The dossier I collated made me sick. The number of women who filed complaints of abuse over the years. Women who, likeApril, had worked at various clubs around the city. Complaints that magically disappeared as they were paid off or covered up. I’d even found hospital records of accidents Mrs Crawley had suffered over the years. The woman was either incredibly clumsy or, more likely, someone else was involved. Then there’s his son’s fiancé. She disappeared, and although I could find no wrongdoings, something did not feel right. I read the other girls’ statements after she disappeared. The man is a nasty piece of work. But then, after hearing him threaten April, I already knew that. However, having illegally obtained the documents, after I submitted them to the police, all they could do was file them and issue him a warning. However, his reputation was damaged.
“The police officer in charge may have had her hands tied, but she made a public statement by issuing the warning at his Gentleman’s Club. She told me she hates men like him who use their power and privilege to control and hurt,” I tell Pen.
“So do I. I’ll make a call. See what can be done. Do you still have copies of the files?”
I rub the back of my neck. “I didn’t exactly gain the information legally. It’s why the police couldn’t use them.”
Pen grins. “Are they official documents?”
I nod, as most of them were.
“Then have no fear. The people I know will deal with that side of things.”
“I really don’t want to know, do I?”
She shakes her head. “It’s in my past. But when the people I love are threatened, I’ll use every tool in my arsenal to protect them. If he or whoever he works with is going after Harper next, then I’m going to stop him, bring him down. No one hurts what is ours.”
She knows I will fight for my family. That’s never been in question. To know she will stand beside me... My pulse races as I stare at her. The determination in her eyes floors me. She meansevery word. I’ve always known Pen cares about my family, but going into battle for them? She already stated helping me might open a can of worms for her. What will it mean for her if she helps Harper?
“I love you,” I say, pulling her into my arms, knowing I will do everything in my power to protect her too.
She grins up at me and presses her lips to mine.
“Not as much as I love you. Now stop distracting me and get me those files. I need to make some phone calls.”
I step back and head to my office. I pick up the phone and make a call of my own.
“Mum,” I say. “We may have an issue.”
“Please to hear from you too. I heard about the hotel. Kat told me it’s under control, thanks to Pen.”
“There may be more.”
She moans. “Do we know where all this is coming from? Are they related?”
“Crawley,” I say.
Silence descends on the other end of the phone.
“That old bastard. Never knew why your dad allowed him anywhere near this family.”
“Was it a case of keeping your enemies closer?”
“I’m thinking it was. There was a lot more to your father than?—”
She cuts off.
“I’m not a child, Mum,” I say.
She sighs. “I know, but the past is done. Your father, gone. There’s no point dredging it up when he’s not here to answer any questions.”
“True.”
“What have you uncovered?”
“Apparently he’s going after Harper.”
Mum sucks in a breath. “Why?”
