Page 59 of For Dear Life

“No, otherwise I’d remember,” says Josef with an air of calm that doesn’t match his new aura—that superiority crashed out of the room as soon as Dorian barged in.

“Oh, undoubtedly Mr. Petrescu.” Dorian’s smile shows too many teeth to be friendly. “Now, where should we meet to discuss the situation?”

“I’ll consult with my client and be in touch.”

Dorian casually places the photos back into the folder and walks around the desk to face Josef. “Where should we meet?” he repeats. “3PM. I’m too busy to plan my day around others, but will allow you to suggest the location.”

“Why do you want to talk to me about these men?” blurts Sawyer. “What do you mean my family’s under threat?”

“Your attorney made it clear we’re not to speak on the subject, Christopher.” Dorian folds his arms across his chest, holding the folder against himself.

“No. There’s a reason you’re looking for them. The deaths? Is Kai in danger?” Sawyer looks at Josef, who vigorously shakes his head.

“Do you know where Oz is?” I interrupt, and Dorian growls at me.

I’ve reached into Sawyer’s mind over the last few minutes and the same magic fingerprint is on his mind as Leif’s, but less splintered. Although not revealed to me, I’ve just seen the photos Dorian showed Sawyer imprinted in his thoughts—two of the images are the witches who accompanied Oz last night.

Does Dorian know who they are?

Maxwell and the lodge aren’t in Sawyer’s mind, but could be beneath a shimmering layer of magic I can’t pass through.

“Oz who?” asks Sawyer, convincingly clueless

A muscle tics in Dorian’s jaw, his eyes darker. I meet my father’s stare. I’ve interfered and for all I know my mother isn’t around to help against his temper.

“How about I decide and make this simple for you, Christopher. Your factory. 3PM,” says Dorian.

“Eight PM,” replies Josef sharply. “I’ve things to do myself, as does my client and we need to be prepared for your not-an-interrogation.”

Find the witches and warn them, I’ll bet.

Dorian gives him a long look. “I can’t attend at that time. Tomorrow? Same time?”

I jerk upright. Dorian’s giving them time to leave. Hide. What is he doing?

“That’s fine with me,” says Sawyer hastily.

“Of course.” Josef smiles. “I can spend a day in town.” He looks to Grayson. “Catch up with my nephew, if he doesn’t have plans already?”

Dorian shrugs. “Fine. Violet and Grayson. Wait outside while I finish making arrangements.”

That’s a tone I don’t argue with, but I still frown, lips thinning further.

Grayson stares at his uncle, then stiffly stands and is through the door before I am.

20

VIOLET

“What the hell’s happening?” Grayson asks and pulls me to one side as the door closes.

There’s a long wooden bench against the opposite wall where students who’ve committed misdemeanors await their fates at the headteachers’ hands, and I walk over to sit.

“Hopefully Dorian’s found something, and even more hopefully he’ll share this information with me.” I look to the door. “You should leave before your uncle appears, Grayson.”

He stands in front of me, hands in pockets. “No point. Everything’s worse if I avoid him.”

“You’d go with Josef knowing he’ll hurt you?”

---