Page 81 of Conflicted Lies

Anya shrugs. “Why? Killing pays more.”

I try not to laugh, but then I sober when my father turns before closing the door and says, “Hope, stop talking to that detective. I mean it.” And then he closes the door behind them.

My heart drops, and all of my fluttery excitement is short-lived as another burden weighs on me.

Braxton.

He’s either a liability or the love of my life.

How could someone in his position ever love a monster like me?

But deep down, I hope there’s a sliver of a chance that he can embrace and accept me.

Even without my father’s warnings, I know that’s a pipe dream.

My back hits the door, and I slide down to the floor, running my filthy hands through my hair, as I once again conclude the only ending we’ll ever have…is with his death.

So how do I kill the only man I’ve ever loved?

Maybe the “how” no longer matters. This is all about self-preservation, so the only factor I need to focus on now…iswhen.

CHAPTER40

Braxton

Isit in my car, waiting and watching as the Ivanov twins leave. Hope doesn’t go with them. I want to know why they showed up. I know they’re family, but why did both of them come to visit her? I can’t help but think it’ll always be something sinister with the likes of people like them.

She seemed surprised when they arrived. I’m certain it won’t be long before I receive a visit of my own. When Alek spots my car, I decide going back up to see his daughter is not the wisest decision. But I can’t help smirking as I put my sunglasses on. It satisfies me to see his gaze narrow on me. If anything, I find it flattering that he sees me as a threat. As he should.

I see him as one as well, but for an entirely different reason than we’re on opposite sides of the law. No, I know for certain Alek Ivanov will do anything in his power to keep Hope and me apart. Too bad for him I’m so hooked on his daughter that I can’t seem to set myself free. Looks like he’ll literally have to pry Hope from my cold, dead hands.

I decide being alone isn’t the best thing for me right now, so instead of going home, I head to the precinct.

Heidi greets me as I walk in, and when I enter the bullpen, I see Lucas hunched over his desk. He hasn’t slept since Kylie was murdered, and although he was removed from the case, he’s still been working on it tirelessly. I’ve been trying my best to avoid his questions about the investigation as best as I can.

“Braxton!” He perks up when he sees me. “There’s something I want you to go over.”

I sigh as I sit on the edge of his desk. “You know you shouldn’t be working on this,” I say under my breath. “If the chief finds out, you’re fucked. You need some rest, Lucas.” He looks worse than me.

“I know. I know. But I found something,” he tells me. “You know how Hope Ivanov came to the funeral?”

I narrow my eyes on his screen as he begins opening files. “So, obviously, they went to art shows together, but I wonder if your involvement was a catalyst for my sister’s death.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, think of the two people who were at recent events with her. Hope Ivanov and Candice, her agent,” he says rapidly. “The week before she was murdered, my sister had a falling out with both.”

My eyebrows dip as he brings up two screens and begins scrolling. He’s brought up text messages. He’s grasping at straws, and I don’t know how to gently tell him that.

“See? Look here. Kylie texted Hope Ivanov and said,‘Now I understand how you climbed the art world so quickly. It’s all because of your mother.’And Hope replied with,‘Who’s number is this?’An hour later, Candice messaged Kylie, saying she might have to let her go because her work hadn’t been selling as well, and their contract was due to end. What if they’re involved in this together?” His eyes shine with excitement. “Hope obviously told Candice to get rid of her.”

Others are looking our way, and I dip my head to quietly speak with him. “Lucas, I know this is hard for you, and I’m not discrediting that there may be some connection, but this is not enough to indicate they were involved with the murder. If anything, wouldn’t it be the other way around?”

“I’m telling you, I know she’s a part of this. She has to be. It’s so obvious,” he insists. I pity Lucas. This is not enough evidence. If anything, it’s going to get him a temporary dismissal, which he should already be on.

I sigh, knowing what I have to do. He’s going off the rails. Hunting for his sister’s killer is driving him mad. “Hope Ivanov had an alibi that night. She was with Ivy Walker,” I gently remind him.

“It’s all a lie! Of course, they’re going to have each other’s backs. They’re just pompous little bitches who cover for each other!” he yells. I jump to my feet, then grab the collar of his shirt, fisting it. I bite my lip as the words I want to freely say need to be held back.You don’t speak about her that way.

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