Page 29 of Ruthless Vengeance
I lean back against the cold leather of the booth, my arms crossed tightly over my chest as I try to think of what to do.
I wish I could just take Clara’s word for it, but the timing of Ben’s appearance doesn’t add up. It’s too much of a coincidence for me to ignore.
“What do you suggest I do? Just wait and pretend like nothing ever happened?”
Andre shakes his head. “I think you should look into Clara’s past. If she’s telling the truth, it won’t be hard to prove. And if she really hasn’t had contact with Ben for years, you’ll find out.”
“And if she has?” I grit my teeth, a dull ache starting to settle in my stomach as I think about losing Clara.
“Then you’ll know.”
Before I can talk myself out of it, I pull out my phone and dial Liam’s number. I might have already had him conduct a background search on Clara after that first night in the hotel, but it’s clear that he didn’t dig deep enough.
This time, I’m not going to make the same mistake.
The line connects.
“More work already? You’re keeping me busy, boss.”
“I want everything you can find on Clara Peterson. Every phone record, financial transaction, family visit, the lot. But most importantly, I want to know the last time she spoke to her brother.”
Andre catches my eye from across the table and dips his chin.
Liam whistles low. “Damn, Marco. You’re diggingdeepthis time, huh?” He chuckles.
I don’t respond. I don’t need to.
“All right. Give me some time.”
I end the call before slipping the phone back into my pocket.
“Well, we might as well drink while you wait.” Andre signals to the waitress once more.
The moment another glass of whisky is set down in front of me, I take it and toss back half in one swallow.
Andre studies me for a second before leaning forward. “So, there’s something else I wanted to tell you.”
I lift an eyebrow. “Yeah?”
Andre takes another sip of his whisky before smirking slightly. “Lila’s pregnant.”
The tension in my chest eases just a little, and despite everything, I find myself smiling. “Well, shit. Congratulations.”
Andre grins. “Figured it would happen sooner or later.”
“Good to know you can still get it up, even at your old age.”
“Fuck off. I can get it up just fine. I mean, have you seen my wife?”
“I’d rather not comment.” I take another sip of my drink.
“I hope it’s a boy this time.” Andre smiles. “We’re already significantly outnumbered.”
“That we are.” I sigh as I think of Clara and Zoe. “I can’t believe you’re having another kid. It seems like yesterday you and Lila just met.”
Andre looks down at his drink. “I know, it’s going so fast.”
“I could see myself having another kid.” I run a hand over my jaw. “At least, Icouldhave before all this shit happened.”
