Eli helps Yara to her feet. “We’ll go watch the report upstairs.”
I nod. Yara needs to feel safe in this house, and part of that means giving her privacy when she needs it. And if what she needs right now is more hugs from Eli, then I’ll happily give it. George closes the thick book she’s reading and edges to the door. Something flickers in her eyes, some sense that Noah and I need to be alone. “I’m hungry. I think I’ll get a snack.”
“I made some ginger crunch,” Noah says. “It’s my mother’s recipe. It’s only a little mangled.”
“Microwave popcorn it is.” George disappears down the hall.
Noah slumps down in Eli’s seat. He peers up at the screen. His face softens, his jaw unclenching ever so slightly. “He did it. My father actually went through with it.”
“Looks like.”
“I’ve been thinking about what he said.” Noah spins in the chair, turning his back on his father – something he should have done a long time ago. A familiar spark of darkness glints in his eyes. “About this shipment of Howard Malloy’s. If Howard and Mackenzie didn’t have anything to do with Grey Death, then that can’t have been what was in it. I’m wondering if it had something to do with the treasure Julian traded for you.”
“Shit,” I breathe. I haven’t considered that. After all, the two events are thirteen years apart. “Maybe…”
Noah nods. “If that shipment wasn’t drugs, then what the fuckwasit? And if it disappeared just before Malloy, then the two things are related. Which means…”
My mind whirs as I finish his thought. “Which means that whoever made Howard Malloy disappear knows that I exist.”
45
Claudia
My birthday.
Antony stays over at the club. He calls to tell me he’s putting on a special fight in my honor and we should come to the club once we’re done with Gabriel’s thing. He hasn’t been to the Manor in days, choosing instead to stay over at the club or Pluto-knows where while he works on keeping money flowing into the August coffers. I’m touched by his offer, especially since this was supposed to be a very different kind of day for us.
If that policeman hadn’t shown up at my door, if I hadn’t let Gabriel’s pagan smile or Eli’s kind eyes or Noah’s darkness draw me in, if I hadn’t been who I am, then Antony and I would be at the courthouse right now, taking possession of Malloy Manor.
Instead, I’m the queen of a criminal empire, with a new family to share the spoils – a family I’ve created for myself, and will protect until my dying breath.
I spend the day with Noah in the study, confirming the shipping contracts I want to be renewed so we keep the wheels of criminal commerce turning in Emerald Beach. Gabriel commandeers a sitting room on the first floor, bars the door, and refuses to allow anyone but George entry for the entire day.
Finally, just as I’m ready to pass out from hunger and curiosity, Gabriel sticks his head around the door. “My surprise is ready. Come with me, M’lady.”
“I like this M’lady business.” I hold out my hand. I’ve changed into a slinky red dress with a plunging neckline that I’ve already had to smooth twice because Noah can’t keep his hands off me. Gabriel takes my hand and starts to guide me like I’m a Victorian heiress.
“Can you call me ‘Your Excellency’?” Noah pipes up as he trails after us.
I lift an eyebrow. “Did I hear that right? Did Noah Marlowe just crack a joke?”
Noah snorts. “Don’t get used to it, August.”
“Oooh, is it surprise time?” George runs in from the ballroom, her earbuds still dangling from her ears. Eli, Yara, and Madeline trail after her. Gabriel leads me to the sitting room and throws the doors open. I’m lost for words as I take in the scene. Candles flicker on every surface, throwing eerie shadows across the high ceiling, so the painted fresco bordering the plasterwork appears to come alive. Creepy new-age music pipes from the built-in speakers. The furniture has been pushed aside and covered with white sheets, adding another layer of funhouse horror vibes. In the middle of the room stands a round table covered in a purple cloth dotted with occult symbols and even more candles. There’s a bucket of Champagne and a bowl of Halloween candy in the center.
Behind the table stands a woman wearing purple shawls and peasant skirts that match the table. Her eyes are closed as she raises her arms to the heavens.
“Who the fuck is this?” I jab my finger at the woman. My voice breaks the mood of the room, and the woman’s hand trembles as she fights to hold her composure. “We can’t invite random strangers in the house. What the hell were youthinking—”
“Relax, Claws.” Gabriel’s grinning like a Cheshire cat, which I’m beginning to learn is a sign I need to be worried. “This is Odette. We’re old friends. She’s done guest vocals on two of our albums, and her band opened for us on our last US tour. She also happens to be one of the most esteemed mediums on the West Coast.”
“My question stands. What the fuck is she doing in my house?”
Gabriel sweeps his arm around the room. “I thought it was obvious. This house is built on secrets and lies. We’re going to call on the ghosts of Malloy Manor to reveal themselves.”
“Oh, cool!” George bounds across the room to sit at the table, where this Odette person has laid out all manner of crystals and tarot cards. She holds up the pointer thingie for the spirit board. “Claws, come look at this.”
I grab Gabriel’s shoulders and shake him. “I can’t believe you did this. It’s the most irresponsible, ridiculous—”
