Page 33 of The Almost One

“What’s so important? Is she okay?” I’ve had my whole life to practice the necessary nonchalance that goes with my world and my title, but Tyler is too sharp, always has been.

“Nate’s missing, she hasn’t had any news in over a month. Got a couple of text messages, but then everything stopped.” He pauses, waiting for me to tell him I had nothing to do with his disappearance. But here’s the thing. Tyler and I don’t lie to each other. Nate used to be part of that pact, but he broke our bond when he went off script and tried to hurt River.

“I haven’t heard from him either, but he and I weren’t exactly on talking terms, you know.” All truths. Technically, I’m not lying. No one has heard from him… including myself.

“Right, right. The River thing. How is she, by the way? Are you treating her right?” There’s a trace of humor in his tone, like he’s goading me, and I know he’s about to piss me off before the words even come out of his mouth. “She should have said yes to my offer. She could have everything she has todayanda good man.” I remind myself he’s kidding because A: he’s dating my sister—I think—and B: River’s my wife and I will fucking end him.

“But then she’d be bored out of her mind and cheat on you with me so… you know, she went straight to the happily ever after.” It's a low blow, but his ex-wife was a cunt and I’m happy he’s over that bitch. I’d offered to make her disappear, but Tyler is too good to be friends with a man like me.

“Seriously, Marco. Call her back, she’s freaking out. I am too, if I’m being honest.” He doesn’t want to ask questions, that’s not something we do over the phone and mobile phones are never secure enough.

“Of course, I’ll call her right away. Thanks, man.”

When we disconnect, I sit and stare at the closed door of my office and think about what, exactly, I’m going to tell Nathaniel’s mother. Of course, I know the story we’re telling, but I need a moment to remember why we did what we did.

For River. To protect her. Yes, it was in self-defense, but no matter what, I don’t need the police sniffing at my door or anywhere near my life, much less her past. Plus, I need to make sure my words don’t contradict anything we’ve said in the past. With Elizabeth staying at Eleonor’s house, I’m afraid the Ambrosios are snooping around for intel that could eventually be detrimental to River.

With renewed motivation, I call André through the intercom.

“Sir?”

“Get me Eleanor Reed on the phone, please.”

“I don’t think she uses the Reed name anymore, sir.” I flash him an annoyed glare. Can anyone in my life just do what I say and not give me a fucking etiquette lesson?

“Thank you.” My tone is clipped, my calm hanging on by a thin thread, but thankfully André is used to my mood swings.

I barely have three minutes before the line is ringing and the raspy voice of Eleanor Reed answers with urgency. Nope, Eleanor fucking Hunter.

“Marco? Oh, thank God! I’ve been trying to reach you for days, I’m sick with worry.”

Fuck, I’m going to Hell. Growing up, Nate spent most of his time with Tyler and me, saying he liked it better at our place because we didn’t have parents constantly screaming at each other. He was right. Tyler’s parents are every kid’s dream, even though we used to pretend that their overt affection was disgusting, I think we all wished we’d, one day, find exactly that. My parents were loving and always had fun things for us kids to do, but anything beyond that was never displayed to the public.

Nate’s parents? Not so much.

“Eleanor, I just spoke to Tyler. Things have been hectic around here, I apologize for the late call back.” I hear the wet notes of tears in her voice and, although it pains me, I have to remember that in deceiving her, I’m protecting River and that will always win out.

“I haven’t heard a word from Nathaniel in over a month. I was hoping you had some news. Maybe he called you? I know he was upset about you marrying this girl…” I can’t help the small growl that escapes my chest and if the gasp on the other end of the phone is any indication, she heard me. “Her name is River and she is my wife, Eleanor.”

“Of course, Marco, of course. I didn’t mean any disrespect, but I’m a mess. I’m desperate or I wouldn’t have bothered you.” I let my anger subside a little and remember a mother’s love is above all else. At least, that’s what my parents have always told me.

“I understand. Unfortunately, Nate and I did, indeed, have a falling out so I’m afraid the last person he would try to contact is me.” I pause for effect before handing her the story we planted for the world to believe as to Nate’s whereabouts. “Last I heard, he was in Nigeria volunteering for Doctors Without Borders. Is that not the case?” I hear her sniffing so I wait for her to settle a little before adding. “Maybe he’s just licking his wounds and as soon as he’s feeling better, he’ll contact you.” He won’t because in approximately two weeks, his body will be found somewhere off the shores of Lagos. Like I’ve always said, I have a guy.

There’s a sound, like a snarl, on the other end of the phone, but I must be hallucinating because I can’t imagine such a mundane noise coming from someone who has made sophistication her only talent in life.

“Right. You’re right. Broken hearts are better healed in the company of strangers.” There is zero sincerity to her words, but that’s okay. She’s in pain, probably already in mourning, and I have to respect that. Yet, something niggles at the back of my mind. I really do not like her tone with me.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be much more help to you, Eleanor. If there’s anything I can do for you, let my assistant know and we’ll set things up.” We won’t, but if circumstances were different, I would absolutely offer my help.

“Hmm, thank you, Marco. I’ll be sure to let you know.” She hangs up. No goodbyes or pleasantries, but again, a mother in mourning deserves understanding.

“Fuck.” The only thing that could make this remotely better is having my wife in front of me. Better yet, laid out on my desk like my favorite meal so I could get my fill of vitamin R.

Unfortunately, I need answers first.

It only takes me seconds to get Enzo on the phone.

“We have a problem.”

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