Page 116 of Live To Tell

“We’ll find the guy,” says Leif and finishes his muffin. “Bring Julius closure.”

Grayson nods at me and Rowan. “Why haven’t you told Julius what you discovered from Annabelle?”

“I wanted to, but Rowan informed me that’s not a good idea at present.”

“The guy’s mentally fragile,” says Rowan. “Violet agrees.”

“No. The reason I never told Julius is because he might say something to Mrs. Eldridge, who I still suspect has a connection. She told Rowan to back off, remember?”

“And to save Julius from having a major breakdown?” asks Grayson.

“No. I imagine he’ll have one anyway, so that’s best delayed. He could reveal too much.” I tap the table. “Perhaps if we find Madison’s body—even a bone or two—that could help?”

Rowan stares. “How?”

“Julius will have part of his sister back, therefore his breakdown may not be as intense.”

“Yeah, I think you’ve a way to go yet before you learn about people, Violet,” says Leif.

I huff when I recognize the look they’re all giving me—the one where I prompt them to remember the Violet who needs to work on her empathy.

“Tell me about the Joes.”

Rowan outlines what he knows about each one and they shoot down my suggestion to follow them all for a couple of days. By the end of the discussion, we’re left with two likely possibilities—one Joe, who lives with his wife and young daughter in a suburb at the edge of the city and another who lives alone. The family could be a cover—Rowan already checked them out: the daughter attends a local school, and neither she nor the mother are registered supes.

“I’d like to get close enough to ensure the woman and/or child aren’t the result of a spell,” I say. “That would help.”

“What are these Joes’ jobs?” asks Leif.

“Loner Guy’s an electrician and Family Guy works in an office. Accountancy.”

“And are either wealthy?” I ask. Rowan shakes his head. “You have addresses we can visit?”

“Violet...” he warns. “We pass this to Dorian.”

My jaw clenches. Following his dismissal of the case, I’m pissed he’s taking over. I’ve visions of dragging the witch to justice myself, while Dorian apologizes to me for ignoring my requests.

“And Whitegrove’s movements?” I ask, swerving the subject, but about to broach one that I don’t want to. “Any Circle activity?”

Pink dots appear on Rowan’s cheeks and the atmosphere shifts. “They don’t meet frequently.”

“Business trips? Holidays?” I ask. “We need to get into the Whitegroves’ house.”

“You can’t steal the tiara, Violet, we discussed this,” says Grayson.

I shrug. “No, I want to look inside the place.”

Again, a familiar reaction. Silent non-agreement.

Huffing, I tap the paper. “I don’t care whether you help or not, I’m looking into the Joes, starting with the accountant and his family.” The quiet continues. “Don’t worry, I won’t stalk them in the middle of the night. Perhaps a visit to his place of work? The man must have an office or some such premises.”

Leif’s shoulders relax slightly. “Good. I worried you planned to loiter outside the kid’s school.”

I smile, neither confirming nor denying.

Chapter 39

VIOLET

---