Page 100 of Wicked Games (Fallen Royals 2)

“You were a public defender. And soon after that case, you left that office to come here.” I point to the framed newspaper clipping on the wall. “And you were made a partner in just two years? That’s a little fast, isn’t it?”

His face slowly turns red. “It’s time for you to leave.”

Riley takes my hand and squeezes. “We’re going. Thanks for speaking with us.”

He doesn’t answer. His eyes follow us to the door, which Riley yanks open. We get the hell out of dodge, not speaking until we’re on the street.

Free and clear.

“That didn’t answer anything,” I say. “He didn’t give up any information about how he knew Caleb, or why he was afraid, or what happened with Dad’s case.”

“Except maybe…” Riley bites her lip. “I think it does prove something. It proves that he’s involved. And not in a good way.”

Everything feels hopeless.

“Margo…”

I meet her eyes.

“I think you need to talk to your dad.”

24

Margo

Past

“Ready to go, kid?”

I raised my arms in the air, and Dad obliged me. He scooped me up, up up, placing me on his shoulders. Mom said I was getting too big and I was going to break Dad’s back one of these days. He told me to ignore her.

I was still his little girl. Always would be.

We approached the door, and I ducked, curling myself around his head. He tickled my foot, and I giggled into his hair. He carried me out of the school, past all the other kids waiting for the bus.

I loved days Dad picked me up. It meant Mom was out, either with friends or on a supply run for Caleb’s house. He put me down beside his car, ruffling my hair. I fought the impulse to hug him before he helped me into the backseat and buckled me in.

“Pizza?” he asked.

“Duh,” I answered.

“Are you okay with Caleb joining us for dinner? His parents are having a party.”

“Is that where Mommy is?”

He met my gaze in the mirror. “Yeah, she’s catering it. It’s gonna be a late night.”

I sighed, tipping my head back. We grabbed the pizza and headed home, and I ran into my room to change out of the uniform. The front door opened and shut. Dad’s and Caleb’s voices drifted down the hall toward me.

It wasn’t often that I was tempted to eavesdrop—barring that one time last week with Mrs. Asher and the mystery man—but any conversation between Dad and Caleb was worth its weight in gold.

Caleb idolized my dad. I didn’t know why, and deep down, it irked me. He was my dad. Caleb had his own. But he was always asking him questions, hanging around when Mom wasn’t here. He didn’t like to be in our apartment if my mom was home, although I never asked why.

“Where’s Margo?” Caleb asked.

“Getting changed,” Dad said. “How was school?”

“Fine. I caught Amelie and Ian kissing in the hallway. They both paid me five bucks to keep my mouth shut.”

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