“Walk me through your logic, front to back,” said Lachlan, his focus on Scarlett.
“I read a conspiracy theory in the paper that my dad’s death was an inside job, and it made so much sense to me.” A burst of energy ran through Scarlett as she spoke. Her gut told her it was all true. “The black market in Soleil lines the pockets of the police and Goddess knows who else in the government. That bribe money could easily flow to the bureau—or some of them, anyway. How is it possible they still havezero leadson the death of a prime minister? It makes more sense they’re takingthe dent to their reputation for money and power. What if some of those funds are lining Goldenrod pockets too? What needs to happen for them to keep making that money?” She looked from Manon to Lachlan, gauging their reactions. Manon looked stoic, and interest flickered across Lachlan’s face. Scarlett turned to Brayden.
“The borders need to remain closed, and magic needs to stay illegal,” said Brayden. His leg pressed against hers as they sat side by side, and his touch grounded her.
“And that’s the Goldenrod Party’s entire platform,” said Scarlett in a quieter voice. “They claim they want to keep our citizens safe from the evils of magic, but it’s really all about money and control. My dad thought so. I think so too. It makes perfect sense they’d have my dad killed right before he opened up Soleil. Moira, her party, the bureau, my dad’s death… Ifeelit in my bones that they’re all linked.”
Lachlan rubbed his jaw as he stared off into space. “I’ve had dealings with the Goldenrod Party on occasion, and it’s not hard to imagine you’re right. If your father’s murder was financially incentivized, there’ll be a paper trail of some kind.”
“Yes,” said Scarlett, determination steeling her. “The evidence has to be out there. I just need to find it.”
At the very least, the head of the Goldenrod Party had threatened her and worked with her stepmother to kill her. She’d start by proving that. If she was right about her dad’s death, the whole thing was so much bigger.
Lachlan continued. “Trust your gut, and by all means look for evidence, but tread carefully. If you end up going up against powerful people who signed off on your father’s death, they’ll stop at nothing to avoid being exposed. And they’ll have virtually unlimited resources at their disposal.”
She knew that, but she appreciated his concern. “Yes, of course. I’ll be as careful as I can.”
“Dearest, don’t forget, you are not alone in this,” said Manon. “We’ll prove it together. If we come up with a plan, I can use the oculus sight to check it.”
“I’ll help in any way I can,” said Lachlan in a gruff voice.
“And me, obviously.” Brayden nudged his shoulder against hers.
Gratitude washed over her as she looked at each of them. “Thank you. That means a lot.” She couldn’t resist leaning into Brayden, briefly resting her cheek on his arm before sitting upright once more. “By the way, I haven’t seen the news today. Did anything happen while I was at the temple?”
“I read today’s papers, and there’s nothing new,” said Manon. “Feels a bit like waiting for the axe to drop, but I suppose we should enjoy the calm while we can.”
“Elestine will get my letter tomorrow, right?” asked Scarlett.
“Yes,” said Brayden. “It’ll be there in the morning.”
“Then we’ll have to wait a day before she can reply, so we might hear from her the day after,” said Manon.
“The firewall is a pain in the arse,” said Scarlett.
“Indeed.” Lachlan gave her a small smile.
Scarlett stood, out of patience and desperate to talk to Brayden alone. “Today was full-on. I’m going to lie down, if that’s all right.”
“Rest well,” said Manon.
“Congratulations again on your valor and your light,” said Lachlan warmly.
Brayden rose. “Can I walk you to your room?”
“Yes, that would be great.” Scarlett glanced at her grandmother. The older woman was studying her hands with great interest, and a telling smile tugged at her lips.
“Good night,” said Scarlett with a parting wave.
Once they were safely out of earshot, she spoke. “I still want to talk. Doesn’t have to be in my room though.”
She hadn’t seen his room yet and was actually dying to. The air was charged with the understanding they wouldn’t just be talking as they walked side by side up the staircase to the second floor.
“I’ve got drinks in my room,” he said.
“Lead the way.”
He slid his hand into hers, and with a shiver of excitement, she gripped it tightly.
