Page 57 of For Dear Life

“The item,” he replies.

I nod. “Was said item a protective talisman?”

Grayson hisses air between his teeth, but I ignore him and carefully study Sawyer’s reaction. “No,” he replies.

Hmm. The truth. I slide a look to Grayson’s uncle. Sawyer must be aware Josef and Grayson are related.

“Do we need to play the three guesses game?” I ask. “Because Grayson and I have no clue what we’re accused of stealing.”

Josef gazes at Grayson, who steadfastly avoids his eyes.

“As I said, the item is of sentimental value to my wife. A necklace. The jewels look expensive, but they are not. The necklace isn’t worth anything.” Sawyer raps his fingers on the desk.

“Did your father request you steal the item?” asks Josef and fixes his attention on me.

Why decide to tell us what we allegedly took now and not before?

“My father doesn’t wear jewelry and my mother isn’t one to adorn herself in frivolous items,” I reply.

Unless this is a magical item. Has Dorian looked into Sawyer’s wife’s family history yet?

“Violet wasn’t the only kid at the party capable of opening the safe with magic,” says Grayson. “And why would she steal something like that?”

“Rowan, perhaps?” suggests Sawyer. “Do I need to involve him in our meeting?”

Yes. Why exactly hasn’t Sawyer involved him?

“This is ludicrous,” I say. “As with all other crimes I’m accused of, there’s no evidence.”

Josef leans over and speaks quietly to Sawyer, pointless with a hybrid and vamp and their superior hearing. “And the other matter?” Josef whispers. “Kai.”

“Is he okay? Kai wasn’t partaking in social activities last night, when he’s usually in the center of everything,” I reply.

“You certainly are verbose, Violet Blackwood,” says Josef.

“I find I have plenty to say, Josef.” And the more words that leave my mouth, the more seconds I have to form my thoughts. Long and complicated sentences can puzzle people too, which helps.

“Kai claims you mind-controlled him,” says Josef.

“Excuse me?” I sit straighter. “I’m aware that’s illegal and am avoiding illegal activities. Again, I am not the only witch capable of mind-control.”

“What action does he claim is mind-control?” asks Grayson.

Sawyer scratches his head and side-glances Josef.

“The car crash?” I suggest. “And that isn’t an admission of guilt, merely proof that I’m au fait with teen gossip. I expect Kai wants to avoid culpability for his stupidity by pointing fingers.”

“Kai told me he saw you at the wake,” says Sawyer. “Or rather, you interfered with him attending.”

“Nobody went to Rory’s wake,” I say.

“Yes, you all did. I instructed him not to before I went to work that day. Kai ignoring me is one issue—that you caused trouble for him is a bigger one.”

I’m silenced by confusion. “Who saw him at the wake?”

“You, apparently. Forced him to drive under the influence to hide your actions.”

Does Sawyer not remember going to the lodge? Has someone affected his mind? Josef resumes his gazing through the window.

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