Page 59 of Doctor Grump

“That’s because you’re not really a Santorini, are you, sweetie?” She smirked mockingly.

“No, I’m not.” The truth didn’t hurt my feelings or offend me. “But I still don’t understand why you’re trying to kill me.”

“Ah yes, I haven’t explained that.” She snapped her fingers as if she had just remembered. “It isn’t personal, dear. You’re just in my way. The same way your dad was.”

“My dad?” I was confused again. “What does my dad have to do with anything?”

Bella rolled her eyes. “Jesus, are you really that dumb, or do you have to work at it? I don’t know how I tolerated you for so long.”

“I’m told that I’m infectiously likable,” I rebutted indignantly.

She huffed out a laugh. “Well, let me spell it out for you. Remember the lakehouse that Judith left for you as your inheritance?”

“Yes…”

“Well, it’s going to be mine soon.” She smiled evilly.

That was an unexpected statement. “Why do you want it? It’s worthless.”

“Except it’s not.” She tutted. “See, what Judith didn’t tell us was that her precious little lakehouse sits on a ground full of oil. The government offered her a lot of money for it, but she turned it down every time. I’m talking billions of dollars.”

The money was a surprise to me, but I still understood why Judith turned the offer down.

“They would demolish the place to get the oil,” I tried to explain to Bella. “Judith loved that lakehouse.”

“That’s not my problem,” Bella retorted. “Why on earth did the damn woman get so sentimental on her death bed, huh? It was too late by then. And then she had the nerve to not leave us anything in the will, especially after I went out of my way to befriend her. Nasty old hag. I’m glad she’s dead.”

“She left you her jewelry collection,” I said.

“Worth only a few thousand dollars. Who knew that one of the richest women in the country could be so damn cheap with accessories?” Bella shook her head. “So, what you’re going to do is, you’re going to sign over the lakehouse to me.”

I hesitated, my heart pounding loudly in my chest. “And what guarantee do I have that if I sign it over to you, you won’t kill me anyway?”

She smiled. “Nothing. But I do guarantee that if you don’t sign it, I’ll do something worse.” She gestured to the stairs with her gun.

I looked to the side and frowned, not seeing what she was pointing to at first.

But my heart dropped, and my breath caught when I finally saw it.

Partially concealed by the staircase was my mother, passed out on the floor.

24

IAN

Isaw the letter before anything else.

Piper had strategically placed it on the dresser vanity facing the doorway, ensuring it would be the first thing I saw when I walked into her room the next morning. I suppose it was considerate of her in a way. She probably did it so that I wouldn’t worry something had happened to her.

But it was hard to feel grateful for her consideration. As I read the contents of the letter, the overwhelming feeling was gloom.

Ian,

This isn’t working out, and we both know why. I think it’s time we end this charade of a relationship, and I have taken the liberty of moving out first. I’ll come back for the rest of my things later, and I’ll help you find a new nanny for Kendy. I already have someone in mind. She’s great, and Kendy will love her. In the meantime, this is goodbye. Take care of yourself.

Piper

The paper crinkled slightly in my hand, and it took me some time to realize that I was gripping it too tightly. I realized at the same time that my hand was also shaking. Emotions unlike anything I had ever felt poured out of me—so many that I couldn’t identify them all.

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