“Why?” Sasha asked.
“Because the more I think about this situation, the angrier I become. I’m considering asking my friend to uncover proof of my grandmother’s debts so I can refute their charges. I have two days before I have to hand over Noel and move from this house. There is nothing to stop us from visiting Holy Island and returning.”
“Won’t the reporters follow you?”
“Not if we take the mode of transport you suggested,” Max said. “I’ll need more cash and an idea of a place to book for accommodation. I can get one of my friends to book it for us. Jerome would do it.”
“And if I can find a way through the barrier?” Sasha asked. “I’m not sure I’m ready to go home. I like it here with you.” She caught Max’s gaze and held it. “You and Noel feel like home.”
“You are so sweet,” Max said, standing and going to her. He grasped her hand and tugged her to the couch, where he sat her on his knee. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but the thought of you leaving makes me want to howl.”
“We go together,” Sasha whispered.
“It’s not as if I have anything to tie me here. Only Noel.” Max wrapped his arms around her, and peace seemed to settle over him. “An adventure it is.”
11 – The Cool Flight
Max rang his PI friend to arrange accommodation and the ongoing investigation. Between him and Sasha, they discovered they had enough cash to cover any expenses for the weekend. Jerome answered the phone, and Max told him some of what he intended to do.
“Are you making a run for it?” his friend asked.
Max didn’t hesitate to give Jerome honesty. “Not sure at this stage. I’m thinking about it, but I don’t know for certain what I’m going to do. I love Noel, and I doubt my grandmother wants him because she loves him. She sees an opportunity.”
“What about the house and contents?” his friend asked.
“If Sasha and I decide not to return, I’ll send a key to your post office box.”
“Make sure you disable your phone GPS and try not to use it unless it’s an emergency.” He rattled off an email address. “Remember that address, and if you need to contact me, do it via email. Other than that, don’t use your credit card. Use cash. Try to change your appearance and ditch your car if you can. Borrow a friend’s car. You can take mine if you want.”
“No, I don’t need a vehicle where we’re going. If we decide to come back, no one would be any the wiser.” Unless they spotted a dragon wheeling through the sky.
“Contact me if you need me,” Jerome said. “I don’t like what your grandmother is doing to you. I’m here to help as much as I can.”
“Thanks. What is the best way to pay you?”
“Send a retainer direct to my bank account. If anyone questions me, I’ll tell them the truth. That you contacted me to investigate your grandmother because you were suspicious about her motives with Noel.”
Max hesitated then gave his friend as much truth as he could. “I’m not sure if I’ll be able to contact you. I mean, if I run, but I give you my oath I’ll somehow pay everything I owe you.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Jerome said, his voice gruff with emotion. “I know you won’t leave me hanging. We’re friends, and if I know anything about you, it’s that you’re loyal and have integrity.” He barked out a laugh. “I’ve no idea how you lasted at the tabloid press in Edinburgh.”
“I walked out when I discovered my grandmother had a hand in me getting that job,” Max confessed. “She used my boss to make sure I spent time away from Noel, so she could tell the judge I left him with strangers.”
“There’s a rumor going around you’re engaged.”
“Where did you—? Never mind. Yeah. Sasha is amazing.”
“But you didn’t become engaged months ago,” his friend commented.
“Maybe not, but that doesn’t mean what I feel for Sasha isn’t genuine.”
“You’re going to marry her?”
“We’re taking things slow, but both Noel and I adore her. She’s amazing.” Max laughed. “Glad I met her before you did.”
“All right. Send me a message if you can, and I’ll keep digging until I have enough to detonate your grandmother’s plan. The trouble will be finding someone willing to talk.”
“I understand. Do your best,” Max said. “Thanks.”
