Page 81 of The Devil's Deceit
I’m about to leave when I spot a three-drawer filing cabinet to the right of a leather sofa. It wasn’t visible from my previous vantage point. I cross the room and pull on the firstdrawer. Locked. Great, now there’s a second key I need to find, or maybe the one key opens each lock. Here’s hoping.
I pull on the second drawer, expecting the same, but it opens. It’s completely empty. I close it and try the bottom one. That opens, too. Inside is a lever arch file, but there’s nothing in it. I’m about to close the drawer when a flash of white catches my eye. I drop to a crouch. Looks like a piece of paper has fallen down the back, possibly from the locked drawer.
My heart’s in my mouth as I reach inside and gently tug, taking care not to let it rip. Sure enough, an A4 piece of paper slides from between the backs of the drawers. It looks like the tail end of a letter, or an email, maybe.
—and in accordance with our findings. However, the requested changes have been made. I trust this meets with your approval and concludes our business.
Yours sincerely,
Thomas Bartholomew
Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions.
I read it once, twice, a third time, nausea curdling in my stomach. This is it. The evidence I needed to prove that Christian had the official report altered. Heisto blame for what happened, otherwise why would he bribe an official to bury the truth? Not that I have evidence of a bribe, but come on. Why else would a senior member of the Cabinet alter an official report? If I had to guess, I’d say Christian has something on this guy—something he’s determined to protect.
I’m still staring at the piece of paper when the door to Christian’s office bursts open and his younger brother Tobiasmarches in.
“Oh, hi, Grace.” He frowns. “What are you doing in here?”
Adrenaline shoots into my bloodstream. My fingers tighten on the piece of paper. The validation I need to prove what I’ve known all along. Come on, Grace, think.
“You’re just the man I need.” I fold the piece of paper and slide it into the back pocket of my jeans. “I want to get Christian a wedding gift, and I thought his office might give me some ideas.” Distract and divert. Keep going. “I saw him using a pen the other day, but it’s not here. I wanted to maybe get one inscribed with our wedding date, but I don’t want to choose the exact same one.”
His face smooths, and he grins. “Oh, his Freywille, which I annoy him by calling his Free Willy.”
A giggle bursts out of me, partly in relief I’ve safely stashed the evidence and partly because that’s fucking funny. “Oh, my God.”
“I know. I behave as though I’m eight most days, but life’s far more enjoyable like that, don’t you think? Adulting is for boring old farts.”
I don’t know Tobias at all well, and now I’m questioning why not. “So, can you help?”
“I’m sure I can. What’s your budget?”
I have not thought this through. My budget is nonexistent, and I’m sure this Freywille costs a lot more than your standard issue Bic pen. “Um, I don’t have a lot of money.”
He looks taken aback. “Of course, you do. Christian must’ve left you with a credit card. If he hasn’t, I will kick his backside on your behalf. Part of the deal was your financial security. If he’s?—”
“Oh, no, he did, but it doesn’t feel like a gift ifhe has to pay for it. I’d feel better if I can use my own bank account, even though there’s not much in there.”
“Hmm, a woman with morals and ethics. We’ll soon knock that out of you.” He laughs again. “Kidding. It’s admirable. Okay, something reasonably priced but meaningful.” He taps his forefinger against his bottom lip. “What about a leather notebook engraved with your names and wedding date?”
At this point, I’d agree to anything just to get out of here. The piece of paper feels like it’s burning a hole in my jeans. This is actually a great idea, though, especially as I’ll have to follow through. Of course, Christian will probably burn it when he finds out I’ve lied to him since the day we met. Not that I care. Now I know he’s guilty, I’m sure it’ll be a lot easier to get rid of this stupid crush of mine.
“I like it.”
He smiles. “I’m not just a pretty face.”
I smile, too. “Thanks for your help. I’ll leave you to it.” As I walk away, I keep my footsteps measured, even though I’m desperate to sprint across the office and escape with my contraband.
“Hey, Grace?”
My heart stutters to a halt. With one hand on the door, I glance over my shoulder. “Yeah?”
“I’m glad Christian married you. I know you both had your reasons, and they had nothing to do with love, but I have a feeling you’re exactly what my brother needs. One day, he’ll realize that, too.”
The only thing Christian will realize is that he was duped and lied to, and I’m sure that’s not what Tobias thinks he needs. I can’t let myself care, though. I finally found something we can use. Although I’m not sure yetthe best way to use it, but it makes seeing Juliet and Arron even more important.
“Thank you.” I escape through the door and sag against the cool mahogany, a river of relief running through me. So close. If Tobias had asked what the piece of paper was, or if he’d come in a little earlier and found me rifling through the drawers… I wouldn’t have known what to say.
