“I was Lennox’s fiancee. I’m grieving too.”
“No one disputes that, but unless you want every member of your family scrutinized and all of your relationship history combed through, this area of the castle is out of bounds.” I know full well she has notches on her bedpost she doesn’t want anyone to see, some of them made by dubious hands.
“But it’s me.”
I shake my head. “I’m sure Blair will be in touch when she feels up to it.”
Elise’s eyes fall on Blair who’s now sitting down and her expression softens. “I’m sorry.”
“I know.” Blair doesn’t manage a smile. “I’m sorry for you too. I know you were excited for your future together.”
Elise nods, her pretty face sad. I have no idea whether she felt anything but ambition about Lennox, I just know that she knew how to charm men with what was between her legs.
“Can I sit with you at the funeral?”
“Sit behind us.” Paden sits up, some colour back in his face. “And join us at the wake.”
She smiles, issues a curtsey and backs away, giving Blair a look that suggests there will be another conversation.
I say nothing, following her out of the door, needing to make sure she doesn’t snoop and to get to my meeting.
She doesn’t head towards the exit. Instead she deviates towards Blair’s quarters. I follow for about half a minute, wait for her to get to the door that keeps the area private.
“Want to tell me what business you have up here?”
Elise jumps at the sound of my voice.
“I… I…” She stumbles on her words.
“If you didn’t know this place so well saying you’ve taken a wrong turn would work, but you do know it. What the fuck are you playing at?”
She rolls her eyes. “I wanted something I’d lent to Blair. I didn’t want to bother her by asking for it today.”
“It must be important if you’re thinking about it on the day of your fiancé’s funeral.”
She has the courtesy to go red. “It was a lipstick. Happened to be Lennox’s favourite.”
I was pretty sure Lennox gave as many fucks about lipsticks as I did, unless it was what was left on his dick after a decent blow job. I raised my brows.
She straightened her spine. “It’ll keep.”
“I’m sure it will. I’ll mention your lipstick to Blair.”
“I’m sure you will.” She narrows her eyes. “I take it you’re still her fuck-toy?”
There’s no appropriate response so I just fold my arms and watch her, not blinking. Wait for her to go, which she eventually does.
I spend the duration of the walk following her out and then to one of the conference rooms wondering what she was going to look for. Or leave.
* * *
“There has to be something.” Micky prods the table with a firm finger. “I just can’t accept that this guy killed Lennox because he was fixated on him…”
“It happens.” Rory Lachlan-Jane had been missing for the last six months, tying something up in Canada. I’d heard little from him, but he’d kept up with everything that he needed to.
“Not saying it doesn’t, but I’m pretty fucking sure there’s more to it than Lennox was killed because of an obsession.” Micky’s eyes narrow. He’s not going to let this one go.
“Where’s your evidence?”
