the time today, Zara.”

She smiles. “You’re welcome. I want this to end as quickly as you do. But I think you’re going to have the most luck getting Grace to talk to her again. Lili seems sweet on the girl, and I could tell from my visit with Grace last night that she has feelings for Lili too.”

“Feelings?”

“I can’t say if they are romantic or not, but they’ve definitely developed some kind of bond.”

My phone beeps, and I pick it up. A text from one of the guards is waiting for me with a picture of a black SUV and its license plate.

“Stay put,” I tell Zara as I lift the phone to my ear and call Owen.

I tell him about the car and send over the picture.

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