A small sob escapes my lips again, but I’m smiling. “Do whatever you can to make sure the board approves the transfer. I don’t care what you have to do to make it happen. After, I need you to help me gather any and all physical documents related to the three most recent acquisitions. Anything that I can’t find on the computer.”
Parker nods. “I’ll do it. But Nova?”
I nod, waiting for him to speak.
“Did my brother really kill them?”
I knew I’d have to answer that question eventually, but I am not prepared for it. I don’t want to be the one to tell him, but I also don’t want him getting all his information from the media and rumors.
“The evidence strongly suggests he did, but I’m no lawyer.”
Parker inhales sharply. “And you still think you can get him out of it? You stillwantto?”
“Yes, I do. The men he killed had raped and murdered a lot of people, along with funding even more crime. Owen saved a lot of people by getting rid of those men, if he did kill them.” I pause and study Parker, who looks panicked.
“He’s not the bad guy in this, Parker. I think once you know more, you’ll believe that too.”
Parker runs a hand through his hair, looking away from me. “I hate him. I hate him for not telling me.”
“I know, but he was trying to protect you.”
“The bastard is always trying to do that.”
Smiling at the annoyance in his tone, I know Parker feels nothing but love for his brother, despite the situation.
“I need to go,” I say at last. “I’m leaving a few private security guards with you. If anyone finds out what we’re doing, they might want to stop it. Tell no one.”
Parker nods. When I turn to leave, his voice stops me. “Thank you, Nova.”
“Don’t thank me yet.”
Chapter 29
I’m stopped by Noell before I can step out of the building, and I want nothing more than to run past her judging eyes, but I halt when she calls out my name.
“Can we talk?” she asks, her mouth drawn in a firm, no bullshit kind of way.
I nod, and she inclines her head toward her office door.
I’d never been to Noell’s office, but it’s exactly how I imagined it’d be—minimalistic, organized to the point of obsession, and not a spot of dust to be seen anywhere. I swivel my head to face her and find her as she always is: meticulously dressed, not a hair out of place. Her eyes scan me as if she’s sizing me up. It may be the first time she’s ever actually looked at me.
I’ve never understood her clear dislike of me, but I keep my mouth shut.
“Have a seat, Miss Riley,” she says, motioning toward the chair in front of her desk.
I do as she says, even though I’m itching to get back to work.
She takes her time walking around the desk and sitting in her chair, and I find myself bouncing my leg to stop myself from bolting.
“I assume you know what happened to Mr. Mills?” I ask, trying to get the ball rolling.
Noell nods and narrows her eyes. “It’s why I needed to talk to you. I want to help.”
I cock my head to the side, studying her. She’s clearly loyal to Owen, but she’s also been his father's puppet, so I’m not sure I believe her.
She must notice that in my face. “I know you don’t trust me, and I know I haven’t been all that trustful of you—and rightfully so.” I huff but let her finish. “However, I do think you’re very intelligent, Miss Riley, and I do think that you care for Mr. Mills. Parker told me everything.”
She’s been in cahoots with Parker? This is a new development.
