Page 25 of Live To Tell

Whoa. Talk about mood change—even for someone triggered by Violet’s attitude, that’s impressive.

Violet’s hands dangle at her side as she regards him unblinkingly. “Evidently, you haven’t met my father yet. I wish you the best once you do.”

The seething and nostril flaring continues. “Your father is welcome to contact me or my attorney any time, but he has no right to keep this from me. I have proof the tiara belongs to the Whitegroves. Your headmistress can deal with your behavior. Both of you.”

“Where will you keep the tiara?” asks Mrs. Lorcan. “If any long term effects on the human appear, the item will need examining further.”

“There will be no long term effects,” he says tersely.

“Is Christopher Sawyer a business associate of yours?” interrupts Violet.

His lips press together. “That man? No. If he were, don’t you think Dorian Blackwood would’ve questioned me? That human might think himself king of the town, but he's a little fish in his stagnant little pond. Whatever trouble that man has with witches, I’m not part of that.”

Violet’s eyes slide back to the tiara, then to his clear eyes. “Did any other jewelry items ‘disappear’ around the time the tiara did?”

I’m suspicious of the length of time before he responds. “No. Why? Do you have a collection of stolen witch artifacts?”

Violet purses her lips and shakes her head, but Mrs. Lorcan looks at her with uncomfortable distrust. Then me. I look back impassively.

The accusation against her and Grayson. Does she think Sawyer's missing jewelry item could be connected?

“To answer your question, the tiara will be located on my estate and fully warded.”

“I want to see that happen,” says Violet.

“You want to visit my home? I don’t think so. The tiara could go missing again.”

“I already suspect it will,” says Violet through clenched teeth, watching as Whitegrove places the tiara in a leather satchel. “And if it does, you’ll find yourself under suspicion. If I were under suspicion by Dorian Blackwood, I’d worry.”

Whitegrove gives her a tight smile. “The person who stole this is the one who should worry.”

“Is that a threat, Mr. Whitegrove?” she asks.

“Like I said, someone stole the tiara thirty years ago. You are eighteen, I believe.” He fastens the satchel.

I keep an eye on Violet as Whitegrove says his goodbyes to Mrs. Lorcan, completely disregarding us further. Will Violet snatch the satchel and run? Even she wouldn’t be that stupid. I hope.

But Violet won’t be happy until she has her crown again.

“You are a stupid woman.” Oh, crap. Violet turns on Mrs. Lorcan the moment the door clicks closed. “Has he mind-controlled you?”

“Violet Blackwood,” she says sharply. “If you speak to me in that manner, I won’t call your father, I’ll simply send you from Thornwood. The man identified the item when it was displayed across social media, and approached me with proof the tiara is Whitegrove.”

“Don't you care that one of your pupils suffered an injury? That a human daubed their blood over the mirror and claimed she was somebody else?” she snaps.

“In my opinion, the tiara should be with the rightful owner.”

“You didn’t consult my father!” she shouts. “How dare you!”

“Violet. Stop,” I whisper and try to take her hand.

“I don’t want the thing in my academy,” she says icily. “Mr. Whitegrove showed family photos and records of the tiara. That is enough.”

Violet chokes on her own saliva. “Well, that’s suspicious. As if you know something about the tiara. And the missing—” She stops herself.

Mrs. Lorcan takes a steadying breath, but there’s no mistaking her agitation—with Violet’s behavior or her accusations? “Just who do you think you are, Violet? I want nothing more to do with this and will not listen to your impudent allegations. If your father has concerns, he can deal directly with the witch.” She stalks to the door. “I suggest you leave before this unpleasantness deepens.”

“In case I discover the truth!”

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