“I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to see him yet.”
It wasn’t true, but I’d said it to gauge his reaction.
His expression tightened. “Why not?”
“It could compromise the investigation. No one is supposed to know he’s here.”
I heard footsteps coming from behind, and a moment later, Giovanni was at my side, introducing himself to Vaughn.
“I just want to see my son,” Vaughn said. “I want to make sure he’s all right.”
“He’s fine,” I said. “It’s just like I told you yesterday. He’s safe, and he’s protected.”
Vaughn pointed at Marco. “By him?”
Marco met his gaze but said nothing.
“He’s protected by Giovanni, and Marco, who’s our security guard, and me,” I said. “I just came from Gabriel Kinkaid’s house. He told me you went to his house twice, trying to talk to Talia.”
He nodded. “I was looking for my son.”
“They said you were agitated, and when Gabriel refused to let you talk to Talia, you raised your voice.”
“I did no such thing.”
I moved a hand to my hip. “I’m just telling you what he told me.”
“If you’re not going to allow me to see my son, I will speak to the police about you keeping him here.”
Giovanni and I exchanged glances.
“You can do whatever you like,” I said. “Logan’s eighteen. If he wants to be here, it’s his decision.”
“Please, just … just let me see him.”
I went quiet, hoping to give him the impression I was deliberating whether to give him what he wanted. “I’ll let you speak to him, but we’d like to be in the room when you do.”
Vaughn threw his hands in the air. “What you’re asking is ridiculous. I get that you’re looking out for him while you investigate Audrey’s murder, but as the boy’s father, I don’t pose a threat, and you know it.”
Except I didn’t know it—not for certain.
“It’s the only option I’m giving you,” I said. “You can take it, or you can leave.”
He hesitated, then nodded. “Fine.”
“I need to speak to him first for a moment,” I said. “Then you can.”
Before he had the chance to respond, I turned toward the house, motioning for Marco to open the gate. We made our way to the house, and while Giovanni stood in the doorway with Vaughn, I looked for Logan. I found him at the kitchen table, eating a sandwich as Luka rested at his side.
“I wanted to make sure you’re still all right with talking to your dad,” I said.
“Yeah, it’s fine. He’s going to ask a lot of questions. He always does. What do you want me to tell him?”
“Everything, as much as you feel comfortable sharing.”
He reached for a glass of water. “Why?”
Because I want to know if he acts suspicious.
