Page 73 of Twisted Lies

Claire jumps into the room like a child. “Come on. We’re celebrating.”

“What are we celebrating?” Elijah asks, flipping through pages.

“Pick something. Your marriage. Being home. Everything in between. Come on, planning to take over the universe can wait.”

Holding out my hand, Elijah takes it and lifts it to his lips, placing a kiss on my knuckles. Claire is a kid in a candy store as we race to the car. She and Alex get into the silver Escalade while Elijah and I get into the yellow Lamborghini. Five of his men get into the SUV behind the Escalade.

“Where did you and my sister want to go?” he asks, putting the car in drive.

“She said a steak house,” I respond, turning up the music.

“I know the spot,” he says, turning left.

“Um…how is the search for Rebecca?” I ask, nervous he won’t answer.

His hands grip the wheel tighter. “Good.”

“You can talk to me about it, you know.”

“I know. It’s not something I want to talk about.” His eyes glance off the road toward my direction, and I grow concerned. “There’s something I need to discuss with you. I got a call from Connor this afternoon. He’s sending someone here to meet with me to discuss a partnership.”

“That’s not shocking. He’s always calling about one thing or another. Why do I feel like that’s not the punch line?” I respond, yanking my nail from my lips. Nerves cause me to pick.

“No, it’s not. They’re sending…” before he can finish his statement, my mouth goes dry. My nails dig into my leg, and I grow lightheaded. My parents flash in my mind along with my brother. I can smell the metallic stench of blood.

“I don’t…you’re meeting with him. Where?” I demand, trying to gain control.

“Lily—” he starts.

“Where?” I shout, no longer caring. I need him to say the damn words.

“The house. It’s the most controlled environment. I need you to be gone that night. It will only be for an hour. I promise you I will take care of him, but it needs to look like an accident. I can’t afford to fight a war right now.”

“I—” Think. Be smart. Think. “I understand. You promise me that he will pay?”

“Yes. Soon. He won’t be of use long. He will pay for all the pain he has caused. You have my oath.”

My mind races. “I know you always keep your promises,” I mutter. “I know you’ll keep it,” I answer stronger. Elijah does keep his promises. But I don’t have the luxury of time. I want the memories to stop. I want to see them in my mind and know that at least one of the men responsible for my loss is burning in hell. I don’t want to wait any longer. This could be my only chance, and I need to take the opportunity. I know he’ll keep his promise, but it’s time for me to keep mine.

* * *

I try to gain control and forget the conversation in the car. In order to do what I need to, no one can figure it out. That means acting as if everything is okay. It will be hard because all three of them are masters at picking up lies and emotions. I will have to fool myself for them to believe.

Sitting down at the table at the steak house, we quickly order drinks and food. I try to keep up with the conversation that flows but my mind is a mess. I catch my husband looking in my direction, trying to piece together my plan. He knows me too well. I just need to make sure I’m at the house that night. On the ride home, I lean my head against the window and close my eyes, leaving no room to speak. Thankfully he leaves me alone. I’m afraid if I talk to him, I’ll snap and tell him my plan, or get too scared and back out.This may be my only chance, I remind myself.

* * *

Tonight’s the night. Elijah thinks I’m gone with Claire. I told him I would be. I am meeting Claire tonight, just an hour later than he thought. I sent my driver to the store with a lie and decided to hide till it is time. Now, stepping from my hiding place, I see Mary, one of the maids, with a whiskey bottle.

“Is that going to the office?” I ask.

She looks startled at my question. “Yes.”

“I’ll take it to them. Thank you,” I say, stepping forward, leaving no room for debate. She hands me the bottle and rushes away. This is all working out much better than I could have hoped. Elijah will be pissed, but I hope he’ll understand. I know it will take time to earn his full trust back.

Slipping into the room, I hand the bottle of whiskey to Elijah. I try not to turn to see his companion. I know I’ll recognize him. Elijah lets nothing slip in his expression that I’m here. There is a slight tick in his eye; besides that, it’s as if I were supposed to be here all along. I can sense his anger, but he won’t release it now. It would be too dangerous. I need to face him. Every fiber of my being tells me not to turn around, but I force myself. My expression stays natural as I face Jace for the first time since I was a child. His eyes are still the same. I would recognize his cold eyes and voice anywhere. His eyes meet mine, and I know he doesn’t remember me.

Chris appears in the doorway. “Forgive me, boss. You’re needed.”

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