Page 17 of Deadly Lineage
Alexandra’s head snapped up, her eyes wide, her expression confused. “I understand why Daddy might say that, but why you?”
Theodore thundered and I figured if he’d had a corporeal body, he’d be ripping his hair out by now.
I stepped forward and clasped Alexandra’s fingers. As far as I was concerned, what she’d just said activated the escape clause I put into every contract. I had a very real feeling that Alexandra’s life was in danger.
“I’m getting ready to break my confidentiality agreement with Bartholomew Livingston. He signed the same paperwork you did. Do you remember the one instance in which I might break my word?”
Alexandra’s eyes scrunched before they widened with understanding. “Bart’s committed a crime?”
“Probably several, but those aren’t what I’m worried about. It’s the one I think he’s plotting that allows me to tell you what happened. I think you understand, deep down in here.” I poked a finger against Alexandra’s chest, right over her thumping heart. “That’s why you wanted me to contact your dad. You didn’t want to believe what your instincts were warning you against.”
A tear slipped down Alexandra’s cheek. “I love Bart, but he’s changed. Ever since his grandfather died, he’s been different.”
I nodded. “He’s different because he’s broke.”
“What?” Alexandra sounded genuinely shocked.
“Antony left them nothing,” Theodore answered proudly. “He told me he did not trust his grandchildren, especially Bart. He was concerned what his fortune might do in their hands.”
“Antony didn’t leave his grandchildren anything? But that can’t be right.” Alexandra sounded more confused than scandalized. “He told me his grandfather left them everything, he…”
“He lied,” I filled in the obvious ending.
“But why? Daddy was more than generous with me and Mom. I’ve got enough to keep us comfortable. I don’t care about Bart’s money.” Alexandra stared at me as if I knew the answer. I could hazard a guess, but turns out, I didn’t have to. Theodore knew.
“Because you would not allow Bart to use your money for nefarious dealings.”
“W-what kind of dealings?”
I had some inkling. So did Theodore. “Antony didn’t get into specifics. I’m not even certain Antony knew. He had his suspicions, and they were enough to remove his grandchildren from his will.”
Alexandra took a deep, calming breath. “What did Bart ask of you, Mr. Boone?”
“The same as you, only for completely different reasons. He and his siblings asked me to bring Antony’s soul back. While it sounds like Antony left them out of the will, Bart figured out that monetary objects were missing. Most likely, Antony didn’t put it past his grandchildren to steal from the true inheritors. Bart wanted to know where the missing loot was.”
Theodore cursed. Alexandra didn’t bat an eyelash.
“Did you tell them?” Theodore asked, anger suffusing his soul.
I shook my head, a happy grin lighting up my face. “I did not.” Holding onto Theodore’s soul was beginning to take a toll. Easing toward a long, stone coffin, I plopped down on top of the lid. “I know where it is, but I didn’t see a reason to tell Antony’s greedy grandkids. I learned all I needed from Antony’s soul and shared his concerns. That money is better off where Antony stashed it.” I’d never been more certain of a decision in my life. The only problem was that keeping the fortune from Bart very likely placed Alexandra’s life in danger.
A wave of pleased satisfaction slammed into me. Theodore was near giddy with my decision and said, “That is as it should be.”
Following my action, Alexandra joined me on top of her relative’s ancient casket. The stone was cool and the dampness seeped into my cargo shorts. The drain on my energy was enough to initiate a headache. Reaching into one of my many pockets, I fingered the pain charm Pops sent me. It wouldn’t take much to activate it. As soon as I released Theodore’s soul, I planned on lighting the charm up.
“The elopement and the life insurance policy. I had a feeling…” Alexandra’s shoulders sagged. “He’s just been acting so different, almost desperate.”
“Did you sign anything?” Theodore asked.
“No, not yet. Bart sounded so convincing, and his reasons were sound too. But there was something that seemed off, something that just didn’t sit right with me.”
“You’ve got good instincts,” I said. “A lot of people do, but they fail to follow them. You listened, and that probably saved your life.” I wasn’t sure Alexandra was completely out of the woods yet. My fingers itched to pull out my phone and dial Detective O’Hare’s number.
Alexandra let loose a choking laugh that morphed into a sob. “Cold comfort,” she mumbled, nose stuffy.
I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and pulled her against me. We were both hot and sweaty, but I figured she could use the comfort. Pangs of regret wafted off Theodore’s spirit. He desperately wanted to be the one offering the physical comfort. Even if he’d had a body, though, I doubted Alexandra would have wanted his decaying arms around her. Then again, who was I to say?
Energy waning, I asked, “Is there anything else you’d like to say to your father?”
