Page 87 of Wicked Games (Fallen Royals 2)

Her footsteps came closer and closer to Caleb’s room, slowing down. She was visible through the crack between the door and the wall. She paused, taking a step into the room and vanishing from my sight. Any second, the door would fly closed and my hiding spot would be revealed.

“Mom?” Caleb called.

Mrs. Asher retreated into the hallway. “Ah, there you are. Where have you been lurking?”

“I was getting a snack. Amberly said it was okay.”

Lydia hummed at the mention of my mom. “Fine.”

“Nice to see you, kid,” the man said.

He flashed by the crack in the door as he walked past Lydia. His footsteps hammered down the stairs. And then he was gone, and Lydia was retreating, too.

Caleb walked into the room and swung his door shut. He stared at me, frowning. “What are you doing?”

Fear wrapped around my throat. “Shh!”

“Were you hiding from Mom?”

“No!” My first lie.

* * *

Present

“Parker, Wheeler, and Smith. How can I help you?”

“Can I speak with Mr. Rodrigues?” I twirl a piece of my hair in an effort to keep calm.

“Are you a client?”

“It’s regarding an old case,” I say.

Riley sits across from me, her eyes wide.

“Name?”

“Margo—er, Appleton.”

Riley hits me with the back of her hand. “Hey!”

“Sorry,” I mutter.

“Hold, please,” the receptionist says. There’s a click, then classical music fills my ears.

“She put me on hold,” I relay.

“Naturally.”

The music cuts out, and the receptionist says, “I’m transferring you over to Mr. Rodrigues’s line now.”

“Thanks—”

A click, and then more ringing.

“Tobias Rodrigues. How can I help you, Ms. Appleton?” He sounds old, snappy. He probably doesn’t have too many years before retirement, and he’s ready to make the most out of every minute.

That, and this phone call isn’t billable.

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