Page 117 of A Taste like Sin
“Our blessing?” As I speak, my thoughts clear and I’m finally able to put a name to the face.Kyle
Harrison.
“The chief’s son,” Julio says with a familiarity that makes me suspect he’s delved into the man’s
background more than I can imagine. “Political aspirations have shaped that boy since his days in
prep school. Judging from your expression, I doubt your family has thrown their weight behind his
endorsement, however.”
“No,” I croak. “I never gave him an answer.”
“It seems they took that as confirmation,” he says as the news coverage cuts back to the anchors
seated in a newsroom. “Should I look into it?”
“Yes,” I say without thinking through the consequences—such as potentially involving Damien even
further into my life. “Something feels…wrong.”
“Sí.” He nods. “I’m on it.”
He heads for the door, but I follow him.
“One other thing?”
“¿Sí?”
“Damien… Did he ever look into my case, truly? Or was it all just a lie?” My brain jumps to a
terrifying conclusion before I can help it. “What if he knew Simon’s true identity all along? Birds of a
feather…”
“I admit that I am not sure,” Julio says. “If he was involved, he did not utilize my skills.”
“And if I wanted to confront him?” I ask, jutting my chin into the air. “Would you take me there?”
He frowns, seeming to mull it over. “Considering that I have pledged to be of use to you, it seems I
wouldn’t be able to refuse.”
“Good.” I start forward to the door. Paces away, I turn and sit on the couch instead. “Then keep him
away from me. And keep me away from him.”
DAMIEN PROMISED ME THAT ALL OF HIS RESOURCES WOULD BE AT MY DISPOSAL TO AID IN HUNTING
down Simon’s true identity. Now? I have only my phone, a paper towel serving as a makeshift
notepad, and a pen sporting the logo of a hotel I found on the coffee table.
My scribbled notes are scattered—just pieces of information I subconsciously know I have no hope
of piecing together on my own. Still, I force myself to put them into perspective.
Simon has been dead for four years according to my father.
